VOWS

Australian Industrial pop pair VOWS will release their new EP on June 4. Ahead of that, take a listen to our premiere “Symbol System” below. It’s a grinding tune, that takes cues from the likes of Bauhaus, The Cure, and things that go bump in the night. - Under the Radar

Australian Industrial pop pair VOWS will release their new EP on June 4. Ahead of that, take a listen to our premiere “Symbol System” below. It’s a grinding tune, that takes cues from the likes of Bauhaus, The Cure, and things that go bump in the night. - Under the Radar

Australian Brooklynites Matt and Rizz of VOWS are The Cure meets the-club-at-closing. As they describe it, their sound starts in your head and "ends up in a seedy underground dance club after everyone has left." It's music for a night that should have ended hours ago. Not surprisingly, their latest video for "Symbol System"—which we're pleased to premiere here—is more than a little bleary-eyed and woozy. An unfocused lens and skittering lights form the visual backdrop for VOWS' discordant guitars, clanging piano, and shuffling beat. With witch house-inspired imagery and an unsettling sound, "Symbol System" takes listeners on a hazy trip to the underground. - Interview Magazine

NYC electro-goth duo Vows released their self-titled debut EP back in 2013. It's a solid release, and if you're into stuff like Trust and Cold Cave you pretty much know what you're getting yourself into. The band just made a video for one of the EP's songs, "Ghost Years," which makes its premiere in this post.
Check it out, along with a full stream of the EP, below... - Brooklyn Vegan

Doomwave/synth rock duo WAZU have released a new video for “Councillor” from their upcoming debut album, Robobo, released at the perfect time — Halloween. Their debut full-length follows their previously released self-titled EP (reviewed HERE). Watch WAZU’s video for “Councillor” after the jump. - Earbuddy

Some of the most organic music partnerships come in the form of male-female duos and Aussie natives, WAZU, are no exception to this age-old rule. After migrating to New York, a city pieced together by a brilliant mix of aesthetics, cultures and (most infamously) sounds. It was a match made in robo-music heaven. WAZU blends a unique perspective of dark new wave, catchy electronic and instinctual indie rock sounds into a slinky, sexy first full-length release, Robobo.

The first track wastes no time, the opening synth hooks and booming male vocals lending an instant ear to the likes of Depeche Mode and Bauhaus, but circa 2012, the ultimate 80's throwback with a perfect blend of modern style. And style is, indeed effortless: “Councillor” seems to be as catchy as it was meticulously curated. And the yin to “Councillors” yang follows directly after with “It’s A Trick” focusing around female vocals, shared choruses and a repetitive mantra: “don’t try and turn back my clock, its a trick.” Edging closely on female power ballad, it’s a welcome balance to the darker, male vocals and brightens up the album’s trajectory and makes the more sinister sounding tracks that much more slinky and sensual. Robobo’s energy keeps mounting, as “Show Your Skin” slaps you in the face with body-rocking synth beats reminiscent of Sleigh Bells‘ catchier (read: less scream-y) songs. Whereas the previous songs had only hinted, “Show Your Skin” has now established a scene, and immediately paints a picture of New York streets late at night, and dark, pulsating night-clubs.

“Bugsatia” and “Ghost Years” play in and out of an ominous fog, slowly building into a more upbeat and haunting 80's alt pop that predecessors Bauhaus and Depeche Mode would be proud of. While the stylings of “Symbol System” and “I Think I Remember” are begging for an extended remix, the synth lines and percussion rattling on, demanding the best dance moves. The final track ends the album with an absolute punch, or more like, silent killer. Nearly 7 minutes long, “Irene,” starts slow, building melodically sweet guitar lines with the characteristic male vocals holding strong in a flirty drone. And suddenly, the momentary sweetness is gone, the streets of New York have opened, the piece turns ambient and ghoulish, drowning out the album’s previous pop-tendencies in a storm of subtle noise–the musical apocalypse is upon is. And if it sounds this good, bring it on.

Wazu’s debut full-length, Robobo, hits physical and digital storefronts on Halloween, a debut date pretty well-suited for the dramatically haunting duo. Pre-order your copy today and listen to first track, “Councillor” below!

- Treble in Trouble

Modern industrial-pop duo WAZU will release their debut album, Robobo, this Halloween. The association with the holiday makes sense for the New York City-based Australian transplants as they have a dark and danceable musical style. Sonically, imagine a modern version of Depeche Mode, or a more foreboding version of The xx.

Check out their videos for "Murder 1" and "Councillor," and get to know WAZU. - 101 Distribution

The eccentric duo Matt and Rizz form the Australian/American industrial-pop/darkwave duo called Wazu. Based in New York City, the two met at The University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, and after a few projects, have finally settled with this one. They have their EP Robobo coming out just in time for Halloween, namely on October 31st, and I could tell you that it is definitely worth your time. The entire album features an innovative mix of metal grooves and hints of horror-punk, tied together with a more electronic sound. While it’s much heavier than one could expect, it gets you dancing, rocking to its solid beats. Matt and Rizz both have quite low voices, and hearing the two together creates a great mélange, a seamless combination. While taking note of the complex sound, take a chance of observing the well crafted lyrics that swing by its side. They are poetically complete with so much emotion that I must loudly applaud their creator. Impeccable writing, Wazu. They really do manage to make heartbreak taste so sweet. With that said, Robobo is indeed submerged in dark overtones, while still remaining highly spirited.

As you make your way through the band’s work of art, I recommend these few songs that will give you a taste of the whole. The first track to check out is definitely “It’s A Trick”, which finds itself second in the track listing. It’s a dynamic groove that really demonstrates the powerful electronic dance rhythms this band is great at. The lyrics here are simple; the meaning is complex, interpret it how you want. I have found my own interpretation of the matter that draws well with my over-analysis and overthinking.



The more melancholic-sounding “Ghost Years” which appears 9th on the track listing finds itself on the top position of my favorites off this album. The washed out vocals and garage-noise guitars, along with that steady bass-drum, gives it a grunge-like appeal, reminding me of my earlier encounters with music when I was finally able to decipher it and break away from my more mainstream tastes.

Finally, the album ends in an admirable fashion with the soft, sincere and acoustic sounds of “Irene”. Matt’s deep voice is haunting yet calming in many ways. It makes the whole so much more effective, completely heart wrenching, so troubling, bittersweet. Aside from the acoustics, “Irene” also offers a set of seemingly-exotic eerie riffs, such as a hint at what is to come. And once the track seems to end, I pressure you to pay close attention, as a subtle and enigmatic soundscape chooses to play with your sentiments for a few more minutes.

Altogether, I must say that I am heavily impressed and would love to praise Wazu for this acclaimed set of songs. Remember to mark your calendars, the date will be knocking at your door quite soon. October 31st, Robobo officially hits the airwaves. Be sure to check out the band’s Facebook for more information. Also, be sure to view the newly released video for "Councillor", the first track off Robobo, here on YouTube.
- Indecent Xposure

Depuis le succès de leur premier single éponyme, le duo New-Yorkais WAZU revient avec le clip vidéo du titre « Councillor ». En attendant de pouvoir écouter l’ensemble des pistes de l’album annoncé pour le 31 Octobre prochain, découvrez la vidéo ci-dessous.
- Indiezone Mag (France)

Gloomy, edgy, and artsy pop duo, Wazu has released the official video for their new single, 'Councillor' (first premiered at Vice.com) off of their upcoming appropriately Halloween release of their debut full length album, Robobo.

I really like 'Councillor' and I'm obsessed with the intro part with that throbbing machine/guitar like sound and the heavy bass as well. The dark video is a perfect match for the song and follows their creepiness theme fantastically. Check out the eerie video below. - The Great Black North

WAZU Councillor on Hype Machine - Hype Machine

Wazu Reveal Councillor Off Debut Album Robobo Out Halloween

Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable.

Modern industrial-pop duo WAZU will release their debut, album, Robobo this Halloween. These New York City-based Australian transplants appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion, earning them heaps of buzz from outlets such as KEXP, BBC, AOL, CONTACT MUSIC, THE DELI MAGAZINE, and FLAVORPILL. Their dark and danceable self-titled debut EP is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo on Robobo.




VIDEOS:
“MURDER 1” – PREMIERED ON CONTACT MUSIC
"WALK ALL NIGHT” – LIVE FROM TAMMANY HALL NYC

AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD:
"MURDER 1" – DEBUT ON SOME KIND OF AWESOME
"HAPPY ENDINGS" - RECENT SONG OF THE DAY ON KEXP

US TOUR DATES:

Nov 1: Philadelphia, PA - PhilaMOCA
Nov 3: Buffalo, NY - Festival of Blood
Nov 6: Detroit, MI - Lager House
Nov 8: Ann Arbor, MI - Far House
Nov 9: E Lansing, MI - TBA
Nov 11: Kalamazoo, MI - TBA
Nov 13: Chicago, IL - TBA
Nov 15: St Louis, MO - The Heavy Anchor
Nov 16: Louisville, KY - Haymarket Whiskey
Nov 18: Atlanta, GA - 10 High
Nov 24: Dallas, TX - Good Records (3pm)
Nov 24: Dallas, TX - Dada
Nov 25: Austin, TX - Frontier Bar
Nov 27: Austin, TX - Wardenclyffe Gallery
Nov 29: Houston, TX - Super Happy Fun Land
Nov 30: Baton Rouge, LA - TBA - Movement Magazine

Dark indie-popsters WAZU are set to release their debut full-length “Robobo” this Halloween. You’ll hear a lot of Depeche Mode influence in the music of the duo, who are originally from Australia but now call New York City home.

Stream the video for the track “Councillor” above, which is a perfect example of their darkpop; check out tour dates below.

Tour Itinerary

Nov 01 – Philadelphia PA at PhilaMOCA

Nov 03 – Buffalo NY at Festival Of Blood (ooohhhh that sounds like fun doesn’t it)

Nov 06 – Detroit MI at Lager House

Nov 08 – Ann Arbor MI at Far House

Nov 09 – East Lansing MI at <to be announced>

Nov 11 – Kalamazoo MI at <to be announced>

Nov 13 – Chicago IL at <to be announced>

Nov 15 – St. Louis MO at Heavy Anchor

Nov 16 – Louisville KY at Haymarket Whiskey

Nov 18 – Atlanta GA at 10 High

Nov 24 – Dallas TX at Good Records (3pm)

Nov 24 – Dallas TX at Dada

Nov 25 – Austin TX at Frontier

Nov 27 – Austin TX at Wardenclyffe Gallery

Nov 29 – Houston TX at Super Happy Fun Land

Nov 30 – Baton Rouge LA at <to be announced> - New music Michael

Wazu has announced a U.S. tour in November. Check out the dates in the replies...


Nov 1: Philadelphia, PA - PhilaMOCA
Nov 3: Buffalo, NY - Festival of Blood
Nov 6: Detroit, MI - Lager House
Nov 8: Ann Arbor, MI - Far House
Nov 9: E Lansing, MI - TBA
Nov 11: Kalamazoo, MI - TBA
Nov 13: Chicago, IL - TBA
Nov 15: St Louis, MO - The Heavy Anchor
Nov 16: Louisville, KY - Haymarket Whiskey
Nov 18: Atlanta, GA - 10 High
Nov 24: Dallas, TX - Good Records (3pm)
Nov 24: Dallas, TX - Dada
Nov 25: Austin, TX - Frontier Bar
Nov 27: Austin, TX - Wardenclyffe Gallery
Nov 29: Houston, TX - Super Happy Fun Land
Nov 30: Baton Rouge, LA - TBA
- Digital Tour Bus

WAZU INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE ROBOBO

Posted by James McQuiston on October 16th, 2012 No CommentsPrinter-Friendly



“Relocated Australians regulate crushing pop sounds.”
Creative Loafing Charlotte

“The music is pop and dance oriented but also hard-edged and nasty.”
Philadelphia Daily Local News
DEBUT FULL LENGTH ALBUM OUT CO-PRODUCED BY
WAZU, KEVIN MCMAHON (TITUS ANDRONICUS, REAL ESTATE, SWANS, THE WALKMEN) AND RICK PARKER (BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, THE HANGMEN)
One for fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, NIN, Bauhaus, The XX.

Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable.
Modern electro-pop duo WAZU will release their debut, album, Robobo this Halloween. These New York City-based Australian transplants appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion, earning them heaps of buzz from outlets such as KEXP, BBC, AOL, CONTACT MUSIC, THE DELI MAGAZINE, and FLAVORPILL. Their dark and danceable self-titled debut EP is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo on Robobo.

VIDEOS:
“MURDER 1” – PREMIERED ON CONTACT MUSIC
“WALK ALL NIGHT” – LIVE FROM TAMMANY HALL NYC

AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD: “MURDER 1? – DEBUT ON SOME KIND OF AWESOME
“HAPPY ENDINGS” – RECENT SONG OF THE DAY ON KEXP

WAZU have also had success at College Radio, receiving heavy rotation at stations such as WRSU Rutgers University NJ and KXSC University of Southern California Los Angeles, and even Song of the Day at KEXP University of Washington Seattle.
PRAISE FOR WAZU: “Listening to WAZU’s “Murder 1? provokes the urge to paint an Aladdin Sane lightning bolt across your face and visit a seedy, underground hot spot full of androgynous artists and wandering neon lights. The track sparkles with all the glitter and glitz of 70s glam rock and pops in your head like candy.”
- THE DELI MAGAZINE

“Fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Talking Heads, and David Bowie will want to have a listen and grab “Murder 1? from Australian-born, now NYC-based duo Wazu. The track combines elements of glam, grunge, electronic, pop and goth to create a dark, danceable atmosphere.”
- SOME KIND OF AWESOME

“What we hear from them is edgy and mysterious, and because we only have three songs right now, it definitely leaves you wanting more.”
– ROUND LETTERS “What’s come out since is their eponymous EP, fusing the metal of Open the Gates with heedy, gothic synth. Think Trent Reznor having to DJ a late night, full moon birthday party for Dave Gahan. Wazu’s got a rather solid debut that make them worth following as they move forward. – MEZZIC
“Kevin McMahon produced this delightful stab of violent electro-pop from an exciting new male/female duo—and for good reason. There’s a sort of dark visceral energy that pulsates through these three tracks, all of which energetic exercises in both dark, near goth, pop, and electro. While what they’re doing is anything particularly new, they’re doing it better than just about anyone out there, which is enough to make it noteworthy. Wazu is shrouded in cloudy atmosphere, but there’s enough light for you to see the party they’re throwing: It’s definitely worth joining.”
- POP MATTERS

“Finding middle ground between the boogie of Duran Duran and the deep, eerie sound of Nine Inch Nails. Truly set apart as one of the hottest new groups around, Wazu drops an EP certain to make fans demand a full-length album. Nothing but excitement can follow after listening to a strong EP like Wazu has concocted. The sky is the limit for this group, and they prove it with every track. Grab a copy of this EP and be ready to drop that jaw. – ULTRA VULGAR SUPER FIEND

“Wazu’s EP has a sleek and sexy industrious rock sound will make your toes tap and remind you of Depeche Mode. Wazu has a great potential to be a powerhouse of sexy, sullen, and danceable rock music. It is a precarious mix, but Wazu pulls it off with ease.” – SHAKEFIRE “The thematic blanket under which these three songs were written – even if that was, simply, new attitude, new band, clean slate – proved itself a workable formula for Wazu. If you’re looking for a Soho Dolls and early 90s ‘happy’ new wave sandwich, press set and sealed with a two-ton master limiter that distorts to mod, experimental electro proportions, then Wazu is for you.” -THE SILVER TONGUE “Based in New York, WAZU’s music takes me back to a time when creepy, pale folk and their kooky electro-pop was the epitome of cool. And ‘Murder 1’ with it’s programmed beats, warped synth and haunting vocals is a great track. There are shades of post-punk and industrial in its laid-back delivery and gritty textures. The contrast in vocal tones is a nice touch too; Matt’s deep, church-like chant sits on top of Rizz’s more Blondie-inspired hum.” -ALTSOUNDS

“You love electro, synthpop right? Well as it happens so do we and we happen to ha - NeuFutur Magazine

"Councillor's" lyrics are about manipulation. The video brings across some of the claustrophobia and loneliness associated with having tunnel vision and and a hidden ulterior motive. - VICE.com (Twitter)

Today's selection of legal and free downloads - [included Murder1 and Happy Endings] - Totally Fuzzy

After releasing their self-titled EP, WAZU now turns their focus on their upcoming LP Robobo. The Brooklyn electronic duo now share the video for their lead single “Councillor,” off the album, shot in Oheka Castle in New York. Directed by WAZU, the dark and gloomy visuals compliment the tune very nicely and you can enjoy both up above. Robobo is available for pre-order and you can place yours now by clicking here. - HipHop Cube

I haven’t really had borderline electro on this blog for ages, if any at all. So I decided that Wazu would fill that place perfectly. A very talented duo from New York. Their latest release only has one available song and I’ll try my best to review it in the way I see fit. Their only song available, “Councillor“, is a landmark example of how electro and darkwave can be combined to create a great end-result. With almost no-wave tendencies at times for the vocals, that both of them operate with their wonderfully fit melodies, that interact with the harsh drums and fluorescent synths in the foreground, make for an excellent combination. At times, the repetitiveness gets to me and flings me into their sound-scape. I try to find anything wrong with it, but I simply cannot. Even though the song isn’t that long, it feels like it’s on for an eternity. There’s no boring passage in this song, with the exception of some seconds by the outro, but I can live with that.

There’s almost an aristocratic feeling to this, as if they’re battling the “emperor” with his own means. It reminds me of some of the old future-pop and borderline electroclash (yes, a misused term, I know) mixed up with the likes of Soho Girls (to some degree) and Ladytron. But Wazu manages to pull of their own thing, with both modesty and aggressiveness when it comes to the harder electronic beats. I know that it’s a paradox, but they’re a great paradox for all I care. Too bad that there are no more songs available for my listening pleasure, because I’d love to listen even more to it. This opening song, however, is a good indication for what I’m going to hear on the rest of the album. Hopefully they’ll surprise me even more with their excellence, and I hope that it will be sooner than later.

Buy their digital-only release of this record for 7 dollars from their bandcamp. Which I reckon they deserve for putting on such a show with the first and only song you get to pre-listen to. I’d say it’s worth a buy even though you only know it by the song “Councillor” which I reviewed above, but it’s worth it, because that song is effin’ great.
- Invisible Guy

MEET WAZU: WAZU is Matt and Rizz - an Australian/American industrial-pop/darkwave duo based in New York City. Matt and Rizz met as freshmen at The University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.

One for fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, NIN, Bauhaus, The XX - WAZU's full length debut album "Robobo" will be released on Halloween, October 31st 2012, on Anti-language Recordings, but until then you can stream it in full here, below... - Totally Fuzzy

Depuis le succès de leur premier single éponyme, le duo New-Yorkais WAZU revient avec pour ce mois-ci la sortie de leur prochain album intitulé Robobo. Councillor, premier extrait de ce disque, mais également premier clip nous dévoile un peu plus l’univers sombre et tourmenté du groupe qui se lance dans la réalisation de leur propre vidéo. En attendant de pouvoir écouter l’ensemble des pistes de l’album annoncé pour le 31 Octobre prochain, bon visionnage. - WATM Magazine

Are Wazu a rehash, an update or an evolution? It's slightly difficult to tell and they'll probably be described as all three depending on who you talk to. Their debut album 'Robobo' draws from a wide range of influences, not least the less sugary side of 80s pop; Depeche Mode, Bauhaus and Eurythmics are cited as reference points, but then so are Duran Duran. The sounds this Australian pair make don't seem to have a great deal in common with Simon Le Bon and his mates; there is a pop edge to what they do but it's nothing like as commercial and user-friendly. When you factor in two more modern references they give us, Nine Inch Nails and The xx, then you begin to build a better picture of what we're dealing with.

It's interesting that these proponents of modern industrial pop have chosen to co-produce their record with Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) and Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Hangmen), two men who are well versed in updating past sounds with a modern twist, although their most recognisable works are by experimental guitar bands rather than electronica and pop, but such experienced hands will surely know a thing or two about most sounds out there. This choice of studio hands goes some way further to explaining just what it is Wazu want to do and the result is a fusion of many sounds, resulting in something fairly unique but not without contemporaries.

You could throw in comparisons to Crystal Castles and fellow Aussi expats The Death Set. They don't deal in quite as extreme noise terrorism as those bands (except for maybe 'Symbol System') but share common ancestors. The tight beats and chiming guitars and synths on 'Councillor' and 'I Think I Remeber' and the processed punk of 'It's A Trick' are a collage of previous bands pieced together to make a new one. There are big pop melodies to be found here too, 'Show Your Skin' and 'I'll Take You Over' being particularly memorable, along with the retro sounding 'Bugsatio'. There is a dark element to what they do, and track names like 'Bones', 'Ghost Years' and 'It's A Trick' are nicely suited to a Halloween release. With such a wide range of sounds combining on 'Robobo' we're left to conclude that Wazu are definitely an evolution, and a pretty good one at that.
- The Sound of Confusion

Following up the release of their self-titled EP at the beginning of the year, Brooklyn dark wave duo WAZU have unveiled the video for the lead single, "Councillor", which comes from their forthcoming debut full-length, Robobo, set to drop this Halloween. If you enjoyed their dancy goth jams the last time around, hold on to your effing hats because this song is about to knock the wind right out of you. Within less than a year the band has successfully been able to up their energy level all the while refining their craft, with succinct vicious guitars coupled with hauting synths and vocals. - Some Kind of Awesome

Le duo darkwave, après la sortie de son premier EP homonyme début 2012, va refaire parler de lui avec la vidéo maniérée mais musicalement séduisante réalisée pour « Councillor », premier single à être extrait de son prochain et premier album studio, Robobo. Et il sort quand, ce disque ? Pour Halloween, mais quelle question alors. Amateurs de choses dansantes, langoureuses, sombres, et de guitares économes et hantées, c’est sûrement pour vous. - Obskure Mag

Sometimes it takes us awhile to actually listen to things, or watch things, but then once we do we're like "Oh man, why am I always so horrified to read my emails, this isn't painful at all!"

Please enjoy the premiere of this video for "Councillor" off of WAZU's upcoming full-length debut, which is called Robobo and is coming out on Halloween. The video was shot in Oheka Castle in New York, for added gloom.
- VICE.com

After releasing their self-titled EP, WAZU now turns their focus on their upcoming LP Robobo. The Brooklyn electronic duo now share the video for their lead single "Councillor," off the album, shot in Oheka Castle in New York. Directed by WAZU, the dark and gloomy visuals compliment the tune very nicely and you can enjoy both up above. Robobo is available for pre-order and you can place yours now by clicking here. - Hypetrak

Wazu, “Robobo” (October 31st)

Australian-bred, but currently residing in New York, duo Wazu make a splash with their debut LP, “Robobo” an electro-pop record worthy of multiple listens. “Robobo” features elements of dance, glam and rock in their energetic fresh take of new wave. Tracks like “Show Your Skin” and “I’ll Take You Over” are intoxicating heart-pumping gems. Their danceable follow-up to their self-titled debut showcases the genius behind this male-female duo.
- Sinister Girlz

Wazu, what´s that? Can you eat it? Is it an African instrument or perhaps a language? Well, what I do know is that it´s a male/female duo from Australia that are living in NYC now. It says 2012 on the album cover but it could´ve easily been released in the golden age of synthpop back in 1983, I just love the dark synth sounds of Wazu´s new album "Robobo" where most songs are really strong. The album opens with the Depeche Mode flirt of "Councillor" and continues with the Devo-esque "It´s a trick", what a cool song. The track "Bugsatio" bring thoughts to Shiny Toy Guns while the industrial "Symbol system" could´ve been an unreleased song by Gary Numan, awesome. The more soft "Irene" sounds like a cousin to The Stranglers song "Don´t bring Harry". Highly recommendable!
- Roth n roll

My life would be better had I gotten ears to this band a year or so ago. Now described in the PR guff and besmirched across the lazy-o-sephere as sounding like some rancid band from the early ’80s – were that the case I wouldn’t bother your time. Shifting betwixt instruments and synths WAZU lends the ears to an absolute state of evolution in 2012.

