Can’t Muzzle This: Pieces Of Molly Freight-Train The Mothership

22nd August 2026

Pieces of Molly understands the value of strong riffs, memorable choruses, and a fearless performance style. Their sound also has enough variety to keep things interesting, with moments that lean into classic rock swagger, heavy metal force, and garage-rock chaos. Ewen Glasgow‘s vocals suit the band perfectly. They are expressive and full of character, matching the instruments’ dirty rock-and-roll energy. Pieces of Molly embrace a raw and powerful delivery that gives their music authenticity.

“naaa-naaa-naaah, You can’t muzzle me!” When I first heard Pieces of Molly, a high-energy, dirty garage rock ‘n’ roll four-piece from Christchurch, it started a fire in me, and I’m certainly not the only one. The band have achieved chart success with multiple singles on the Aotearoa music charts. These lads have a sound that’s stadium-worthy and can’t be muzzled. I’m just lucky enough to be seeing them in little old Auckland at the Mothership for the release of their latest single, Alligator.

Skitch Hiker

We descend into the depths of the Mothership; the room is smoky and back-lit in a red glow. Support tonight comes from Auckland three-piece Skitch Hiker, a clever choice in my opinion. Similar bands in that both have found a way to collide their musical influences, creating a style that feels both familiar and fiercely alive. Skitch Hiker’s influences, such as Black Sabbath and Soundgarden, lead them musically down a darker path.

Listening to Fawlty’s Nightmare at home, it’s a heavy, dense head-banger. Zel Kust‘s bass riffs pull you into a trance-like state, then spit you back out. Playing live, the band adds a performance style to the tracks that sets the mood. A Psychedelic ambience break leads into the heavy, grinding Sabbath-inspired track Blood Moon. The crowd is warmed up now, and the song’s tempo changes, igniting the room. Last track, The Longest Day, and the band leaves the purple glowing stage to atmospheric sounds.

Bound for England in November to support Asomvel on tour, Pieces of Molly are looking the part of rock stars. The stage is a sea of hair, battle jackets, and cowboy boots, invoking the 70s rock gods of old, with Ewen Glasgow’s Flying V looking and sounding the part. No fucking about, this is high-octane rock’n’roll! They hit the crowd like a freight train with all three of their latest singles. Opening with Don’t Take Me to the Disco, the momentum is relentless as they smash out Can’t Muzzle Me and Alligator.

The guitar work is one of the band’s greatest strengths. The riffs are bold, crunchy, and instantly engaging, giving the music a strong backbone without ever feeling predictable. Lead guitar moments cut through with style, adding fire and personality, while the rhythm guitar keeps everything grounded and forceful. The bass adds weight and drive, helping the songs feel full and muscular, and the drums bring a relentless push that gives the band its explosive live-wire quality.