For NZ Music Month, we're asking local musicians to tell us about the New Zealand songs they love the most. Today we hear from Pacific Heights' Devin Abrams.
Photo: Supplied
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Electric Wire Hustle – Perception
This song just drips sophistication for me. From the Minnie Ripperton sample to the subtle and airy nature of Mara’s vocals, it’s a wonderful nod to old school hip hop and future soul all in one package. I remember hearing this tune in its infancy, during their album writing times, and thinking ‘this is the future of New Zealand music’. These guys are still killing it!
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Phoenix Foundation – Corale
This really is just picking a song off an album I just adore. I hadn’t really followed the Phoenix before this album, but upon hearing it there was no further ignorance on just how clever this band is. They really are not afraid to let a song take its full journey and let things just unfold slowly in front of you. The album features lovely use of synthesizers, effects and a plethora of vintage production moments.
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi Love
This song is just too good. ’m not really sure how to describe how good it felt listening to it the first time other than being as good as my first tab of LSD. Learning the more twisted meaning of it later down the track, I now hear a song that completely captures tension and release perfectly. I’m so happy this song has done as well it should have in the world.
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Shihad – Home Again
It's best served live and loud! This is my favourite Shihad song. Jon’s vocals, the guitar riff, the chorus and, well, just everything! I remember hearing it live for the first time many years ago, and at the time not being into guitar music at all (I was a closed minded teenager that only cared for jazz and drum and bass) and this song flipped my world upside down. Thank you Shihad for being such an epic band.
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Bongmaster – Brothers & Sisters
For a long time this was one of those little gems you only found on a limited run 7 inch in the back of your favourite record shop (of course now you can find it on YouTube). It was the sound of summer, smiling, family, hope and love to me. I lost that 7 inch a while before it got digitalised and yet never forgot the feel and warmth of it. It is moments like this in music that you hold on to, ones that truly encapsulate all of those enriching feelings.
Find Pacific Heights official site right here.
