2016 NZ Battle of the Bands champions, The Rubics, launched their debut EP just ahead of taking off for their overseas tour prize. Rob Jatulan Jr (vocals), Brendon Thomas (guitar), Jason Bell (guitar and keys), Nic Montgomery (bass), Zel Kušt (drums) and Simon Opit (keys, CD artwork and photography), make up the Auckland six-piece. This four track EP rapidly forces energy into the airwaves and sends its listeners through a time warp. ‘Blasphemy’ is a hybrid of genres from rock‘n roll, to blues, to funk. Although, with the EP title and the nun (Phoebe Walsh) on the CD cover, it’s hard to see how you would come to expect any of those genres at all. Recorded by Dave Rhodes at the Depot Sound Recording Studio and mastered at Sage Audio, The Rubics show off their swagger with the opening title track, before opting to change gears and send hearts aflutter with the bluesy guitar on Come Back To Me. Single release 69 Shots is a crowd pleaser, its ’70s funk-styled tune lays down the boogie in such a big way, enticing you to play it again. Polishing off the EP with a Reggaeton beat and classic rock flavour Soldier contains a lyrical truth reminiscent of protest songs of the ’70s. The liveliness of ‘Blasphemy’ is contagious and masterfully done. The Rubics undoubtedly have the ability to unify music lovers across the globe with their gift.