Miss June, one of the most engaging new names in New Zealand punk music, is releasing its debut EP next week and kicks off an album release tour in Dunedin.
Fronted by Annabel Liddell, formerly of Auckland trio Grrlfriendz, the foursome came together when Liddell needed a band for a last-minute gig, and put together a group from the University of Auckland School of Music jazz school.
They've since gone on to tour with Japan's Shonen Knife, and even supported the Foo Fighters at two huge New Zealand stadium shows.
Now the band has finally released debut EP Matriarchy.
Recorded by James Goldsmith and mastered by Chris Townsend, with Die! Die! Die!'s Andrew Wilson co-producing, it's five raucous songs, all smart, snotty and eviscerating.
Opener Clyde the Turtle has a Pixies-grunge feel, all Joey Santiago or Speedy Ortiz in the angular guitars, while the rest of the EP takes on a more overtly provocative punk angle.
The title track and Drool rely on blasting drums and Liddell's hooky voice to get the job done.
Wilson says the record has all the same elements as the band itself: ''It's intelligent, urgent, beautiful and kind of f***ed up.''
INCREDIBLE LINE-UP
Yumi Zouma and Doprah, two of this country's biggest indie exports, co-headline an incredible show at Chick's Hotel tonight.
Yumi Zouma, a soothing and poignant synth-pop outfit, was last in town to open for Lorde at her sold-out town hall show, but for this tour they're showcasing their highly anticipated second EP on an intimate tour of smaller venues.
The band started out as a long-distance electronic collaboration. Split between Paris, New York and Christchurch, Charlie Ryder, Josh Burgess and Kim Pflaum contributed and shared their parts via Dropbox, working on songs in isolation, before being signed by Brooklyn label Cascine.
The trio added the multi-talented Sam Perry (aka Zen Mantra) to the line-up, and have since come together for a string of impressive achievements, from playing international festivals to the strong critical response to the shimmering soft focus of their stylish output.
Doprah should be a bit more familiar to local music fans.
Frequent visitors to the city, it always does wonderful things at Chick's, from last year's killer New Year's show to an even better Crazy Town cover at their CMJ funding party.
The sinister electro outfit, led by Steven Marr (who was in the city last week with side project Nakey) and Indie Force, are currently working on a new video and music to follow up last year's excellent self-titled debut.
Be there
• Miss June Matriarchy EP Release Tour with Bad Sav and Astro Children, Friday, May 8, Chick's Hotel, Port Chalmers, $10 entry on door from 8.30pm or $15 with the EP. Presales available from undertheradar.co.nz.
The Chick's Hotel Magic Bus leaves Countdown Central at 8.30pm, the university library at 8.35pm, returning to town after the show.
• Yumi Zouma and Doprah with support from the Kane Strang band, Chick's Hotel, Port Chalmers, tonight 8.30pm doors. $15 presales available from undertheradar.co.nz.
The Chick's Hotel Magic Bus leaves Countdown Central at 8.30pm, the university library at 8.35pm, returning to town after the show.
