Review: 'Timeless' Electric Universe

Electric Universe

By Mike O’Cull

New Zealand rockers Electric Universe avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump” on the group’s second release Timeless. Released May 28th, 2021 on MR Records, the set is full of killer new material that shows the influence of past giants like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd mixed with 21st Century energy and purpose. The sound of the set drops Electric Universe at the front of the ongoing New Wave of Classic Rock and the band puts down an amazing example of how the future is built out of parts of the past.

Timeless is a ten-song record that’s tight, well-paced, and multifaceted, displaying the depth and might of a veteran outfit. Legendary producer Ghian Wright (Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Foo Fighters) took care of the mastering work but the true heart of Timeless is in the songwriting and performances of this eight-piece crew.

The current lineup of Electric Universe is made of top-tier musicians from the Southern Hemisphere who share an enviable chemistry. Band members Shane Davies (Vocals), Michael “Mutt” Furness (Guitar), Baz Mantis (Guitar), Nigel Masters (Keyboards), Patrick Hawkins (Bass), Batt Maxter (Drums), Jana Rose (Backing Vocals), and Mazi Star (Backing Vocals) conspire to create a huge, detailed sound that has attracted quite a bit of attention. They’ve rung up over 200,000 streams of a single track and built a well-deserved reputation in their part of the world as a dominant live act. Electric Universe’s organic, effortless blend of hard-edged rock, pop, and funk is a heady brew that deserves to be heard everywhere great music is appreciated. The goal is to get these tracks out to the good people of New Zealand and then bust out to the world at large, which will undoubtedly happen sooner rather than later.

Timeless opens with the expansive blues/rock of “Don’t Lie To Me,” a heavy, hypnotic track with a late 70s Pink Floyd vibe to it. Vocalist Shane Davies is convincing and confident, and guitar players Furness and Mantis supply ideal tones and energy. It’s a subtle track that makes an ideal beginning to the record and foreshadows much of what follows. “Free Rider” is a chugging, mid-tempo rock song about the excitement and exhilaration of being in the wind on a Harley-Davidson with friends. It’s built on a crucially-cool guitar riff with a ZZ Top influence that leads to a sweet, melodic chorus and a ripping solo. The entire band leans into the pocket on this one and its sheer groove glory is beyond impressive.

“Never Forget” is a beautiful and emotional acoustic track written as a tribute to fallen military personnel. Backup vocalists Jana Rose and Mazi Star add an anthemic quality to this heartfelt cut that honors those who really did give all they had. It’s a great ballad that you won’t soon forget. The message is the whole point of the song so listen with both ears. “On Your Mind” is solid funk/rock with a motivating beat and almost-psychedelic, reverb-soaked vocals. The guitar work here is beyond tasty and the tones are worth living for. It then leads into the punchy, riff-driven “What’s Going On,” a bit of social commentary done rock-and-roll-style. The vocals soar throughout the track and are accented by more fleet-fingered guitar playing.

“Right On Time” is another big-league riff rocker that’s pumped up and set to grab hold of any crowd out there. The guitars groove and grind in the perfect way and drummer Batt Maxter also turns in a fine take. Every moment of Timeless is binge-worthy and will delight fans of outstanding melodic rock music. By all indications, Electric Universe is set to break out so you had best get onboard. This one is going to be huge.

Watch “Free Rider”