Flying Femme Pop Madness
...from the fabled down under, amperzahn rocks it rustic with 'cars'....

"Flying Cars ", by Amperzahn
Genre: Rock / Pop / Alternative Rock
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Review by Popwill

This New Zealand four piece set out on conquering the world with their energetic and catchy brand of pop/rock. Kristie Addison on guitar and lead vocals, Joshua Smyth on bass and Paul Southan on drums started playing together as a three piece in the mid 2004 and it wasn't until one year later, a year of eager searching for a second guitar player, that they decided to continue with a keyboardist in the face of Michelle Klaessons (also responsible for the back vocals). Unfortunately this song is one of their early recordings and the keyboards are missing, but the fact doesn't make "Flying Cars" any less enjoyable or less pleasant to the ears.

"Flying Cars" starts off on a level and stays put almost through out all the three minutes of playing time. We have a typical chorus verse, chorus verse structure with a guitar solo at the end followed by Kristie's quiet singing right before she nails the end with her angry female screaming. It's always nice to hear a girl scream this way in a rock song. Sweet! Amperzahn is very successfully combining elements of classic and modern rock with their lyrics ranging from metaphorically futuristic to political.

The recording is pretty good, taking into account that these guys had to record their debut in an unknown studio; although of course it could've been better. But the rustic sound that emerged as a result fits perfectly with the style they play and helped them produce a really rocking teenage pop song. But on the downside, the song is by far not radio friendly, so if the guys want more air time to help and spread the word they will need to get a better production. Another drawback, is that we don't get much variety in the song, except one guitar solo at the end. I think the guys have to tighten up a little bit and put a new verse or two in between so that the listeners can be kept anxious and ask for more. Other than that, I think we have one very nice and rocking debut on our hands with a beautiful angry female voice leading us along the way. And I can only imagine how they sound with keyboards on their hands.

Are you into catchy pop/rock leaded by a female vocalist? You are? Well I think you found yourself a nice band to look out for and follow blindly. If you also happen to be living in this beautiful green mountain place called New Zealand, you should give the guys a try and visit one of their shows. From what I can make out of the website, I think they are pretty regular. More info here: http://www.amperzahn.com/gigs.html

 - Popwill
   BandFreaks Band Reviewer