GEORGE AND QUEEN: Teenagers and Grownups

By Tony Parker

Initially a duo of Neil Newton and Immi Patterson, George and Queen are now up to album number three. The addition of a rhythm section on ‘which enhanced their sophomore album ‘The Wind is Up’ and added some muscle to their indie folk/pop sound is firmly cemented here. The band’s quirky pop/rock takes on a distinctive sound due to Patterson’s unique voice that can move effortlessly from hauntingly beautiful to an energetic yelp in the space of a song. The band relies heavily on an indie guitar jangle that at times can be a little paint by numbers and perhaps betrays their Dunedin roots. That said though there are enough engaging melodies with twists and turns to keep it interesting and there’s tautness in the short sharp songs that maintains a focus only lost when they try to stretch out on some prog rock-like guitar workouts. It was recorded by Dave Holmes at his Venn Studio and he also shares production credits. While this may sound like a band uncertain in its direction, the charm of this album is the fact that you’re never sure what’s going to happen next.

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NZ Musician

April/May 2010