WEDNESDAY 9TH JULY 2025

Review: Shedheads find their groove and let it rip with Big Milk

There’s something infectious about Big Milk, the debut album from Nelson trio Shedheads. Equal parts groove-heavy mischief and alt-rock conviction, the album bounces and snarls through its runtime with the kind of swagger that recalls the funk-punk peak of the late ’90s—delivered with a distinct Kiwi edge.

With “FBB”, Shedheads make their intentions clear: thick basslines, wiry guitar licks, and rhythms that swing more than they stomp. It’s loose, tight, and strangely addictive. The chemistry between the three players—Shoei Ito on drums, JP Moynihan on vocals and bass, and Ryan Smith on guitar—is the glue that holds the chaos together.

The opening track “Let Me Know” plays it sharp and stylish, riding a restless groove that feels made for the dance floor of a dive bar. There’s humour and attitude in the vocal delivery, but it’s never put on. The track moves with ease, as if the band knows exactly when to flex and when to lean back.

Then comes “Actium”—the album’s boldest moment. Slower and more expansive, it channels Gallagher esque vocal harmonies combined with early era Muse-like textures, showing a darker, heavier side to the band. It’s proof that Shedheads aren’t just having fun—they’re thinking deeply about their sound. The build-up is patient, the payoff satisfying, and it adds weight to a record that could have coasted on groove alone.

What makes Big Milk work is how well the band navigate between styles without losing their identity. Whether it’s the funkier outbursts or the more contemplative stretches, there’s a sense of purpose behind each track. It’s a record that lives and breathes rhythm, with a raw edge that never feels forced.

There are spots where the vocals could push further emotionally, and some of the album’s middle section blurs together slightly—but the energy never drops too far. It’s the sound of a band leaning into what they’re best at while quietly testing their limits.

Big Milk is the kind of debut that makes you want to see the band live as soon as possible. Funky, fiery, and refreshingly unpretentious, Shedheads have carved out a sound that’s both rhythmically infectious and creatively bold. It’s Chili Peppers meets early era Muse in a smoky Nelson flat—and somehow, it works. This is a band with chops, charm, and a whole lot of potential. Get in early.