Hollywoodfun Downstairs: "The Mancunian Swing" (Muzai)

Things not quite in alignment here? One part concept album, another part “What I did on my holidays”, this debut from Wellington noise-rockers apparently documents singer Kurt Williams' time in London during post-Britpop – which is when exactly? – or it's a day in the lager-life of a very un-Merrie England (isn't it always like that?) during a “booze, brawls and barbiturates” period . . . and which we are told is akin to the Arctic Monkeys.

Even on a generous hearing it seems none of the above, rather thrash'n'trash where you might wish the occasionally Anglo-accent lyrics were more audible to make whatever point they might be aiming at.

That said, this is a thrillingly dense noise of no fixed cultural attachment (“racing down a freeway” comes through clear enough on a white-noise ear-blast about . . . San Francisco?) and there is certainly no shortage of energy, rage and metal-edge guitar on display.

Maybe it'll make sense on their national tour which starts in Wellington tonight (dates below).

But really, a lot of this is alt-thrashmetal which might just be sound and fury adding up to . . . nuffin'?

Knowhorra I mean?

HOLLYWOODFUN DOWNSTAIRS TOUR DATES

Puppies, Wellington Wed, 28 August 13

The Royal, Palmerston North Thu, 29 August 13

Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland Fri, 30 August 13

Brewers Bar, Mt Maunganui Sat, 31 August 13

The Beach Bar, Invercargill Thu, 05 September 13

Re Fuel, Dunedin Fri, 06 September 13

Darkroom, Christchurch Sat, 07 September 13

The San Francisco Bath House, Wellington Fri, 27 September 13

Space Monster, Wanganui Sat, 28 September 13