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Villainy is a New Zealand alternative rock band from Auckland. Formed in 2010 the band consists of James Dylan (bass guitar), Neill Fraser (vocals and guitar), Dave Johnston (drums) and Thomas Watts (lead guitar)
Villainy have shared the stage with numerous local and international acts including Incubus (band), The Offspring, Billy Talent, and Shihad.
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Now this group just screams "young", and by no means is it meant in a bad way. The reality is that these boys have an exuberance on stage that is infectious. They don't shy away from any opportunity to lose their shirts and crowdsurf, climb onto thing that hang from the roof, and just being plain rowdy. Their music is very similar in style.
The guitarist, Thomas, is the unspoken hero for me. He navigates his way through the music in a way that is like he's forgotten he is at a gig; he plays like he is experimenting, and he rocks (literally) on his guitar pedals. He doesn't just play the guitar, he dances to make it sing for the audience.
Villainy are a very upbeat, and loud alternative rock group. A bit of an acquired taste, their greatest hits are screechy, weird, and wacky, but they have enough variety in their set-lists to cater to any rock fan. The guitaring and drumming is what sets this group apart from the general crowd; they play with a level of technical maturity that is hinted at only by their beards, and the drumming maintains a great mix of rhythm, that is more than just a metronome. It isn't used to keep time. It is actually used as an instrument.
Villainy push beyond the boundaries of mainstream rock, but still get plenty of airtime of the radio. It's hard to pick a favourite song, as it changes every time they release a new single. They keep improving, and I hope it continues on for a long time further.
Random listing from 'Music'...
Pomp and circumstance of the grandest order for the multi-platinum Meat Loaf and his songwriting mentor, Jim Steinman. The grandiose intro to the title track was indication enough of the tone of the album, with songs stretching out over what at times seemed like musical infinity. Steinman set his songs in evocative wastelands populated by full orchestras and small-town weirdos, 'Paradise By The Dashboard Light' an entire two-handed ... more...
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