This is a highly original take on relationship engagement, there is nothing fluffy here and the duo deliver a repost to introspective self-indulgence ’I matter’ with an engaging mix of tempo. Now that may have sounded like a disparaging remark, but – me thinks these two have a perfect handle on the concept of irony, although the music sits beautifully in Europe, have chosen the USA as a base, as their invective take on introspection will graze over the heads.

Anger emits in many ways and through the entrancing and highly danceable tracks, WAZU is able to release rage without it spilling over. This is a sharply focused duo who have taken their perspective of the world to a manageable space and the speakers resonate of isolation from a world too wrapped up in its own personal issues.

But step away from the invective and we find some decently constructed tracks which engage the listener on a disparity of levels. I like this as much for its acerbity as for its wit . I also like it for the mix of electro and instrumentation and a band worth taking time to listen to – not because the PR says they ‘sound like….’, but, because they are original.

A new LP – Robobo – arrives on the 31st October 2012 and I have had the pleasure of a listen – in which they even go to acoustic on a track – my advice – get hold of their EP released early in 2012 which is available on itunes in advance of the album.
- Indie Bands Blog

Meet WAZU who are Matt and Rizz – an Australian/American industrial-pop/darkwave duo based in New York City.

Matt and Rizz met as freshmen at The University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.

At the end of the year party for their class, the two decided to form a metal band, Open the Gates. Matt would play drums and Rizz would sing lead.

Soon thereafter, Matt realized Rizz was the missing ingredient for his band. The rest as they say is history.

One for fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, NIN, Bauhaus, The xx.

Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable.

Modern electro-pop duo WAZU will release their debut, album, Robobo this Halloween.

These New York City-based Australian transplants appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion.

Check out some of their tunes here, and look out for the drop of Robobo. - Bearly Rambling

Dark Pop duo Matt and Rizz make up the band, Wazu who I've written about in the past (see Here). The Australian duo will release their full length album, Robobo this Halloween (October 31st 2012). Check out the track list below! - The Great Black North

WAZU is not your first musical project. How did you begin making music together and what prompted you to become a duo? When did you realize the creative spark between you?

MATT: We first met at college. The discovery of our chemistry was pretty much an accident. My band’s keyboard player was not turning up, so I asked Rizz to play some parts and we hit it off straight away. I also played drums in her metal band too so we were able to work together in different situations – we realized our chemistry was bigger than the situations we were in.

What do you like most about each other personally and professionally?

MATT: Rizz is able to cut right through to the truth of a situation, she sees the humanity in things and is really affected by it.

RIZZ: He’s a machine.

Your music is described in many different ways, usually using the words “dark, goth, or electro” in the description somewhere. How would you describe your own style to someone who has never heard you before?

MATT: We usually use some kind of inadequate genre description, like ‘electronic darkwave’ or something like that. I find it very hard to describe our music in terms people will get…so sometimes I also find myself referencing well known bands – like ‘Depeche Mode on steroids’ or ‘the XX mating with Nine Inch Nails.’

RIZZ: Dark wave, dance, neo gothic? It’s in that world anyway.

It used to be that a unique sound such as yours would have been part of a quite exclusive audience. Do you think the digital era has helped to change that? Are people becoming more accepting of trying out new sounds in this age of ease in obtaining music?

MATT: Yes, definitely. I also think that trends come and go so much more quickly, that it’s all happening, all at the same time. People have access to so much stuff, that there are no real prevailing sounds that define an era. A whole generation has grown up used to getting any kind of culture they want in a click. We could never have a whole half-decade being dominated by disco, or alt-rock, or new-wave or any one genre like in the past, when distribution channels were such a monopoly and trends took a long time to evolve and change. It happens overnight now, and there are many more things happening at once in music, and culture in general.

What prompted the move from your homeland of Australia to the United States? What do you think are the biggest cultural differences musically?

We wanted to be somewhere alien, and there’s something very liberating about leaving everything you know behind, and getting rid of the safety net. We had an audience, friends, family and all that at home but we needed to give everything to what we’re doing, and the only way to do that is to leave everything you know behind.

Culturally, the US has more of everything. There is about 15 times more people here, so you can imagine the diversity is incredible in comparison. Australian culture is quirky, and can be interesting because of its isolation. There is also no comparison in terms of making a living playing music. Australia is a very difficult place to stay alive as a band, there are huge distances between cities and little to sustain yourself on along the way. Whereas some of the best shows we’ve played in the US have been in the ‘in between’ towns.

Your video for Murder 1 has a very dark cinema like quality. How did you develop the concept for this video? Does film influence you and your music in any way? What environment makes you the most creative?

MATT: Another thing that I like about Rizz is her cinematic viewpoint. She developed the video almost single-handedly, and although the concept was simple, I loved the execution. Film is almost as big an influence for us as music, if not more. The direct human drama in cinema can be so much more universal, and powerful than music sometimes. Film composers like John Barry and Philip Glass are big influences as well.

We are generally at our most creative when we’re sitting opposite each other at a diner! When we’re relaxed ideas flow – when we’re actually putting them together, it’s a more mechanical experience.

Describe what it feels like to be on stage performing.

MATT: Like you’re playing your songs for the first time. If you’re doing it right, it should feel spontaneous, like speaking to someone. Good shows are just a lot of fun and you feel love for people being kind enough to be paying attention and enjoy it.

RIZZ: Loud!

What has the process been like in creating your first full length album as WAZU?

MATT: Amazing – we are recording at an old converted barn, in upstate New York. We have put everything into it, and not cut any corners. Kevin McMahon is a great producer who challenges you into giving your best, and making sure what you’re doing is right, for the right reasons.

You took three of your singles and created your first EP. What prompted you to combine those three particular songs and get them out - Fourculture Magazine: Issue two

WAZU recently came to Cincinnati and I was immediately charmed by Rizz. The goth duo was so genuine live and the set was awesomely dark with shadowy images projected behind them while they rocked out. Afterwards, I met Rizz and we agreed to set up a Women in Rock interview. I sent her some questions about WAZU and here’s what she had to say.
IK: How did you get your start in music?
RK: When I was very young, TV was a constant companion. I’d get lost in cartoons, TV commercials, movies… I remember getting obsessed with certain TV show theme songs or ad music. I guess that’s where it started!
IK: How did you and Matt meet and decide to form a band?
RK: Matt and I met at music school in Australia. He became the drummer in my metal band. We liked all the same music and liked hanging out so we started working together a lot more. When I first saw him I thought he looked like a cross between David Bowie and Peter Murphy which didn’t hurt.
IK: How did you decide to make the move from Australia to L.A. and then eventually to Brooklyn?
RK: In 2009 the band we had been focusing on at the time was making it’s 3rd record in L.A. and touring the US west coast. After all that was finished it felt like the band had run it’s course, so instead of going home to Australia we stayed in L.A. and started writing lots of stuff, just the two of us. After a while in L.A. we decided to make the move to New York. We just always liked the place. It gets under your skin.
IK: WAZU has a great image that lines up with the music. How has that developed over time?
RK: We inspire each other’s work so we end up coming up with stuff that’s cohesive. I might shoot something which inspires Matt to provide a soundtrack for it and vice versa. As time goes by, you create your own little world.
IK: How did you decide to keep your band a two piece?
RK: Once our old band had parted ways all the stuff we had written as a duo struck us as quite cool and exciting. Having more people to play with funnily enough can be more restricting. This is the most creatively fertile situation either of us has been in so it makes sense to keep it this way until we run out of ideas.
IK: What are you most excited about the upcoming release of your debut album?
RK: It’s exciting to document your work and share it with people. Making a record and all the things that go along with that captures and solidifies that time in your life. We are excited to put it out there in music land.
IK: What is the favorite city you’ve played so far?
RK: Funny you should ask! Cincinnati was one of the highlights of our recent tour.
IK: Who is your favorite woman in rock?
RK: I have so many favorites! I’d have to say Chan Marshall and also Kate Bush. They’re both such raw and honest artists. I love how both of these women made a big, dramatic entrance and then at a crucial stage in their careers completely shunned the limelight to go live their lives and deal with themselves. I think that’s the way it should be. Life is crazy and inspiring in good and bad ways. You have to live it and feel it in order to have something relevant to express.
IK: What is the last album you bought?
RK: I just bought two albums! I got Front by Front by Front 242 and D.O.A. by Throbbing Gristle. I’m so in love.
IK: Who is your favorite goth band?
RK: Bauhaus.
IK: When will you be back in Cincinnati?!
RK: Quite possibly very soon! Our album drops on October 31st and we’re hitting the road again straight after.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the debut album from WAZU!! - rocknwomen.avidnoise.com

Darkwave, electro, goth, neo mash up of sound that will blow you away . . .
PRINT ISSUE COMING - FOURCULTURE

The dark ’80s synth sound has been reborn and we have, at least partially, WAZU to thank. WAZU is a duo based in New York City (but originally from Australia) made up of Matt and Rizz. While they have been a band for two years, they will release their debut album on Halloween (they are that dark). The album is co-produced by WAZU, Kevin McMahon (The Walkmen, Swans, Real Estate) and Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Hangmen). The duo’s gothic electronic sound is comparable to The XX, but WAZU seems to make songs that are both depressing and danceable.

You can easily hear the ’80s Goth influence in this band on their most recent EP.

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Elsewhere, “Murder 1” has a definite Tears for Fears vibe and has been described as “post apocalyptic.” Although you could say this band draws from past sounds, which isn’t exactly original, the ease with which they reach darkness is outstanding and natural. But a glam vibe is also intact. Perhaps WAZU’s strength comes from the ability to combine the best of ’80s Goth and ’70s Glam Rock while still being relevant to music today.

If you’re fan of New Order, The Cure and Tears for Fears, and you enjoy crying as much as you love dancing, then you should definitely check out the WAZU. - CITY BEAT Cincinnati - Izzi Krombholz

The Sydney-born duo known as WAZU released a self-titled EP earlier this year which has started to earn some props in the blog-osphere. Rightfully so; the noise-cum-pop / electro-meets-rock hybrids are an appreciated break from the norm, as demonstrated in this single, Walk All Night.
- Groove Bug

One-Sheet Week continues. I really can’t get enough of this one:
—

Modern electro-pop duo WAZU is pleased to announce details of a twenty-date summer tour that will precede the release of their debut, yet to be titled, full-length album. The album, to be released on Halloween, was co-produced by WAZU, Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) and Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Hangmen).

These New York City-based Australian transplants appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion, earning them heaps of buzz from outlets such as KEXP, BBC, AOL, CONTACT MUSIC, THE DELI MAGAZINE, and FLAVORPILL. Their dark and danceable self-titled debut is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo.

The video for “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from the WAZU EP is receiving rave reviews after premiering exclusively on CONTACT MUSIC. - The Muse in Music

After previously shifting around together in various projects, the New York based (by way of Sydney, Australia) duo of Matt and Rizz settled on WAZU. Their latest musical exploration drains the blood from electro-pop, ruining its sunny demeanor until all that’s left is a vamped out version complete with black mascara and ripped fishnet pantyhose. Matt and Rizz’s reverb cloaked vocals intertwine on their self-titled EP’s three songs instilling a bleak outlook, “Happy endings don’t have room for two”, while maintaining a pop aesthetic despite its gothic leanings. Think Marylin Manson fronting Foster The People.

