Aucklanders Violet Highway are a female fronted three-piece who play an energetic blend of blues rock and pop.

Their sophomore EP ‘Breathe’ is set for release on April 21, and they’ve allowed us to show it to you first, exclusively here on NZMusician.co.nz.

Citing their influences as ranging from Joan Jett to the Black Keys, the band’s prior self-titled EP was received with positive reviews and described by NZM’s Aaron Smith as an “almost ’90s pop rock kind of style, with lots of catchy riffs and lyrics spread throughout to get you grooving”, and “doing justice to the energy of their live sets”, according to local blog Sonic Den.

The band says that their determination and confidence gained from performance experience really shows on ‘Breathe’. The detail and track layering in the songs, as well as including the use of trumpet, trombone and keyboard, help to create a fuller and more dynamic sound.

When trying to pinpoint the style of their music it’s inevitable to land amidst various rock sub genres that cater to different tastes, yet form a cohesive product through the consistent pairing of the heavy rhythm section with Munro’s strong vocals.

Highlights are summer anthem Friday Nite, the grunge of the Nirvana-esque Go, and Led Zeppelin-inspired title track Breathe.

“When can we see them live, NZM?”

Very soon! Join the band for their EP release gig on April 22 at The Wine Cellar in Auckland.