Hamilton band put on a big song and dance

Sound the Ocean - seven Hamilton music teachers by day, seven musicians by night. Seven's a big number for a band and that's because these guys (and one gal) think big. Hail from a small country? They'll take the world, thanks! Like to keep things low key? They'll make a big song and dance about it!

And big songs they do make. Their upcoming single, Ghost Town, is big enough to scare any ghost - not that it's frightening - rather, it's bound to appeal to those who like to sing along (and it's common knowledge that ghosts do not).

Originally the Nick Kraenzlin Band in 2010, a rebrand led to a name change and a line-up comprised of Nick Kraenzlin (vocals/acoustic guitar), Brendon Rickard (drums, vocals), Jason Henderson (electric guitar), Jon Clarke (bass guitar/vocals) and Brett Wilson (electric guitar, vocals).

A common link for these band members is Vision College School of Music, where they all studied music degrees (with the exception of Brett, who teaches there). Rounding out the group is Nick's wife Amanda (vocals/percussion) and Jesse Te Weehi (keyboards).

The group's debut album, Wait for the Morning (slated for 2013), was penned by Nick as a suite of songs as part of his portfolio for his Master of Arts degree. After recording demos at The Porch, the band set off for Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios to track the album.

The band do not disappoint with their live shows as they deliver stadium-ready, anthemic pop/rock songs as good live as they are through your headphones.

Sound the Ocean play Mt Maunganui at 8pm, Saturday, December 8, at the Senior Citizens Hall (345 Maunganui Rd).

Suppport: Schmodman and Joseph & Maia. Door sales $10.

A short teaser clip can be found here www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgqsMEAmNLU