Wheatus, the long-running New York alt-rock oddballs best known for the inescapable Teenage Dirtbag and their delight in never playing the same set twice in a row, rolled into Auckland last night with a show that felt equal parts power-pop time capsule, fan-service jukebox, and communal therapy session.
Auckland leaped willingly into the flames last night as The Last Dinner Party transformed Spark Arena into a feverish dream theatre. The London five‑piece are heralded as baroque‑pop revolutionaries, but live, their show is a collision of gothic pageantry, choral intensity, ornate sound layers and unashamed emotion.
There’s a particular eccentric electricity that East Midland’s Sleaford Mods generate-the feeling that someone has kicked open a door to modern working class reality and is narrating the mess from a position close to, but not right in, the action.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds return with Live God, an album that captures the communal energy of the acclaimed Wild God Tour.
Portland’s Stetson wearing, hardworking, road warriors Jenny Don’t & The Spurs are currently touring New Zealand, bringing their honky-tonk heart and cowpunk energy to intimate venues across the country.
With three top notch bands on the bill, Whammy Bar was buzzing tonight long before Toody Cole took the stage.
Jubilation Choir marked their 25th anniversary with two sold out nights and a family-friendly matinee at the Avondale Theater Sundays matinee performance was a celebration of the natural joy of communal song.
The Saints ’73–’78 is an initiative driven by Ed Kuepper, focusing on the first three albums and debuting in Australia in November 2024.
Bill Direen, master of words and driving force behind The Bilders, returned to Auckland supported by collaborators Alex McManus on Guitar/Slide, Matt Swanson on Bass and joined for the tour by the experienced Steve Cournane on Drums and Percussion.
Manchester-born indie artist Freak Slug (Xenya Genovese) and her band Caitlin Mounteer (Drums), Alex Martin (Bass) Nico Thomsen (Guitars/Samples) braved wild weather, a cancelled plane flight, nine-hour drive and some last minute technical glitches to bring their art to the waiting Auckland fans.