Starting out aggressive with “Murder1?, ghostly whirring and seductive guitar chords give way to a menacing crunch. While “Murder1? is a strong enough opener to thwart less courageous listeners from continuing, they should know that the EP’s following two songs, “Happy Endings” and “Walk All Night”, get less creepy and more pop oriented. Still, a sinister bite remains present. In a genre stereotyped by warm feelings, it’s nice to take a freaky detour. - Ear Buddy

MODERN DARK WAVE A-POPCALYPTIC DUO
WAZU
ANNOUNCE ALBUM RELEASE DATE &
MASSIVE US SUMMER TOUR
FULL LENGTH ALBUM OUT OCTOBER 31
CO-PRODUCED BY WAZU, KEVIN MCMAHON (TITUS ANDRONICUS, REAL ESTATE, SWANS, THE WALKMEN) AND RICK PARKER (BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, THE HANGMEN)
FOLLOWING CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SELF-TITLED EP
CONTAGIOUS SING-ALONG TRACK “HAPPY ENDINGS”
RECENT SONG OF THE DAY ON KEXP
http://blog.kexp.org/2012/05/23/song-of-the-day-wazu-happy-endings/
“HAPPY ENDINGS” ALSO ADDED AT BBC RADIO 6
VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE “MURDER 1”
EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE ON UK GIANT CONTACT MUSIC
ALSO FEATURED AS VIDEO OF THE DAY ON SPINNER
http://www.contactmusic.com/watch/wazu-murder-1
One for fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, NIN, Bauhaus, The XX.
Modern electro-pop duo WAZU is pleased to announce details of a twenty-date summer tour that will precede the release of their debut, yet to be titled, full-length album. The album, to be released on Halloween, was co-produced by WAZU, Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) and Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Hangmen).
These New York City-based Australian transplants appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion, earning them heaps of buzz from outlets such as KEXP, BBC, AOL, CONTACT MUSIC, THE DELI MAGAZINE, and FLAVORPILL. Their dark and danceable self-titled debut is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo.
The video for “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from the WAZU EP is receiving rave reviews after premiering exclusively on Contact Music. It was also recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER. Watch it here: http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/20/wazu-murder-1-video-of-the-day/
“Happy Endings,” the second single, is an electro goth-punk sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable.
“MURDER 1” AND “HAPPY ENDINGS” AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD:
http://download.themusebox.net/wazu/murder_1.mp3
http://download.themusebox.net/wazu/happy_endings.mp3
WAZU have also had success at College Radio, receiving heavy rotation at stations such as WRSU Rutgers University NJ and KXSC University of Southern California Los Angeles, and even Song of the Day at KEXP University of Washington Seattle. Of WAZU, Ultra Vulgar Super Fiend says, “The sky is the limit for this group, and they prove it with every track.” Don’t miss your chance to see WAZU before they blow up, and keep your ear to the ground for the first single from WAZU’s debut LP, coming soon.
TOUR DATES:
2-Aug Providence RI – *Secret Show*
5-Aug Northampton MA – The Elevens
6-Aug Portland ME – *Secret Show*
8-Aug Syracuse NY – Spark Art Space
9-Aug Ithaca NY – The Nines
10-Aug Lakewood OH – Mahalls 20 Lanes
11-Aug Buffalo NY – Filigrees
12-Aug Cleveland OH – The Euclid Tavern
13-Aug Pittsburgh PA – Assemble
14-Aug Columbus OH – The Summit
15-Aug Cincinnati OH – MOTR Pub
16-Aug Knoxville TN – Preservation Pub
17-Aug Lexington KY – Natasha’s
21-Aug Wilmington NC – The Soap Box
23-Aug Durham NC – The Pinhook
24-Aug Charlotte NC – Snug Harbor
26-Aug Washington, DC – *Secret Show*
27-Aug Baltimore MD – Hamilton Arts Collective
28-Aug Atlantic City NJ – The Boneyard
30-Aug Philadelphia PA – Dobbs - Nerdy Frames

Dark synth pop? Count me in! WAZU appears to have fully embraced my favorite Depeche Mode album, Black Celebration, and has completely amp'd up the darkness of it. Murder 1, was released back in December of last year, but it is entirely new to me (and entirely awesome). The main reason of this post is to inform that WAZU will be releasing a full length debut on October 31. That seems like a pretty fitting release date, Halloween. I'll keep you updated with the upcoming album. Until then, check out WAZU's self titled EP that released this past January. - The Record Stache

I'm surprised there hasn't been a huge goth revival yet you know. Given the fact that thousands of our young folk seem to be facing a distinctly bleak future (actually the futures of our old folk and middle aged folk ain't looking too rosy neither) goth's whole gloomy nihilistic vibe would seem to be an infinitely better default than the oh so booooooring "yo yo yo mi 'angin wi mi crew" tinny plastic gangster preening much beloved of kids on the top deck of buses everywhere. Personally I'd much prefer to hear WAZU blaring (as much as stuff can blare out of a mobile phone speaker with all the power of a mildly irritated bumble bee) out of mobiles and, for anyone who still clings on to the idea that knifing people with their mum's potato peeler is the sign of being a 'man', it's got a suitably gangster title too. It's a win/win people. And now for the facts: WAZU are Australians, decamped to New Yoik (do any Australians actually stay in Australia?), and they're off on tour across America soon. No UK dates yet but once I convince the youth to embrace 'em I'm sure they'll pop over. - The Hearing Aid

Modern electro-pop duo WAZU is pleased to announce details of a twenty-date summer tour that will precede the release of their debut, yet to be titled, full-length album. The album, to be released on Halloween, was co-produced by WAZU, Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) and Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Hangmen).

“HAPPY ENDINGS” AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD:
http://download.themusebox.net/wazu/happy_endings.mp3
These New York City-based Australian transplants appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion, earning them heaps of buzz from outlets such as KEXP, BBC, AOL, CONTACT MUSIC, THE DELI MAGAZINE, and FLAVORPILL. Their dark and danceable self-titled debut is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo. - SKOPE Magazine

Wazu is an Australian born dark electro band that now resides in NYC. Their gloomy, heavy, synthy beats will appeal to anyone who likes Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, David Bowie and the like. The band is set to release their as of yet untitled album on Halloween of this year. The band is also set to embark on a 20 date tour this summer. - AZLTRON BLOG

Modern electro-pop duo WAZU is pleased to announce details of a twenty-date summer tour that will precede the release of their debut, yet to be titled, full-length album. The album, to be released on Halloween, was co-produced by WAZU, Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) and Rick Parker (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Hangmen). The video for “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from the WAZU EP is receiving rave reviews after premiering exclusively on Contact Music. It was also recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER. Watch it here: http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/20/wazu-murder-1-video-of-the-day/ “Happy Endings,” the second single, is an electro goth-punk sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. - Pop Culture Madness

You love electro, synthpop right? Well as it happens so do we and we happen to have it up the Wazu. Seriously and it’s right here. Wazu are an Australian via Brooklyn electronic group that together create dark almost gothy synthpop. Their self-titled EP is a super short but none-the-less cool record that's thrashy, trashy, and incredibly catchy. Teetering on the line between industrial, synthpop, and electro Wazu pull enough of all three influences into the same Dancetron 3000 and come up with post apocalyptic pop that's surprisingly fun.

The three songs, "Murder 1," "Happy Endings," and "Walk All Night" are all potential hits but of the three, "Walk All Night," seems to be my favorite. With darkly delicious boy/girl vocal trade-offs and a huge synth riff carrying it on...it's an instant dance floor smash. In fact, that's really all three songs...just with varying degrees of darkness and spikyness permeating each. Wazu have clearly tapped into something here and while there are only three songs on this EP it illustrates the massive potential these guys have and the need for far more songs. - The POP

These Australian transplants' synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single "Murder 1" from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting positive reviews. Insidiously catchy, the song alternately slithers and stomps like the best tracks from Depeche Mode's Violater. This should be an instant club hit, and will make anyone with any sense reach for the blackest eyeliner they can find.
Matt and Rizz, a male and female duo shy on personal details allow their music to speak at their behest. "Happy Endings", the second track off their EP is a sing-along with the desperately honest lyrics, "Take a look at me / I'm living proof / Happy endings don't have room for two".
With a three-song EP available, the band is suddenly in demand and should continue to be for some time to come. This is a strong release that will work it's way into your auditory canal like that space bug in Star Trek II. Only you'll be thankful for this.

- THRUST Magazine - Print

The White Stripes don’t have shit on Wazu, at least when it comes to good male-female duos. Though cut from a different cloth, Wazu’s originality and poise places them atop the newcomers of this year. Finding middle ground between the boogie of Duran Duran and the deep, eerie sound of Nine Inch Nails. Truly set apart as one of the hottest new groups around, Wazu drops an EP certain to make fans demand a full-length album.


“Murder 1” is the first song on the self-titled EP and it is in your face like pimples on a teen. Starts loud, stay loud, and definitely ends loud. Wazu wastes no time establishing who they are as an Electro-Rock group with an emphasis on heavy guitar riffs. The track is simple during the chorus but intense throughout leaving an eerie feel.
“Happy Endings” does a great job of retracting the eeriness and establishes a more complex feel. Mixing great lyrics that are a bit dark with the enlightening instrumentals creates an atmosphere for every mood. Convoluted percussion beats are almost hypnotizing, and keep the listener glued to the headphones.

“Walk All Night” finishes up the EP in Synth City. The track doesn’t involve a lot of lyrics, which allows for more personal interpretations. Instrumentally the Brooklyn-based duo creates a dance song for 80’s enthusiasts and a pleasant track for everybody else.



Nothing but excitement can follow after listening to a strong EP like Wazu has concocted. The sky is the limit for this group, and they prove it with every track. Grab a copy of this EP and be ready to drop that jaw.

- Butch Cassidy - ULTRA VULGAR SUPER FIEND

Of all Australian/American duos involved somehow in music, the one that constantly comes to mind is Ben Lee and Claire Danes. Yet, since the split in 2003, not many more have come about until two people met in college in Armidale, Australia. Matt and Rizz returned to America together after stints testing the waters as Open the Gates and Captains, landing finally in Brooklyn and calling it their home base for their duo Wazu. What’s come out since is their eponymous EP, fusing the metal of Open the Gates with heedy, gothic synth. Think Trent Reznor having to DJ a late night, full moon birthday party for Dave Gahan.

The EP is short-three songs. Much like with Icona Pop‘s earlier electro material, Wazu keeps the attention by mixing up the songs musically. If you’re not taken by “Murder 1,” keep trying. “Murder 1? is a gritty, driving electro number that forces forward with John 5, Mechanical Animals-esque guitar. It’s dark and forebodes the listener so much to trick them into believing the music is going to down that alleyway before diverting into the chorused vocals of “Happy Endings.”

“Happy Endings” essentially feels like Garbage meets Sleigh Bells in a stage vs stage match. If it wasn’t for Rizz’s verses, which edge more towards Shirley Manson than Alexis Krauss, the EP would’ve got 2 for 3 for being a bit too heavy to don and rest amid synthpop. It’s here where Wazu finds their rhythm and manages to forcefully find their sonic groove. “Walk All Night” continues along the same current. The music and singing are a little disjointed, the latter slightly languishing but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before the two are resolved. It tries to balance between gothic pop and the addictiveness of electro dance, slipping a bit when it goes atmospheric-better suited for a proper album to give it room to breathe.

Regardless of the dizzying end, Wazu’s got a rather solid debut that make them worth following as they move forward. They’ve got the elements and some excellent ideas brewing, it’s just putting them all to roost and brandishing their brashness with the confidence to make the darkness dance. - MEZZIC.com

A dark and danceable EP.

