Album Review.

Saturday, August 16, 2008 

An album, a review. The Connoisseurs – Face For all Occasions
Current mood:  peaceful
Category: Music

The Connoisseurs first came to my attention at the beginning of this year through the wonderful world of Myspace.  Listening to a few of their alternative pop tunes, I was convinced that they were one of those bands who would produce an easy listening album, and that’s exactly what they’ve done with their debut, Face For all Occasions.

Born and bred in the mighty Waikato, members Danny Mclachlan and Sean Miller are no strangers when it comes to the music scene.  They both headed over to the UK where they spent over a decade in separate bands gaining experience before coming back home and realising their dreams of creating a successful pop group in New Zealand.  The lads first met through the classifieds when Danny placed an ad looking for new members of what turned out to be their first project together, named State of the Art.  After a few gigs the pair separated from the rest of the band and in 2006 created The Connoisseurs.

The guys have had the help from several musicians outside the band to bring their newly released album together, before they venture back to the UK later on this year to show the world what they have to offer.  As the insert of their CD suggests, these lads are most thankful when it comes to the people who have put in the time and effort to make this album a success.  They pay close attention to Australian, Lee Bradshaw, who not only produced the album but added his talents with keyboards, synthesizers, organ and piano, as well as his ‘penchant for making great coffee’…what a guy!

From the moment I started listening to Face for all Occasions, I was relieved to hear that every track on this album has that fresh New Zealand feel and hadn’t been taken over by their experience overseas.  What’s more is that vocalist Danny Mclachlan has even stuck with the kiwi accent that so many bands are shying away from these days. 

Influences such as Opshop, The Cure and personal favourite of mine, David Bowie, really shine through in the songs on this ten track CD, that is sure to make you feel right at home in no time.

Antarctic Waste, Drowning in the back of a Car and My Dream each have a familiar sound to them – I’m thinking Crowded House, which is another of the lad’s influences listed on their Myspace page.  Then, others like Breaking and Look behind you Now almost have a Feelers thing going on…maybe it’s the vocals?  Whatever it is, most of the music on this album is easy-listening with the exception of Butterfly Collector and Nitty Gritty which are more up-beat and lively including classic da da da da’s that make it impossible not to sing along to.

If you’re a fan of alternative rainy day music with a hit of pop then you’ll appreciate Face for all Occasions, which has clearly been lovingly put together for your delicate ears.

Go on, treat yourself!