The Actualities
About The Actualities from Wellington
The Actualities are three years young. The Wellington-based five piece formed at high school with a sound that is complex and difficult to pigeonhole. Their first self-titled EP was released in 2006.
The sound of the Actualities falls roughly in alternative rock territory, but a one word descriptive doesn’t do it justice. Drums, multiple guitars, bass, keys and vocal harmonies form heavy orchestral melodies, broken by strong beats and lyrics worth listening to. The band demure on naming influences, but do agree on a passion for Radiohead, although they differ in other musical tastes. Live, the Actualities are professional and concentrated, taking music seriously but able to laugh at themselves.
The Actualities cite acclaimed solo artist Grayson Gilmour as a mentor and an impetus for the recording of Workers Leaving the Factory. The band has played support for Gilmour and his band So So Modern, as well as Odessa, Connan and the Mockasins, Ghostplane, the Bonnie Scarlets, Ryan McPhun and the Ruby Suns, The Inkling and Alps, and have been included in shows by A Low Hum and Craftwerk. They see the diverse range of bands they have played with as “exciting” and take pride in being “able to mix in with anyone”.
The band describes this album as more constructed than their previous. “It’s mastered a lot more,” says Albert Williams, guitar/keys/lead vocals. “It’s heavier; it’s been recorded with the intention of more of a rock feel, more of a live feel.” “It’s more reasoned, it took a long time,” says Patrick Whatman, percussion. Wafting melody strains drift through spiky rock, with swelling synthesisers and strings.
Listen closely. “It’s important to investigate the concepts behind the album. We’ve left that there for the listener to have more than just the music,” says Williams. “There are secrets about this album that need to be explored.”
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