KABANAZ: Something New, Something Old, Something Better

By Jonny Carson

Kabanaz debut album is a journey back in time where rock ’n roll was about cutting sick and having fun. With a disregard for any hipster-ness this four-piece have delivered a respectable debut of driving power chords, soaring melodies, and a dash of Kiwi comedy. Drawing influences from all things rock (from the Beatles to Kings Of Leon) and their Pacific Island background, Kabanaz have crafted their own blend of rock, pop, and funk. While they are in no way reinventing the wheel these songs are well written and catchy, and the touch of humour is a reminder to not take it too seriously. CD Queen, a song about a cross dresser, begins with a frantic ‘I get my kicks from wearing make-up’, before ripping into a Steriogram-esque guitar riff. They explore their softer side on tracks It’s Over and Something Better, which feature some of their more refined song writing, and even indulge in some funk reminiscent of early Supergroove on Hang On. The production is slick, mastered at prestigious Blackwood Studios in Memphis, and performances are tight. ‘Something New, Something Old, Something Better’ is an admirable debut album of good old-fashioned rock ’n roll fun.

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NZ Musician

December/January 2010