CD Reviews

[1]
> Lindon Puffin. Hope Holiday. Independent.
3 stars (out of 5)

Having played in glam rock outfit The Puffins, then as a solo folk-punk artist, Lyttelton's Lindon Puffin is now a purveyor of pop songs that are sometimes skewed by Jol Mulholland's quirky electric guitar and given further dexterity by an excellent band featuring Brett Adams (The Bads), Victoria Girling-Butcher (Lucid 3) and drummer-producer Wayne Bell (Greg Johnson, Dave Dobbyn).

Though Puffin's songs occasionally suffer from a rise-and-fall predictability, twisted tones (Fully Rinsed and Down To the Sea being the best examples of this) and layered rhythmic textures provide plenty of ear candy.

Single download: These Are The Moments
For those who like: Crowded House

- Shane Gilchrist

[2]
> The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra. I Love You. Self release.
3 stars

Four EPs into their career and the recipe has not changed for the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra: a rich mix of well-chosen curiosities, dipped in a big pot of sunshine.

Even when the Bats' Boogey Man is on the prowl, his threat is nullified in the face of this chirpy army of uke strummers.

Afternoon Delight is the least surprising choice of material, with Cyndi Lauper's All Through The Night and the Smiths' This Charming Man stacking up well to the nylon string treatment.

Justin Timberlake's Cry Me A River is the hands-down winner for most inspired cover.

Single download: Cry Me A River
For those who like: Ukuleles. Otherwise, forget it.

- Jeff Harford

[3]
> The Tiny Lies. Trials. Self release.
4 stars

Christchurch duo the Tiny Lies (Charlotte Ivey and Harley Williams) and their friends and mentors have had a tough year, literally and figuratively shaking off the dust to deliver a six-song EP out of the ruins of their environment.

Somewhere in these gentle alt-country tunes lies all the weariness and despair of tribulation, but also the warmth and affirmation of friendship and collegiality.

With the help of some talented players, the pair establish the convincing, empathetic rapport that is so essential to small-group work and intimate songs. It helps that there's some top songwriting here, too.

Single download: Three Years
For those who like: The Haints of Dean Hall, Dean and Britta, Steve Abel

- Jeff Harford