Kevin McMahon produced this delightful stab of violent electro-pop from an exciting new male/female duo—and for good reason. The band’s sound is in keeping with acts that McMahon had previously produced, most notably Swans. There’s a sort of dark visceral energy that pulsates through these three tracks, all of which energetic exercises in both dark, near goth, pop, and electro. The latter is an important distinction because too often bands garnering buzz in that genre flounder and don’t deserve to be singled out. Wazu most certainly do. While what they’re doing is anything particularly new, they’re doing it better than just about anyone out there, which is enough to make it noteworthy. Wazu is shrouded in cloudy atmosphere, but there’s enough light for you to see the party they’re throwing: It’s definitely worth joining.
7 out of 10. - Pop Matters - Steven Spoerl

Listening to Wazu's "Murder 1" provokes the urge to paint an Aladdin Sane lightning bolt across your face and visit a seedy, underground hot spot full of androgynous artists and wandering neon lights. The track sparkles with all the glitter and glitz of 70s glam rock and pops in your head like candy. Wazu resonates the same sexy, trancy sound as acts like Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, Marc Bolan, or Roxy Music. They intertwine the former with the new age feel of bands like Metric or Ladytron. They are recording the songs for their debut record in February, and it is expected out in March.

Purchase "Murder 1" in any format desired, and name the price!

-Jenna Putnam

Published on January 24, 2011 - ShareThis - The Deli Magazine Los Angeles

"Recent transplants from LA, the duo in Wazu crafts an almost scary electro-rock with industrial tinges and a pop soul. Their guitar sound alone commands awe, while the overall apop-calyptic mood of their music brings to mind that masterpiece of the 80s that is The The's "Infected"." - The Deli Magazine NYC

Straight out of Australia, Wazu duo Matt and Rizz make vicious glam jams propelled by murky, grating synths and ground-moving guitar riffs that equate to an absolute hor- ror show of dark electronica. Having cut their teeth performing in other groups in their native land, the band now resides in New York, and locals have embraced their homicidal sound after the pair released a series of self-produced singles last year. Their debut album is due to drop this sum- mer with Titus Andronicus producer Kevin McMahon at the helm. (Dean Van Nguyen) - The Deli Magazine NYC

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s selection, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Happy Endings” by WAZU from the 2012 self-titled EP on Anti-Language Recordings.

WAZU – Happy Endings (MP3)
New York band WAZU pulls heavily from New Wave and goth bands to craft their dark yet danceable sound. But WAZU aren’t witch house, and they definitely don’t deviate to the club like Crystal Castles and Trust. Instead, they’ve blazed their own trail, creating a sound that feels 80s, but breathes like a modern electro-pop band. The 80s have been in for a while now, but WAZU shines light on a dark corner of the decade that few have touched on as of yet.

“Happy Endings” is the most punk of the tunes off the self-titled EP. The track opens with crunchy rhythm guitar over an electronic drum track with energy along the same line as Metric’s “Gold Guns Girls”. But when the verse starts and a spooky synth line harmonizes with the vocals, WAZU takes a turn down a haunted back road that feels all their own. The chorus is punchy and fun, as WAZU sings “Take a look at me, I’m living proof. Happy endings don’t have room for two”. The song is unbelievably catchy and bodes for the fact that goths can have fun and rock out too.

WAZU release their debut full length later this month! Grab “Happy Endings” above and check out the rest of the self-titled EP here (they also have a cool t-shirt for sale). Also, check out the official video for the first song on their EP: - KEXP University of Washington

When I first heard this band I thought their name was referring to the great Palouse. Turns out I was wrong, it is actually an Australian/American glam/grunge/electronica/new wave duo based in New York City by way of Sydney. This duo released an EP in January 2012 and you can pick it up via bandcamp below.
Learn more about the band over at The Musebox.com - GRISL

Wazu is a two-piece darkwave band transplanted from Sydney, Australia to New York City. Its members, Matt and Rizz, met in college and previously played together as Australia-based Captains. I don’t know if it’s because the duo has only released singles since the formation of Wazu or not, but I completely missed the release of their self-titled EP this past January. Here’s a stab at introduction by review.
The thing to hate about this EP is that it’s comprised of three songs, and they were all written as singles. The audacity of the band to refer to the record as an ‘extended play’ collection is a bit ludicrous to me – though I’m all for envelope-pushing. The inner toil over that fact is influencing my regard for them as artists and how much I really ‘like’ the music, though I do. All three songs are worthy in their own right, and it would’ve been easier to lambast the EP idea if they didn’t fit. But maybe telling of the duo’s professionalism and intuitions, the revamp of these songs proved that they could mesh together. And not that name drops matter, but by sheer stylistic standards, producer Kevin McMahon’s involvement didn’t hurt.
“Murder 1” is the opener. The splashy snare slaps on top of smaller electronic kicks and coupled with a way-too-compressed loop work well together. The beat holds water (that part in a very Tears for Fears fashion) to the raunchy guitars that encroach it from the start. Having read about the band and developed an interest, I’m a little let down as to how much Matt’s vocals overshadow Rizz’s, since she’s supposed to be the secret weapon here. Nonetheless, I’m a sucker for fe/male duals. And even though these aren’t really harmonies, they are fun in a punk attitude/melodramatic delivery sort of way.
When the guitars get sonic-ish on the bridge of the first tune, the tonality of the song makes more sense. The noise is nice, although the delays could come up a notch. All the same, it helps to gel the second tune, “Happy Endings,” especially the fuzzy, stiff bass. I dig how Rizz’s vocals are affected on the verses on this tune and how they’re coupled with the airy guitars that turn to very Duran Duran-like bridge hangover parts. The hokiness of the organ keys and major/minor switchovers give the name some credibility.
The final track, “Walk All Night,” takes a different, more mellow approach than the previous tracks. The beat ups the ante, approaching rolls of heavy handed 90s drum machine kicks and handclaps ala Le Tigre on an 808 or a 909, and just as rigid. The peaky guitar/key mashup on top of that and the distorted bass gives Wazu something new that none of these types of bands have: they achieve ‘dark’ easily. It’s not effortless, and definitely intended, but they don’t shut off pieces of obvious personal influence and experience to get there.
The thematic blanket under which these three songs were written – even if that was, simply, new attitude, new band, clean slate – proved itself a workable formula for Wazu. If you’re looking for a Soho Dolls and early 90s ‘happy’ new wave sandwich, press set and sealed with a two-ton master limiter that distorts to mod, experimental electro proportions, then Wazu is for you. - The Silver Tongue

Wazu is a duo from New York who's three tack ep album is garnering great buzz. A sleek and sexy industrious rock sound will make your toes tap and remind you of Depeche Mode. Either of the tracks, "Murder 1", "Happy Endings", or "Walk All Night" could eaisly accompany a scene in True Blood. Each has that slinky feel you're sure that wry smiling vampires woulld listen to.
The EP comes compelte with song lyrics which are much appreciated as the voices are sometimes drowned out by the sound.
The only faults I could find were that I couldn't info on this band' internet searching hasn't had fruitful results. and I wish this were a full length CD. Wazu has a great potential to be a power house of sexy, sullen, and danceable rock music. It is a precarious mix, but Wazu pulls it off with ease. - Shakefire.com

Wazu: Neon Electro-Glam From the New York City Scene
From a media release:

WAZU: NEON ELECTRO-GLAM MUSIC FOR THE DANCEFLOOR

DEBUT EP PRODUCED BY KEVIN MCMAHON
(TITUS ANDRONICUS, REAL ESTATE, SWANS, THE WALKMEN)
OUT NOW ON ANTI-LANGUAGE RECORDINGS

SECOND SINGLE, THE CONTAGIOUS “HAPPY ENDINGS”
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD NOW

VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE “MURDER 1”
EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE ON UK GIANT CONTACT MUSIC

UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES IN
NEW YORK, CANADA & ATLANTA
RECENT APPEARANCES IN CANADA & LAS VEGAS

NEW YORK CITY - If you’ve been paying attention to the NYC music scene (and you should be!), you know that Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have been generating heaps of buzz as of late. “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting rave reviews. The accompanying video premiered exclusively on Contact Music and was recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER.

The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. “Happy Endings,” the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.

In their first week of playing together as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC. In the past few months WAZU made the Top 3 of the Deli Magazine’s Year End Best of NYC poll for emerging artists in 2011 and the EP has earned the band glowing reviews and promising mentions in In-d Scene UK, Some Kind of Awesome, and Alfitude, to name a few.

Catch WAZU at one scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012.

TOUR DATES:
April 22, 2012: Magic Rub Cassettes Event in Atlanta, GA
April 29, 2012: Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY
May 3, 2012: Bugjar in Rochester, NY @ 9pm
May 8, 2012: Boardner’s “Kitty Kitty Bang Bang” in Hollywood, CA
May 24, 2012: Deli Magazine Best of 2011 Festival in Brooklyn, NY - Art and Culture Maven

WAZU:
NEON ELECTRO-GLAM MUSIC FOR THE DANCEFLOOR

DEBUT EP PRODUCED BY KEVIN MCMAHON
(TITUS ANDRONICUS, REAL ESTATE, SWANS, THE WALKMEN)
OUT NOW ON ANTI-LANGUAGE RECORDINGS

SECOND SINGLE, THE CONTAGIOUS “HAPPY ENDINGS” AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD NOW
http://download.themusebox.net/wazu/happy_endings.mp3
VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE “MURDER 1” EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE ON UK GIANT CONTACT MUSIC
ALSO FEATURED AS VIDEO OF THE DAY ON SPINNER
http://www.contactmusic.com/watch/wazu-murder-1
UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES IN NEW YORK, CANADA & ATLANTA
RECENT APPEARANCES IN CANADA & LAS VEGAS
“Listening to WAZU’s "Murder 1" provokes the urge to paint an Aladdin Sane lightning bolt across your face and visit a seedy, underground hot spot full of androgynous artists and wandering neon lights. The track sparkles with all the glitter and glitz of 70s glam rock and pops in your head like candy.”
- THE DELI MAGAZINE
“Fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Talking Heads, and David Bowie will want to have a listen and grab "Murder 1" from Australian-born, now NYC-based duo Wazu. The track combines elements of glam, grunge, electronic, pop and goth to create a dark, danceable atmosphere.”
- SOME KIND OF AWESOME

If you’ve been paying attention to the NYC music scene (and you should be!), you know that Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have been generating heaps of buzz as of late. “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting rave reviews. The accompanying video premiered exclusively on Contact Music and was recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER. Watch it here: http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/20/wazu-murder-1-video-of-the-day
The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. “Happy Endings,” the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.

In their first week of playing together as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC. In the past few months WAZU made the Top 3 of the Deli Magazine’s Year End Best of NYC poll for emerging artists in 2011 and the EP has earned the band glowing reviews and promising mentions in In-d Scene UK, Some Kind of Awesome, and Alfitude, to name a few.

Catch WAZU at one scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012.

