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Reviewed by Darryl Kirk

All Hail The Funkillers: All Hail The Funkillers EP

Reviewed by Darryl Kirk

All Hail The Funkillers: All Hail The Funkillers EP

An energetic debut romp of spikey new punk, with plenty of pop smarts going on. Tauranga’s All Hail The Funkillers are a hard-driving quartet fronted by vocalist Shannon Avery. The engine room of veteran Scottish drummer Willy Mone and American bassist Doug Yeiter contrast and compliment each other, with the drums pulling and the bass pushing to create a monumental foundation. Guitarist Rob Heath opens spaces for Avery’s well-nuanced vocals to work, scattering drawn out motifs that coalesce back on top of the rhythm section. There are wig outs and weird-outs that bring to mind early B52s. Stamping all over this beast is a vocal performance that screams Riot Grrrl. Avery’s vocals are aggressive but carry a melodic sweep that punch the sweet spots of the songs. Under the hood, this is pop music, done by a band steeped in punk and new wave and fully aware of everything else that has happened since. Clocking in at only 15 minutes, the EP seems longer because it holds your attention from start to finish.