By Jimmy Ness
Coming from a small country like New Zealand creates a strange
inferiority complex. You have a constant urge to compete against the bigger and
badder nations. Being the inventors of the electric fence and the tranquilizer
gun might not count for a lot overall, but we really do have some genuine
talent hidden amongst all the sheep. New York based, Auckland musician Janine
and the Mixtape definitely belongs with the capable few we can be proud of.
Janine, 23, uses a battle metaphor for her harmful relationship on
the remix to “Bullets.” She’s dodging hot lead from a dark place, and
predicting the next pull of the trigger. Her dream-like vocals create a
melancholic vibe to this scenario and Janine’s definitely an impressive singer.
Kiwi stoners Homebrew also jump into the soundscape with Haz Beats supplying a post dub-step beat and Tom Scott rapping with a bitter edge.
I support anyone who wears gold rope chains and quotes Biggie in 2012, so look
out for her upcoming EP or I’ll be forced to call the New Zealand Task Force.