TOUR DATES //
4/22: Magic Rub Cassettes Event in Atlanta, GA
4/29: Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY
5/3: Bugjar in Rochester, NY @ 9pm
5/8: Boardner’s “Kitty Kitty Bang Bang” in Hollywood, CA
5/24: Deli Magazine Best of 2011 Festival in Brooklyn, NY - Mousertime

How do you go international but stay local? You live in Brooklyn. OK, I answered my own question but, it gave me a reason to talk about Brooklyn! i recently got introduced to an Australian band called WAZU. These two are pretty awesome! I really hate categorizing music so you know what to do. I can say that their music breezes through several genres with out even noticing. I'm looking forward to hearing more. You can pick up their debut EP: HERE

If your in Brooklyn make sure to check out there performance @ Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY on 4/29...that's a Saturday. - People For Progression

DEBUT EP PRODUCED BY KEVIN MCMAHON (TITUS ANDRONICUS, REAL ESTATE, SWANS, THE WALKMEN)OUT NOW ON ANTI-LANGUAGE RECORDINGS

SECOND SINGLE, THE CONTAGIOUS “HAPPY ENDINGS”AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD NOW
http://download.themusebox.net/wazu/happy_endings.mp3

VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE “MURDER 1” EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE ON UK GIANT CONTACT MUSIC
ALSO FEATURED AS VIDEO OF THE DAY ON SPINNER
http://www.contactmusic.com/watch/wazu-murder-1

UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES INNEW YORK, CANADA & ATLANTA RECENT APPEARANCES IN CANADA & LAS VEGAS
“Listening to WAZU’s “Murder 1? provokes the urge to paint an Aladdin Sane lightning bolt across your face and visit a seedy, underground hot spot full of androgynous artists and wandering neon lights. The track sparkles with all the glitter and glitz of 70s glam rock and pops in your head like candy.” - THE DELI MAGAZINE

“Fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Talking Heads, and David Bowie will want to have a listen and grab “Murder 1? from Australian-born, now NYC-based duo Wazu. The track combines elements of glam, grunge, electronic, pop and goth to create a dark, danceable atmosphere.” - SOME KIND OF AWESOME

If you’ve been paying attention to the NYC music scene (and you should be!), you know that Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have been generating heaps of buzz as of late. “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting rave reviews. The accompanying video premiered exclusively on Contact Music and was recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER. Watch it here: http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/20/wazu-murder-1-video-of-the-day/
The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. “Happy Endings,” the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.
In their first week of playing together as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC. In the past few months WAZU made the Top 3 of the Deli Magazine’s Year End Best of NYC poll for emerging artists in 2011 and the EP has earned the band glowing reviews and promising mentions in In-d Scene UK, Some Kind of Awesome, and Alfitude, to name a few.
Catch WAZU at one scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012.
TOUR DATES //
4/22: Magic Rub Cassettes Event in Atlanta, GA
4/29: Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY
5/3: Bugjar in Rochester, NY @ 9pm
5/8: Boardner’s “Kitty Kitty Bang Bang” in Hollywood, CA
5/24: Deli Magazine Best of 2011 Festival in Brooklyn, NY - Nerdy Frames

Wazu, originally an Australian band that is now in NYC, is full of mystery and darkness. They are moody, dangerous, and pretty fun to listen to. It's tripped-out darkwave, and if the video above is any indication, they'll be putting on a killer show. (No pun intended) Check them out 4/29, be prepared for some very cool people and very cool music. - Become Your Drum

Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have released their first self-titled EP on Anti-Language Recordings. Described as “Neon Murder Music for the Dance Floor”, and “synth-heavy, post-apocalyptic pop that tips its hat to dark wave gothic gloom while shimmering with a healthy dose of neon (Ziggy) stardust.” - THE INSOMNIA RADIO NEWTWORK

Brooklyn-based electro-glam duo WAZU recently came up on our radar here at The iM, and since that time, we’ve had trouble taking their new self-titled EP off repeat. We’re pretty certain you’ll hear what we’re talking about after just one listen.

Now that we’ve got your attention, stream the Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) produced EP in the Bandcamp player below and be sure to check out the video for Murder 1 here – definitely our favourite song off the release.

For more on WAZU, visit them over on Facebook.
- Indie Machine

Australian-American electro\goth\pop\nu-wave duo WAZU are definitely on my list of top acts to watch and one of my favorite musical discoveries of this year. If you haven’t yet caught up with the band, then now is the time! Check out my brief introduction to the band via a review of their gloomy yet electrifying song “Murder 1,” then comeback and listen to their new single “Happy Endings!”

The new track was produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), and contains the same electroclash and industrial rockability of “Murder 1? but with a more cynical sing-along chorus that goes “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” SO GOOD! Can’t wait for the full album!

Take a listen and grab a free copy of “Happy Endings” below!

Catch WAZU on tour at one of the shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon this Summer!

TOUR DATES //
4/22: Magic Rub Cassettes Event in Atlanta, GA
4/29: Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY
5/3: Bugjar in Rochester, NY @ 9pm
5/8: Boardner’s “Kitty Kitty Bang Bang” in Hollywood, CA
5/14 Magic Mondays @ Tammany Hall Vitrint Magazine Launch
5/24: Deli Magazine Best of 2011 Festival in Brooklyn, NY - Nuwave pony

If you’ve been paying attention to the NYC music scene (and you should be!), you know that Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have been generating heaps of buzz as of late. “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting rave reviews. The accompanying video premiered exclusively on Contact Music and was recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER.

http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/20/wazu-murder-1-video-of-the-day/

The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. “Happy Endings,” the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.

In their first week of playing together as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC. In the past few months WAZU made the Top 3 of the Deli Magazine’s Year End Best of NYC poll for emerging artists in 2011 and the EP has earned the band glowing reviews and promising mentions in In-d Scene UK, Some Kind of Awesome, and Alfitude, to name a few.

Catch WAZU at one scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012. - MOVEMENTMAGAZINE.com

If you’ve been paying attention to the NYC music scene (and you should be!), you know that Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have been generating heaps of buzz as of late. “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting rave reviews. The accompanying video premiered exclusively on Contact Music and was recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER. Watch it here: http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/20/wazu-murder-1-video-of-the-day/
The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. “Happy Endings,” the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.
In their first week of playing together as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC. In the past few months WAZU made the Top 3 of the Deli Magazine’s Year End Best of NYC poll for emerging artists in 2011 and the EP has earned the band glowing reviews and promising mentions in In-d Scene UK, Some Kind of Awesome, and Alfitude, to name a few.
Catch WAZU at one scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012. - INDIE MUSIC.com

If you’ve been paying attention to the NYC music scene (and you should be!), you know that Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have been generating heaps of buzz as of late. “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting rave reviews. The accompanying video premiered exclusively on Contact Music and was recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER. Watch it here: http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/20/wazu-murder-1-video-of-the-day/
The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. “Happy Endings,” the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.
In their first week of playing together as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC. In the past few months WAZU made the Top 3 of the Deli Magazine’s Year End Best of NYC poll for emerging artists in 2011 and the EP has earned the band glowing reviews and promising mentions in In-d Scene UK, Some Kind of Awesome, and Alfitude, to name a few.
Catch WAZU at one scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012. - INDIE MUSIC.com

The duo of Matt and Rizz make up WAZU and now call New York City home and their three-song EP is headlined by the single "Murder 1." They met while in college in Australia and after a couple of collaborations with other musicians, the two made their musical partnership a permanent one. The partnership had immediate results as WAZU dominated the "Best of the Fest" at Toronto Indie Week back in 2010. The crowd was hooked to their sound. Their recollection of that week in Toronto was, "We showed up planning to play three shows, but kept winning!" After Toronto, the natural move was to head down south to NYC where they are hard at work on their debut LP this May. It is a synth-pop sound graduating from the Depeche Mode school of thought set to an Orwellian universe. - Critiqulous - Jacob Cristobal

If your into to 80's music then you'll love Australian duo, WAZU and their vintage glam rock feel. Check out their second single, "Happy Endings" from their EP, which is also called WAZU.
If you liked their catchy and perky feeling song, "Happy Endings" then you'll probably want to check out their music video for their darker sounding song, "Murda 1" below.
The duo is really creative and you don't see to much musicians like this at the moment or maybe I'm just ignorant (to deep in the mainstream) and don't know where to look. Regardless I'm always happy to be informed about new musicians and music and if you like what you heard then I advise you check and download their 3 track EP at Soundcloud, HERE. - The Great Black North

They come from Australia (or one of them does) but they inhabit Brooklyn. WAZU are a band that is getting a wee bit of buzz lately. They have a three song, self-titled, ep out as well as a video for the track, Murder 1.

You can see the video HERE AT SPINNER.COM.

You can also download the track HERE along with the band's new single, Happy Endings. I think you can download. The link says "download" anyway. You can, at any rate, listen. Glam meets creepy early 70s-style Man Who Sold The World era Bowie (but not quite).

The EP was produced by Kevin McMahon who also worked with Swans, The Walkmen, Titus Andronicus and Real Estate. The band has some shows in the offing (look below). A full length, also McMahon-produced, comes out in the summer of 2012.
- Mapanare.us

The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. "Happy Endings," the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, "take a look at me / I'm living proof / Happy endings do'’t have room for two." Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.

Check out their music video for "Murder 1" down below and catch Wazy at one of the scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for Wazu's debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012.

Tour Dates:

04/22 - Atlanta, GA - Magic Rub Cassettes Event
04/29 - Brooklyn, NY - Cameo Gallery
05/03 - Rochester, NY - Bugjar
05/08 - Hollywood, CA - Boardner's
05/24 - Brooklyn, NY - Deli Magazine Best of 2011 Festival - Pure Grain Audio

WAZU:
NEON ELECTRO-GLAM MUSIC FOR THE DANCEFLOOR
DEBUT EP PRODUCED BY KEVIN MCMAHON
(TITUS ANDRONICUS, REAL ESTATE, SWANS, THE WALKMEN)
OUT NOW ON ANTI-LANGUAGE RECORDINGS
SECOND SINGLE, THE CONTAGIOUS “HAPPY ENDINGS”
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD NOW
http://download.themusebox.net/wazu/happy_endings.mp3
VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE “MURDER 1”
EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE ON UK GIANT CONTACT MUSIC
ALSO FEATURED AS VIDEO OF THE DAY ON SPINNER
http://www.contactmusic.com/watch/wazu-murder-1
UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES IN
NEW YORK, CANADA & ATLANTA
RECENT APPEARANCES IN CANADA & LAS VEGAS


“Listening to WAZU’s "Murder 1" provokes the urge to paint an Aladdin Sane lightning bolt across your face and visit a seedy, underground hot spot full of androgynous artists and wandering neon lights. The track sparkles with all the glitter and glitz of 70s glam rock and pops in your head like candy.”- THE DELI MAGAZINE
“Fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Talking Heads, and David Bowie will want to have a listen and grab "Murder 1" from Australian-born, now NYC-based duo Wazu. The track combines elements of glam, grunge, electronic, pop and goth to create a dark, danceable atmosphere.”
- SOME KIND OF AWESOME

If you’ve been paying attention to the NYC music scene (and you should be!), you know that Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have been generating heaps of buzz as of late. “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting rave reviews. The accompanying video premiered exclusively on Contact Music and was recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER. Watch it here: http://www.spinner.com/2012/02/20/wazu-murder-1-video-of-the-day/

The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. “Happy Endings,” the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.
In their first week of playing together as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC. In the past few months WAZU made the Top 3 of the Deli Magazine’s Year End Best of NYC poll for emerging artists in 2011 and the EP has earned the band glowing reviews and promising mentions in In-d Scene UK, Some Kind of Awesome, and Alfitude, to name a few.
Catch WAZU at one scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012. - Hellhound Music

If you’ve been paying attention to the NYC music scene (and you should be!), you know that Brooklyn-based Australian transplants WAZU have been generating heaps of buzz as of late. “Murder 1,” the synth-heavy, post apocalyptic first single from their three song WAZU EP (Anti-Language Recordings) is getting rave reviews. The accompanying video premiered exclusively on Contact Music and was recently featured as Video of the Day on SPINNER.
The track is a glorious, vicious little tease of what’s to come from this male-female duo that appear to have swallowed some of the same sexy electronic pills as The xx, but have regurgitated them in a much more elaborate and foreboding fashion. “Happy Endings,” the second track off the EP produced by the legendary Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), is a cynical sing-along that resonates with the lyrics, “take a look at me / I’m living proof / Happy endings don’t have room for two.” Never has heartbreak sounded so enticing and danceable. It is now available for free download.
In their first week of playing together as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC. In the past few months WAZU made the Top 3 of the Deli Magazine’s Year End Best of NYC poll for emerging artists in 2011 and the EP has earned the band glowing reviews and promising mentions in In-d Scene UK, Some Kind of Awesome, and Alfitude, to name a few.
Catch WAZU at one scheduled shows listed below, and be on the look out for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, Summer 2012.
Download their track here.
TOUR DATES //
4/22: Magic Rub Cassettes Event in Atlanta, GA
4/29: Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY
5/3: Bugjar in Rochester, NY @ 9pm
5/8: Boardner’s “Kitty Kitty Bang Bang” in Hollywood, CA
5/24: Deli Magazine Best of 2011 Festival in Brooklyn, NY - In-D-Scene (UK)

Matt and Rizz, otherwise known as WAZU, are an Australian-American duo creating distorted, electronic-fuelled music that is particularly evocative of the past. With influences from David Bowie in his glam-rock days, to the new wave flair of Depeche Mode, their dark and gritty style channels the 80’s synth-driven era and takes it a step further. Their debut EP was released in January and a full-length album is due at the end of May 2012; both produced by Kevin McMahon who’s known for his work with indie/garage-rock bands, The Walkmen and Real Estate. Cleverly defining their genre as “apop-calyptic”, what I have here is the single ‘Murder 1’ from the 3-track EP to stick my teeth into. And it certainly is as moody and stylish as I had anticipated.

