EP REVIEW: Barefoot In The Sand

BAREFOOT IN THE SAND EP
Words by Charlette Hannah

Inside This Room begins the self titled EP from Barefoot In The Sand. Starting with a funky drum beat, this upbeat and catchy song is a good introduction to the Barefoot sound. From the rich deep vocals of lead singer Jenn Shelton to the creative yet unobtrusive guitar of Blair Pedersen, these guys have a tight sound which retains a live feeling on this recording.

Recorded, mixed and mastered in twelve hours at Wellington MusicWorks, this EP is full of harmonies and every song has it's own solid groove. Eye On The Lead, the second song, was stuck in my head for hours. With upbeat reggae and funk flavours, this is the ideal sort of music to stick on your car stereo on the way to the beach.

The songs are allowed to breathe, with spacious production, and each part is crystal clear. Track five, With You, is a more mellow, thoughtful song, and continues to showcase Jenn Shelton's amazing voice. Selfish, track three, demonstrates Hamish Maude's soulful and funky bass playing, while drummer Jeremy Hantler remains solid all the way through, although my favourite drum part has to be the first song. I'm a sucker for those toms.

With six tracks altogether, the Barefoot In The Sand EP is a catchy, accessible and smooth listen.
Visit myspace.com/barefootband.

REVIEW: Mannekin Thoughts and Barefoot In The Sand

SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
ACOUSTIC LOUNGE
WEDNESDAY 4TH JULY
Words by Charlette Hannah

MANNEKIN THOUGHTS

Acoustic Lounge really is the place to go to find talented singer/songwriters/bands. I don't know where Peter Baillie find them all, but he manages to constantly procure excellent performers.
Mannekin Thoughts opened the night, with their upbeat alternative/country/folk rock. Between the two of them, Rose and Byron played guitars, tambourine, hamonica and shakers. Both had great vocals, especially Rose. The melodies and rhythms are skilled and it's great to listen to, with lots of feeling. It's good to hear more upbeat music - people often seem to get sucked into the melancholia trap.

BAREFOOT IN THE SAND

Following Mannekin Thoughts was four piece folk funk band Barefoot In The Sand. Singer Jenn Shelton has an deep, powerful and soulful voice, and the instrumentation from the guys is dynamic and unique. Not many bands would dream of putting aside the full drum kit in favour of a hand drum, but percussionist Jeremy Hantler not only played a variety of beats, he even did a solo! Hamish Maudie provided stable and creative bass lines, while Blair Pederson on the guitar had subtle and lovely riffs. Each musician was given their chance to shine.
There was obvious rapport between the members, which created a real feeling of harmony, quite aside from the lovely harmonies in the music.
The music overall is laid back yet interesting, with a solid groove. I will definitely be keeping my ears out for these two bands.