Mini-Review: Second Gear Grind- "Grayscale" EP

Fusing elements of dirty southern heavy rock with Kyuss-inspired stoner rock, Second Gear Grind from Christchurch, NZ have created a unique 3 song EP that will stupify the listener. The first track "Carpet of Smoke" is a fistful of bruising southern sludge complete with heavy keyboards. Second song "Black Swan" starts off quick then settles into a blistering groove. Third track "Grayscale" starts off with a wah-wah heavy beginning riff then slows down the tempo with some scorching guitar then ultimately crushes you into oblivion. You can not help but notice the Down influence amongst these songs, even in the vocal delivery, albeit a bit on the grungy side.  These guys have a tremendous upside and should be heard.  The band is currently hard at work on a full-length to be released hopefully by the end of 2011.

The band has recently secured a spot opening for The Melvins and High on Fire at Al's Bar in Christchurch Feb.21, 2011

Second Gear Grind's second EP "Grayscale" is now available for international mail order and at Penny Lane Records. Email cage_of_nails@hotmail.com or michael.cheer@gmail.com to order.

I have 2 copies to give away to the first 2 people to send me their address. Open to U.S. residents only.

MySpace

Second Gear Grind To Open Up For Iron Maiden?

Well, with a little help from the readers of Heavy Planet that could become a reality. The band has a shot at opening up for metal gods Iron Maiden on Feb. 20 at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand and Feb. 21 at AMI Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. They are currently in third place and need your help. Here is what you need to do:

1. Visit www.therock.net.nz (the website can overload due to volume of visitors but please persevere!!)

2. Get rock enrolled (down the right hand side of the page) – you can vote once off each email address you register with.

3. Open up “Iron Maiden Competition” link from www.therock.net.nz mainpage.

4. Vote for SECOND GEAR GRIND

5. Tell your friends!!!

You have until 5pm Friday Jan. 30 to vote.

MySpace

Second Gear Grind Set to Release Debut E.P

Second Gear Grind set to release their debut E.P. The disc to be entitled "Fistful of Silver" currently has a pre mastered track "Stone Bullet" featured on their MySpace .

www.myspace.com/secondgeargrind

Their guitar player Mike has also just recently compiled an underground promo of Southern NZ acts on a "Southern Sampler" disc which features the song along with multiple other acts in the area.

Second Gear Grind Set to Release Debut E.P

Second Gear Grind set to release their debut E.P. The disc to be entitled "Fistful of Silver" currently has a pre mastered track "Stone Bullet" featured on their MySpace .

www.myspace.com/secondgeargrind

Our guitar player Mike has also just recently compiled an underground promo of Southern NZ acts on a "Southern Sampler" disc which features the song along with multiple other acts in the area.

New Band To Burn One To-Second Gear Grind

Hailing from New Zealand, which seems to be a breeding ground for some pretty awesome new stoner rock bands, comes Second Gear Grind. With influences ranging from Kyuss to The Allman Brothers Band, Second Gear Grind is sure to appease your stoner rock appetite. Check them out.



"Second Gear Grind was formed in early 2005 when friends Mike and Steven (formerly of PTHC band Subsidence) sought to smash the South Island rock scene with a new brand of fuzz drenched rock which was previously lacking in the area. Second Gear Grind gigged steadily earning support and momentum as one of the country's leading fuzz rock acts, playing alongside The House of Capricorn, Slavetrader, and Soulseller among many others throughout many cities in Aotearoa culminating in December's EYES OF THE SOUTH - Stoner Rock Fest at Christchurch's infamous Jetset Lounge. Despite various line up readjustments and reformations the band are settling into a groove and vastly developing support within the rising NZ stoner scene. Second Gear Grind offer an uncompromising abundance of severely down-tuned, fuck-off riffs, contagious groove, and an assault of fuzz sending everyone it touches deep into the cosmos. 2008brings about a new set of challenges and a new direction for the esteemed rock fiends, reforming the lineup with Adrian Patchett (The Fuckstains, Content To Bleed, Subsidence, Hatecrime) on bass, James MacLean (Vice of the Sky) as a second guitarist and Kalem Mallon on drums. The new lineup played the Auckland leg of the Devils Kitchen Australasian Stoner Punk festival with The House of Capricorn, The Defendants, Soulseller and Interconnector on March 15th, which was a huge success. Keep your eyes peeled for releases in Winter of '08 as the band begins to expand their horizons. Can you dig it?! - 666 -"

Go to their MySpace page where you can download two of their tunes "Magic Ride" and "Carpet Of Smoke".