As a child of the 80’s, I always tend to get excited when something resembles my favourite period, be it music related or otherwise. Based in New York, WAZU’s music takes me back to a time when creepy, pale folk and their kooky electro-pop was the epitome of cool. And ‘Murder 1’ with it’s programmed beats, warped synth and haunting vocals is a great track. There are shades of post-punk and industrial in its laid-back delivery and gritty textures. The contrast in vocal tones is a nice touch too; Matt’s deep, church-like chant sits on top of Rizz’s more Blondie-inspired hum. It reminds me of the male-female interplay between the singers in The Human League, albeit more sinister.

Talking of sticking my teeth into something, if the pair were an 80’s movie they would be teen-vamp classic, The Lost Boys. Simply because of the gloomy, yet sexy atmosphere their sound evokes. There’s wah-wah guitar effects and an eerie whistle over the softer vocals in the verses; definitely fit for a horror movie – “When you are near the world disappears. And in its place comes our embrace…” And the choruses jump out like the monster lurking in the shadows, with harsh keyboard chords and more emphasis on the trudging, murky bassline under a more forceful tone – “I never knew myself til’ I was next to you. You protect me so well; never get over you”.

And so if you’re someone like me who relishes both the glam and the peculiar side of the era, then WAZU will invoke the Gary Numan in you. - Altsounds

New York - Electronic music has come to the fore over the last few years. Junior Boys, MGMT, and Sleigh Bells have ascended to the top of the charts. New York-based duo WAZU are riding that pop-dance wave.
WAZU -made up of Australians Matt and Rizz -are garnering notice for their EP released earlier this year that includes the single “Murder 1.” They play Bowery Electric tomorrow night, where they’ll be opening for alt rock band Hunter Valentine.
When they met in university in the aughties, Matt and Rizz were an active part of the Australian indie band scene. In 2010, during their first week as WAZU, they performed at Toronto’s Indie Week, repeatedly winning slots in the “Best of the Fest” lineup. Shortly thereafter, the duo played The Living Room for the well-regarded CMJ Music Marathon, the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in NYC, along with the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, where they'll be returning to March 21st, followed by another Big Apple gig at The Bellhouse March 25th.
“With us, it was partly we just wanted to do something because there was so much chemistry,” Matt explains. “It got diluted by other people (in other bands), and we just found we could execute our ideas really well, where we pleased, with each other.”
The pair released a series of self-produced singles in 2011; three of them were re-recorded, re-mixed, and re-mastered with producer Kevin McMahon, best-known for his work with bands The Walkmen and Titus Andronicus. The singles were released as their debut EP this past January (via Anti-Language Recordings), and they’re currently hard at work on their full-length album, due for release this summer. WAZU reference what Matt terms “mechanistic” sounds from the past, with bands like Kraftwerk and Bauhaus as inspiration, but their contemporary pop sensibilities are closer to the likes of Muse and even Lady Gaga. Then there’s the omnipresent figure of David Bowie, whose work greatly figures into their hard-hitting rock-meets-electronica sound.
“You've got to take in your influences, say what you want to say, think about how you want to do it,” Matt says. “We spend all day, every day, thinking about or doing our music. When it comes to actually writing (it) and getting it together, we don't have to think where we're coming from. The more instinctive it is, the better. You've got to follow your gut and trust you’re going in the right direction. It's like you live it every day.”
That living includes New York, which has become a huge part of WAZU and their creative output. “There’s so much cultural significance here,” Matt notes, “and it makes you step up your game. People come here and feel like, ‘It's now or never.’” The duo initially spent time in Los Angeles, which Matt notes is “a little bit vacuous. You’re left to your own devices. The weather never changes either, so there's no real imposition of outside forces.” It’s the struggle in New York - against the elements, the escalating rents, the trains that never run on time, the never-ending stream of tourists -that inspires him.

“The city has its way with you in New York -that can be distracting or really inspiring. I like being challenged and pushed around,” he says with a laugh, “it’s more interesting. We have a lot of toughness in our sound, and it’ll sound that way on the album too. The toughness of New York found itself into our music as well as the psyche.”
Toughness extends to live shows.
“Your live shows influence your writing - or it can,” he explains, “and there are different types of songs. Some are meant to be played live, and you’re able to pump up an audience. New York audiences are a lot tougher too - they’re harder to please.”
Audience expectations aside, Matt acknowledges that dance music has left an indelible stamp on mainstream tastes, and that its current prominence in the pop pantheon is more than a passing trend. “People are becoming more open about what they expect from music,” he says thoughtfully. “It used to be “electronic music” and “dance” were two separate things. People were listening to them in different ways, but as time's gone on, people are more accepting that music can be anything, whether made on computer, guitar, acapella, piano. Openness means dance music has come into the mainstream.”

- Digital Journal - Cate Kustanczy

Wazu - "Murder 1" (from WAZU EP)

From their debut self-tiled EP, Australian-American duo Wazu's single, "Murder 1" had me hooked within the first few seconds of the first time I tried them out. The Syndney-born now Brooklyn-based group has managed to develop a sound that, while it clearly draws inspiration from bands like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, David Bowie, and Talking Heads, is still their very own. It's dark, gritty, and stupidly catchy. In addition to playing out more in the NYC area, Matt and Rizz are readying their upcoming debut album for a May release. If you're around in NYC next Monday (2/6), join me for their set at Piano's. - Kibbe
- Some Kind of Awesome

WAZU’s first EP is a collection of their 3 self-produced singles from 2011. The pair mesh a handful of genres including New Wave, glam, grunge, and electronica buried in a template of energetic, hazy pop melodica. Full of synth heavy arrangements and instantly memorable pop glam flair, there’s also plenty of dark wave found here mixed with danceable sing-a-longs of cryptic atmospheres, giving WAZU a unique slant on modern electro-rock. As a reference point, imagine an updated version of Depeche Mode on steroids playing a set while the world collapses around them. - InForty.com

Hail From: New York
Song: 'Murder 1'
Album: 'WAZU EP' [iTunes] [Amazon]
Sounds Like: Yacht, Tears for Fears

In Their Words: 'I think 'Murder 1' is what 'single white female' would be if it was a spooky dance pop song." -- Guitarist Matthew James - AOL Spinner

Video: 'Murder 1'
Highlight: "We have found 'Murder 1' sounds a bit like suspended reality -- like the dreamy state that comes with being half-awake or intoxicated in some way," Matt of WAZU tells Spinner. "We wanted to present ourselves in that light in the video. We went through a couple of directors trying to find the right fit, but in the end realized the best path was to do it ourselves. Rizz took it all on board, and came up with something that is a little bit surreal, which we wanted - we didn't want to conceptualize the hell out of it or be too grandiose, we just wanted to be in a dream, probably a bad one." - AOL Spinner

WAZU, Brooklyn-based duo from Australia, have been receiving a lot of much deserved buzz lately for their "synth-heavy, post-apocalyptic pop" industrial sound. If Depeche Mode and Siouxsie and the Banshees (two of our favorite bands) had a child; WAZU could be their offspring. When we listened to their single Murder 1, it reminded us of the late 80's-90's alternative bands Henry and I use to dance around our living room to when we were roommates.

The duo will be rocking the stage next month at Bowery Electric in New York City on Friday, March 9th at 9pm. The show is a must see here at the Oral Fix, so mark your calendars; You can thank us later. Check out WAZU's video for Murder 1. For more information on the duo and to purchase their music; visit their website: www.wazuband.com - Oral Fix - Drew Brown and Henry M.Diaz

WAZU- EP (Anti-Language Rec)

Though Sydney, Australia’s WAZU might be a new name to most, the duo of Matt and Rizz have actually been playing together in other incarnations for awhile, specifically the metal outfit Open the Gates and also the revered band Captains who made signifcant waves in the Australian scene with a couple of albums and plenty of high profile shows.

Fast forward to 2010. Matt and Rizz relocate to New York and decide to work as a pair and lay Captains to rest, thus WAZU is born. In their first week as WAZU they play 7 shows in 6 nights at the ‘Best of the Fest’ Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. Since they kept winning, they kept playing and this snowballed into them playing CMJ, Neon Reverb Festival and the Dropout Party in NYC, creating a buzz about the new outfit.

A precusor to their debut LP slated for a May 29 release date this year, WAZU’s first EP is a collection of their 3 self produced singles from 2011. The pair mesh a handful of genres including New Wave, glam, grunge, electronica buriend in a template of energetic pop melodica shrouded in a mysterious haze. Full of synth heavy arrangements and instantly memorable pop glam flair, there’s plenty of dark wave electronica found here mixed with danceable sing-a-longs of cryptic atmospheres, giving WAZU a unique slant of modern electronic-rock. While there are legions of bands taking nods to the 80's, few are doing it as well as WAZU or with this level of intrigue; as a reference point, imagine an updated version of Depeche Mode on steroids playing a set while the world collapses around them. Keep an ear out for their forthcoming album- it's going to turn heads.



- Tom Haugen
http://www.twitter.com/tomhaugen


For fans of: Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, David Bowie

Official Site: http://www.wazuband.com

Bandcamp: http://wazuband.com/album/wazu-ep - The Byke Rack - Tom Haugen

Uno de los proyectos que están llamando la atención en la escena musical, es el dúo australiano – americano Wazu, quien fusiona un sonido synth goth con rock.

La dupla presentó el video a su sencillo ’Murder 1’, incluido en su EP que lleva por nombre “Wazu EP”, el cual ya esta disponible vía Language Recordings.

El clip esta dirigido por Arezo Khanjani. - WARP Magazine (Mexico)

"Meet WAZU (Matt and Rizz) – an Australian-American glam/dark-wave/electronic/pop duo based in New York City by way of Sydney. The duo has been generating some buzz as of late with their glittering 70s glam rock and synth infused tracks. And if you’ve listen to their new single “Murder 1,” you’ll understand why.

“Murder 1? is a synth-heavy, post-apocalyptic pop track that tips its hat to dark wave gothic gloom and recalls the sounds of Talking Heads, Ziggy Stardust (Bowie), Muse, and the legendary Depeche Mode.

Stream their current 3 track self-titled EP below and grab a free copy of “Murder 1? .

WAZU’s debut album is schedule to arrive May 29th." - NuWave Pony

"Australian-American synthy goth-rockers Wazu have unveiled their video for their single, "Murder 1" from their self-titled release that is now available wherever dark dancy wonderful music is sold (or you can get it on iTunes if you prefer that, too). After catching their EP release show at Cameo Gallery a couple weeks back, this video has me itching for their upcoming show at Pianos on February 6th because it captures their essence so well.

If you head over to their website right now you can grab "Murder 1" for the actual retail price of $FREE.99 to listen to a few times before you cave and grab the EP." - Some Kind of Awesome

WAZU, an Australian/American glam/grunge/electronica/new wave duo based in New York City by way of Sydney, accepted the challenge of creating the New Wave sound for the next generation.
Their EP walks the delicate line between New Wave and Dark Wave. The sounds which they create radiate a certain elegance."
- Outside The Dial - Outside The Dial - Underground Rock Radio

New York based, Australian duo WAZU will be taking the stage over in Brooklyn at Cameo Gallery on Tuesday, January 10 at 8PM. Swing over and check them out. If you aren’t familiar with the duo, we have for you in our MP3 Grab at the bottom of the post, the first single, “Murder 1” from their upcoming debut EP. The Kevin McMahon produced EP is scheduled for release on January 10 via Anti-language Recordings. - Quirky NYC chick

WAZU is Matt and Rizz – an Australian-American glam/grunge/electronic/pop duo based in New York City by way of Sydney. Matt and Rizz met as freshmen at The University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, and after writing and performing together in several influential Sydney bands, including Open the Gates and Captains, the two decided to officially become a duo and further explore the chemistry and ideas that so naturally occur between them.

