SONIC COUNTRY: DEEP WATER CREEK

Christchurch rock band Deep Water Creek is celebrating the release of its debut EP with headline show this month at Blue Smoke, at The Tannery. The band comprises singer/songwriter Matthew Smith, guitarist Josh Braden, bassist Shaun Burke, drummer Thomas Isbister and keyboardist Tom Harris. Supporting the band as opening acts are alt-rock foursome Volts and locals Merlinco. Alongside Deep Water Creek’s songs, the band will perform songs from Matthew Smith’s first album, and also unreleased Deep Water Creek material.

According to the band, Matthew’s new song-writing direction encompasses ‘both the old and the new Matthew Smith’. A mix of his early rock influences and his love of alternative- country and folk provide the backbone. Adding in the moody and sonic guitars of Josh Braden, the immaculate percussion and drums from Thomas Isbister, sublime keys of Tom Harris and the uncompromising stand up and electric bass from Shaun Burke.

This combination promises a dynamic live show, with moments of quiet contemplation thrust up against heavy and desperate chorus lines as well as driven guitar solos.

Josh compliments Matthew’s soulful voice with beautiful harmonies, and the rest of the band join in the singing on occasion to add a ‘Bad Seeds’ quality to some of the tracks.

Someone recently called Deep Water Creek ‘sonic country’ which, based on their sound, seems to be the most fitting description. After a busy summer with shows in Hagley Park supporting Jordan Luck, playing at Lazy Sunday in the Botanic Gardens, and topping it off with an appearance at Nostalgia Festival, this band is an eclectic group of musicians from very different musical backgrounds and styles. This collaboration is unique but effective. Matthew is a ‘prolific songwriter’ and the bands’ full length LP is well underway. In September Deep Water Creek will head into the studio to record these new songs, and follow this with a national tour next summer.

The band has just released their first single Set Me Free from their debut E.P. The video, shot near Birdlings Flat, is now available to view on YouTube.

“Those of you who have seen them already will attest that their live shows feel more like a night at the opera than a band going through the motions. They hit you hard and leave you hanging. Go and see them. Say you were there in the early days.”

Deep Water Creek plays at Blue Smoke on June 7. Tickets are available now from Under the Radar.

utr.co.nz