Customer Reviews

Riverhead

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4 star:		(2)
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New Zealand hasn't really gotten its due when it comes to pop music -- great bands like the Clean, the Bats and the Chills (and the recent Datsuns) have gotten respect, but not nearly enough listeners.

One of the best new bands from New Zealand is Goldenhorse. "Riverhead," their enchanting debut, is suspended somewhere between the Sugarcubes and the Sundays, with its mix of quirky rock and enchanting pop.

It opens with "Northern Lights," which opens with a tame little acoustic guitar line. When Kristin Morelle starts singing "lalalalala!", it sounds like this is going to be another generic indiepop number. But by halfway through the second stanza, the killer drumming and catchy guitar have kicked in in full.

They veer to other musical styles, such as country-flecked pop in "Maybe Tomorrow," some acoust-edged funk, ska, and smooth ballads. In the title song, there's even a hint of industrial-gothic darkness, punctuated by a heartbeat-like drum. "I wanted to tell you that I was dead/My hands were cold and my lips were bled/when I was in Riverhead..." intones the ghostly male vocals.

Okay, their moods swing from dismal to sunny -- a lot of bands do that on their debut album, as they try to find a sound that fits them. Goldenhorse actually do far better than most do, in that they can manage perky pop as well as dark material. It's a bit art-rock, a bit pop, a bit rock'n'roll, and this gifted band manages it all well.

Despite having a bassist and two jangly guitarists, you don't notice those instruments too much -- they blend in well, except for the faint buzzes and odd riff. Joel Wilton's drumming is a lot more prominent, ranging from rapid-fire and catchy to tribal beats. Laced with the odd electronic swoosh and keyboard, the sound is enchantingly layered and textured.

But then again, many a good band has been wrecked by a bad vocalist who couldn't measure up to the musical skills. This isn't one of those bands, fortunately. Morelle's voice is a lovely one, reminiscent of Harriet Wheeler or Hope Sandoval. In some of the darker songs, she ditches the ethereality in favor of an eerie mocking sound.

Goldenhorse's debut, "Riverhead," is a crazy quilt collection of mood-swinging songs. Fortunately, that doesn't keep it from being a bloody good album.

New Zealand is all over the place now -- movies like "Lord of the Rings," tourism, and possibly music too. At least, if bands like Goldenhorse get their due. "Riverhead," their enchanting debut, is suspended somewhere between the Sugarcubes and the Sundays, with its mix of quirky rock and enchanting pop.

It opens with "Northern Lights," which opens with a tame little acoustic guitar line. When Kristin Morelle starts singing "lalalalala!", it sounds like this is going to be another generic indiepop number. But by halfway through the second stanza, the killer drumming and catchy guitar have kicked in in full.

They veer to other musical styles, such as country-flecked pop in "Maybe Tomorrow," some acoust-edged funk, ska, and smooth ballads. In the title song, there's even a hint of industrial-gothic darkness, punctuated by a heartbeat-like drum. "I wanted to tell you that I was dead/My hands were cold and my lips were bled/when I was in Riverhead..." intones the ghostly male vocals.

Okay, their moods swing from dismal to sunny -- a lot of bands do that on their debut album, as they try to find a sound that fits them. Goldenhorse actually do far better than most do, in that they can manage perky pop as well as dark material. It's a bit art-rock, a bit pop, a bit rock'n'roll, and this gifted band manages it all well.

Despite having a bassist and two jangly guitarists, you don't notice those instruments too much -- they blend in well, except for the faint buzzes and odd riff. Joel Wilton's drumming is a lot more prominent, ranging from rapid-fire and catchy to tribal beats. Laced with the odd electronic swoosh and keyboard, the sound is enchantingly layered and textured.

But then again, many a good band has been wrecked by a bad vocalist. This isn't one of those bands, fortunately. Morelle's voice is a lovely one, reminiscent of Harriet Wheeler or Hope Sandoval. In some of the darker songs, she ditches the ethereality in favor of an eerie mocking sound.

Goldenhorse's debut, "Riverhead," is a crazy quilt collection of mood-swinging songs. Fortunately, that doesn't keep it from being a bloody good album.

If it were not for a friend of mine from New Zealand, I would'nt have heard of Goldenhorse. I am no expert, but I can tell a good band from a remarkable one. Goldenhorse certainly falls into the second category. They are truly a gem that has not been appreciated to its full merit. The album "Riverhead" is AMAZING!! Instead of one or two songs that stick out, at least three quarters of the tracks on this album are memorable. With slow and fast-paced songs, haunting vocals, and genuine melodies that are both cheerful and melancholic, "Riverhead" rises above everyday pop albums. Furthermore, the instrumental side of the music is impressive, ranging from driving rock to gentle pop effortlessly. I strongly reccomend this CD!!! It's the kind of music that makes you long for the end of the workday, so that you can go listen to it!

I bought this album after becoming familiar with only one track (Track #1; Maybe Tomorrow), only to discover that ALL the tracks are as good if not better than this one. This is an excellent album and I would recommend to anyone. I'm not sure exactly what genre to put it into - probably mellow rock/pop. The lead singer is female and she has a great voice and all the songs have excellent melodic (is that a word?!) tunes.

Goldenhorse is am amazing band, headed by Kirsten Morelle as the lead singer (though composer/guitarist Geoff Maddock does sing in most songs for ambience)

Goldenhorse is one of the most promising NZ artists I know of. I've heard them compared to Sixpence None The Richer; though I like Goldenhorse a lot more :) I have all their albums and singles

On Riverhead I would reccomend Maybe Tomorrow, Baby's Been Bad and Wake Up Brother (though all of the songs are good; these ones stand out)

Hey, im from New Zealand (where Goldenhorse come from) and i bought their album recently. All the songs are fantastic and i cant stop listening to it! The songs are very beautiful to listen to. This is a must have for anybodies CD collection!! GET IT GET IT GET IT!!

( GO NEW ZEALAND!! ) by the by: im not a kid;)