In their first week as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in New York City.

In 2011 WAZU released a series of self-produced singles, three of which were re-recorded, re-mixed, and re-mastered with legendary producer Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) to be released as the WAZU EP on January 10, 2012 via Anti-Language Recordings. In celebration of their debut EP release, WAZU will perform at Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY at 8pm on the same night. - Hipster's Music

After meeting at the University of Western Sydney and beginning to work in various projects, Matt and Rizz became well-known within the Australian experimental scene. It wasn’t until they up and moved to New York City, however, that they actually joined forces to form VOWS. Together, the duo craft a booming industrial sound, heavy percussion and synths darkening a subtly pop structure. No doubt the band were influenced by legends like Gary Numan, but few who take inspiration from their idols ever build up the gall to go ask them to collaborate with them. But that’s exactly what VOWS did last year.

The duo had moved to LA after signing a deal with Cleopatra Records, getting to work on an LP with producer Kevin McMahon (SWANS, Titus Andronicus, The Walkmen). They then approached Numan with “Losing Myself in You”, a track they’d written specifically with his vocals in mind. Immediately impressed, the notoriously selective British electro pioneer agreed to appear on the song.

“Losing Myself” is a barrage of percussive bombs, an assault that rattles the heart as it pounds on. Synths drone and swirl like entrancing spells of their own, while guitars crunch and stalk triumphantly. Numan’s unmistakable vocals ring out in the oddly light chorus — like a weighted balloon — backed by the VOWS members themselves. Check it out via the lyric video below. - Consequence Of Sound

WAZU is Matt and Rizz – an Australian-American glam/grunge/electronic/pop duo based in New York City by way of Sydney. Matt and Rizz met as freshmen at The University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, and after writing and performing together in several influential Sydney bands, including Open the Gates and Captains, the two decided to officially become a duo and further explore the chemistry and ideas that so naturally occur between them.

In their first week as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in New York City.

In 2011 WAZU released a series of self-produced singles, three of which were re-recorded, re-mixed, and re-mastered with legendary producer Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) to be released as the WAZU EP on January 10, 2012 via Anti-Language Recordings. In celebration of their debut EP release, WAZU will perform at Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY at 8pm on the same night. - Hipster's Music

MEET MATT AND RIZZ:
THE DARK AUSTRALIAN-AMERICAN DUO
BEHIND GHOSTLY/GLAM/GRUNGE OUTFITWAZU

THE WONDER FROM DOWN UNDER
RELEASE DEBUT EP PRODUCED BY KEVIN MCMAHON (TITUS ANDRONICUS, REAL ESTATE, SWANS, THE WALKMEN)
ON JANUARY 10, 2012 VIA ANTI-LANGUAGE RECORDINGS

IMPASSIONED FIRST SINGLE “MURDER 1” AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD:
http://download.themusebox.net/wazu/murder_1.mp3

STREAM WAZU EP BELOW: http://soundcloud.com/wazuband/sets/wazu-ep

LIVE PERFORMANCE AT CAMEO GALLERY IN BROOKLYN ON JANUARY 10, 2012 AT 8PM

DEBUT LP OUT MAY 29, 2012


“WAZU have this sneaky charm about them, they seem to find optimism in the seediest places. These songs kind of taunt you and please you in a way you might not expect at first. What we hear from them is edgy and mysterious, and especially because we only have three songs right now, it definitely leaves you wanting more.”
- RoundLetters


WAZU is Matt and Rizz – an Australian-American glam/grunge/electronic/pop duo based in New York City by way of Sydney. Matt and Rizz met as freshmen at The University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, and after writing and performing together in several influential Sydney bands, including Open the Gates and Captains, the two decided to officially become a duo and further explore the chemistry and ideas that so naturally occur between them.

In their first week as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in New York City.

In 2011 WAZU released a series of self-produced singles, three of which were re-recorded, re-mixed, and re-mastered with legendary producer Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen) to be released as the WAZU EP on January 10, 2012 via Anti-Language Recordings. In celebration of their debut EP release, WAZU will perform at Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn, NY at 8pm on the same night. If you’re a fan of Talking Heads, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Lady Gaga, Muse, or MGMT, we will see you there!

And be sure to look for WAZU’s debut LP, also produced by Kevin McMahon, out May 29, 2012. - Hell Hound Music Zine

WAZU is an Australian-American glam/grunge/electronic/pop duo based in New York City by way of Sydney. The band consists of members Matt and Rizz. A live performance at Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn is set for Wazu on January 10, 2012 at eight p.m. Also, their debut LP is set for release on May 29, 2012.

THE WONDER FROM DOWN UNDER
RELEASE DEBUT EP PRODUCED BY KEVIN MCMAHON
(TITUS ANDRONICUS, REAL ESTATE, SWANS, THE WALKMEN)
ON JANUARY 10, 2012 VIA ANTI-LANGUAGE RECORDINGS - Altsounds.com

After meeting at the University of Western Sydney and beginning to work in various projects, Matt and Rizz became well-known within the Australian experimental scene. It wasn’t until they up and moved to New York City, however, that they actually joined forces to form VOWS. Together, the duo craft a booming industrial sound, heavy percussion and synths darkening a subtly pop structure. No doubt the band were influenced by legends like Gary Numan, but few who take inspiration from their idols ever build up the gall to go ask them to collaborate with them. But that’s exactly what VOWS did last year.

The duo had moved to LA after signing a deal with Cleopatra Records, getting to work on an LP with producer Kevin McMahon (SWANS, Titus Andronicus, The Walkmen). They then approached Numan with “Losing Myself in You”, a track they’d written specifically with his vocals in mind. Immediately impressed, the notoriously selective British electro pioneer agreed to appear on the song.

“Losing Myself” is a barrage of percussive bombs, an assault that rattles the heart as it pounds on. Synths drone and swirl like entrancing spells of their own, while guitars crunch and stalk triumphantly. Numan’s unmistakable vocals ring out in the oddly light chorus — like a weighted balloon — backed by the VOWS members themselves. Check it out via the lyric video below. - Consequence Of Sound

"Fans of Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Talking Heads, and David Bowie will want to have a listen and grab "Murder 1" from Australian-born, now NYC-based duo Wazu. The track combines elements of glam, grunge, electronic, pop and goth to create a dark, danceable atmosphere and comes from their upcoming self-titled EP, which drops on January 10th, courtesy of Anti-Language Recordings.

Wazu is comprised of Matt and Rizz, who wrote and performed together in several influential Syndey bands (Open The Gates, Captains) before they decided to venture out on their own as a duo and see what kind of chemistry the two had together. The band's self-titled EP was produced by Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate, Swans, The Walkmen), who also worked on their upcoming full-length album which is slated for a May 29, 2012 release.

NYers can catch Wazu at Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn on the night of the release of their EP (1/10/2012)." - Some Kind of Awesome

After meeting at the University of Western Sydney and beginning to work in various projects, Matt and Rizz became well-known within the Australian experimental scene. It wasn’t until they up and moved to New York City, however, that they actually joined forces to form VOWS. Together, the duo craft a booming industrial sound, heavy percussion and synths darkening a subtly pop structure. No doubt the band were influenced by legends like Gary Numan, but few who take inspiration from their idols ever build up the gall to go ask them to collaborate with them. But that’s exactly what VOWS did last year.

The duo had moved to LA after signing a deal with Cleopatra Records, getting to work on an LP with producer Kevin McMahon (SWANS, Titus Andronicus, The Walkmen). They then approached Numan with “Losing Myself in You”, a track they’d written specifically with his vocals in mind. Immediately impressed, the notoriously selective British electro pioneer agreed to appear on the song.

“Losing Myself” is a barrage of percussive bombs, an assault that rattles the heart as it pounds on. Synths drone and swirl like entrancing spells of their own, while guitars crunch and stalk triumphantly. Numan’s unmistakable vocals ring out in the oddly light chorus — like a weighted balloon — backed by the VOWS members themselves. Check it out via the lyric video below. - Consequence Of Sound

Consider this a premature review for an EP that won’t be released until January 10th. But seeing as WAZU is so kind to put up the three tracks up online for streaming, the good words need to be spread earlier than later.

I saw WAZU two weeks ago in Brooklyn. It was the first show I’ve ever been to outside a city I’ve lived in, and the first I’ve seen in New York City. I was in town with The Ruby Spirit, and this Aussie couple played the set just before the Toronto art pop-rockers. The Ruby Spirit curated the show, and have been fans of WAZU for a while, but this was the first I’d heard of them. Their curious stage persona was instantly appealing to me as Matt (WA) punkily plugged away on his guitar and Riz (ZU) played her synth with one hand and the other hand on her hip, donned in all black — an Adidas t-shirt, pants and jacket to the floor. With them in front of a movie projection, it was striking to their dark, electro pop.

WAZU have this sneaky charm about them, they seem to find optimism in the seediest places. These songs kind of taunt you and please you in a way you might not expect at first. What we hear from them is edgy and mysterious, and especially because we only have three songs right now, it definitely leaves you wanting more. (Their album is set for a May release.)

From the haunted house full of anxiety and zombies in “Murder 1? with numerous pressure points (perhaps my favourite being the tornado synths at 1:15) and alternated hushed and rise-from-the-underbelly vocals to the upbeat whirligig with a killer hooked chorus that’s “Happy Endings” to “Walk All Night,” which is ghostly and lovely, WAZU shows a lot of promise and I know I’ll be paying attention throughout 2012 and you should too.

Stream the tantalizing earworm EP below: - RoundLetters

After meeting at the University of Western Sydney and beginning to work in various projects, Matt and Rizz became well-known within the Australian experimental scene. It wasn’t until they up and moved to New York City, however, that they actually joined forces to form VOWS. Together, the duo craft a booming industrial sound, heavy percussion and synths darkening a subtly pop structure. No doubt the band were influenced by legends like Gary Numan, but few who take inspiration from their idols ever build up the gall to go ask them to collaborate with them. But that’s exactly what VOWS did last year.

The duo had moved to LA after signing a deal with Cleopatra Records, getting to work on an LP with producer Kevin McMahon (SWANS, Titus Andronicus, The Walkmen). They then approached Numan with “Losing Myself in You”, a track they’d written specifically with his vocals in mind. Immediately impressed, the notoriously selective British electro pioneer agreed to appear on the song.

“Losing Myself” is a barrage of percussive bombs, an assault that rattles the heart as it pounds on. Synths drone and swirl like entrancing spells of their own, while guitars crunch and stalk triumphantly. Numan’s unmistakable vocals ring out in the oddly light chorus — like a weighted balloon — backed by the VOWS members themselves. Check it out via the lyric video below. - Consequence Of Sound

After meeting at the University of Western Sydney and beginning to work in various projects, Matt and Rizz became well-known within the Australian experimental scene. It wasn’t until they up and moved to New York City, however, that they actually joined forces to form VOWS. Together, the duo craft a booming industrial sound, heavy percussion and synths darkening a subtly pop structure. No doubt the band were influenced by legends like Gary Numan, but few who take inspiration from their idols ever build up the gall to go ask them to collaborate with them. But that’s exactly what VOWS did last year.

The duo had moved to LA after signing a deal with Cleopatra Records, getting to work on an LP with producer Kevin McMahon (SWANS, Titus Andronicus, The Walkmen). They then approached Numan with “Losing Myself in You”, a track they’d written specifically with his vocals in mind. Immediately impressed, the notoriously selective British electro pioneer agreed to appear on the song.

“Losing Myself” is a barrage of percussive bombs, an assault that rattles the heart as it pounds on. Synths drone and swirl like entrancing spells of their own, while guitars crunch and stalk triumphantly. Numan’s unmistakable vocals ring out in the oddly light chorus — like a weighted balloon — backed by the VOWS members themselves. Check it out via the lyric video below. - Consequence Of Sound