BROUHAHA : LIVELONG : REVIEWS

REAL GROOVE : Brent Cardy

Brouhaha is a commotion, to do, sensation, hubbub, uproar. Having seen this four piece semi acoustic group from Wellington it all makes sense, a perfect fit of a name. Upbeat, offbeat, quirky, a chocka full debut from the pen of singer songwriter Aaron Watson ably assisted with songs from S. C. and D. L. Clever sharp lyrical content, bass driven ditties, sampled comments and intros. Based around the hyperactive ability of singer main songwriter Aaron Watson, not unlike an eclectic college era DON McGLASHAN. Recommend the love flavoured LOOKING DOWN and the ska like HEAR ME which also appeared on kiwi hit disc 25. David Leahy's double bass alternately drives and smooths songs that are reassuringly familiar and unquestionably unique while vocal harmonies soar and the rhythms keep pulsing. A shit kicking debut that proves NZ music has progressed to the point whereit can be the major influence on itself, despite the emphasis on overseas trends and sounds in our media. A fusion of roots styles, music that is full of life, melody and energy. Take influences from the worlds great 'peoples music' styles creating their own rootsy pop hybrid. Dominant influence native NZ, an appreciation of harmony. On a good night, Wellington quirk and quickness has more hubbub than a Real Groove giveaway, and BROUHAHA are another reason to fill a coffee shop. LIVELONG provides all the jangly bits, humour, rambling drums and 60's keyboards a closet gazer could wish to enjoy this winter. The lyrics are all over the place - personal, social and political - with the Gary Larsen tribute a brutal highlight. Due to the variety of material (and songwriters, mostly Aaron Watson, though), the flow ebbs a little throughout, but the bands inherent flippancy wins through.