Anthonie Tonnon, one of Mosgiel's brightest sons, made the trans-island move to Auckland several years ago and based himself in the leafy, lofty suburb of Grey Lynn. Inspired by his new locale and the issues faced when flatting in one of Auckland's most desirable suburbs, Tonnon wrote Marion Bates Realty - decrying the ills of gentrification and greed. The album featuring this song - Up Here For Dancing (released as Tono and The Finance Company) - was critically well-received and cemented Tonnon's reputation as a gifted songwriter with a whole bunch of smarts and heart.

Since ditching his previous moniker and embracing his legal name, Tonnon has turned his attention back to his hometown with Water Underground - the lead single from his upcoming album Successor. Carrying on in the protest tradition of Marion Bates, 'Water Underground' is a tale of political corruption in Canterbury, specifically concerning water rights allocation and the National Government sacking a democratically elected regional council body. This is far too complex to delve into further detail but has been written about excellently here.

Anthonie Tonnon is joined by the veritable super-band lineup of Edward Castelow (Dictaphone Blues), Jonathan Pearce (Sal Valentine & The Babyshakes) and Stu Harwood (Paquin).
Successor is released on March 6 with the band touring the country from March 5.

For more on Anthonie Tonnon: anthonietonnon.com.
Find Anthonie Tonnon on the Auckland Libraries online catalogue.

Written by Anna C

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Indie/Alternative band Forleigh arrive in New Zealand next week for the latest leg of their yearlong tour, playing 16 shows over 30 days across the country and featuring 5 local acts in a special ‘Top 5’ event @ Auckland’s King’s Arms on March 5th. See their website for details of how to take part (and win $500!).
We caught up with them in the UK as they prepare to journey down under-

ATM - How would you describe Forleigh’s sound? - you cover a lot of different styles, do you find this broadens your appeal?
F - The different genres do make Forleigh flexible and digestible in almost every live music setting, but to fit in was never the plan, the plan for (song writer) Forleigh X has and continues to be writing timeless music for film, television, video games and other mediums, and share that music on innovative tours around the world, connecting the band with other musicians and creatives. Really it’s more about atmosphere and feeling than genre. 

ATM - What kind of audiences have you been getting?
F - The audience we have seen on tour so far has been much like the music; we have had a bit of everything really. We have played at big venues, smaller venues, art galleries, critically acclaimed venues, music festivals, recording studios, fashion shows, gardens, living rooms, and have seen people of every race and legal age, the turn out itself has been mind blowing, 3 thousand new followers on twitter in just over 3 months was crazy to us, specially since the guys did that all by playing their music live, face to face to real people.

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Last week Portland-based band Unknown Mortal Orchestra released the titular lead single and release date of their forthcoming album 'Multi-Love'. This will be the third album for the trio lead by New Zealander Ruban Nielson, formerly of cult-favourite band The Mint Chicks.
UMO's previous albums 'Unknown Mortal Orchestra' and 'II' were awarded the Taite Music Prize and VNZMA Best Alternative Album award, respectively, whilst receiving widespread critical acclaim.

The single 'Multi-Love' is a fine display of UMO's signature sound: baroque influenced keys, propulsive break-beat drum patterns and soulful, processed vocals while eschewing the lo-fi production of their first two albums. Nielsen's pop-sensibilities and strong instinct for melody are used to full effect here while brother, and former Mint Chicks partner, Kody makes his presence felt with a furiously energetic drum performance,

Find Unknown Mortal Orchestra on the Auckland Libraries online catalogue.

Written by Anna C.