"It's generally not good news when bands reform. The motivations are invariably financial or related to ego reinflation, and the results can sour the sweetest musical memories.
Fortunately that isn't the case with Auckland's Hallelujah Picassos, whose cross code adventures confused, delighted and occasionally appalled audiences from the late 80s to the mid 90s.
New EP Bullet That Breaks The Key shows they've lost none of their barricade manning fire. As ever, they remain the magnificent exception that proves the rule."
AND one more, from Australia.....
HALLELUJAH PICASSOS -Bullet That Breaks the Key EP (Independent) 4 Stars
By John O’Brien, news.co.au
"Of all the band reunions in recent years, this is one of the most welcome. Hallelujah Picassos’ fusion of ska, dub, hip-hop, punk and pop was one of the most refreshing sounds to come out of the Land of the Long White Cloud and they left fans fanging for more when they disbanded nearly 20 years ago after just a handful of albums and EPs.
In the past few years they’ve resurfaced with a best-of collection and EP of rarities and now this four-track EP. Technically there are only two new tracks, but it’s a good cross-section of their eclectic style, from the tropical melody and harmonies ofSalvadore (Miles Away From You) to the repetitious rant of Hang All Bankers, to the hypnotic dub remakes of Cracked Salvation (based on 1992’s Crack Dub) andSalvadore Dub Asylum vs. Pains People Remix.
It might be but a taster of things to come but it’s great to hear them back in the game. An underappreciated part of New Zealand’s indie scene, they deserve wider attention this second time round."
