Concert Review: The RVMES, Uxbridge Theatre 16 April 2021

The RVMES delivered a powerful performance to a grateful audience at Howick’s Uxbridge Theatre on Friday night. Marns Trego captures the show, along with opener, Jazo.

It was a crisp Friday night as I headed to Uxbridge Theatre’s series of events, Live Out East featuring The RVMES and Jazo. An ode to up and coming artists, events like these are welcome during these uncertain times.

My first visit to this Howick-based theatre and the feel is familiar and warm. A blue stage wash saturates the theatre as I do my best not to trip as I seek a good seat.

Jazo did not disappoint.

Catching the tail end of Auckland based artist Jasmine ‘Jazo’ Pene, I was amazed to hear her attempt a rendition of Emily King’s, Distance. A song of great character. A song that requires a little finesse to pull off.

Her sultry and soothing voice had me hooked. The crowd is vibing to her Soul/Pop style. Guitarist Marcella Adisurya is equally smooth. Their set continues with the classic Aretha hit (You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman.

Jazo has a unique voice that captivates and draws you into her world. Her vocal range is vibrant and her tone is perfect. The crowd sings along.

The duo engage the crowd with a version of 10CC’s Dreadlock Holiday, acoustic style. It has passion, heart and a magnetic energy that works. They are that good.

Next up – The Rvmes. Pronounced (The rooms)

Not aware of the lads yet, I listened to their album via YouTube and smiled. A pleasant surprise of eclectic tunes with a mixture of Middle Eastern/Latin flavour thrown in for good measure. I felt the high energy bleed through my speakers, and it was bliss. Excited to hear this sound live.

Lead singer Edwin Judd makes light work of introductions and gets straight into the set. His James Brown, Motown/soul infused influence is present in his stage delivery. This boy has moves and is proud of the music this band creates.

Judd’s charisma flows into every song. The accompaniment of lead guitarist Miro Gibson brings that edge as the band shifts music genres. Each member introduces us with a solo debut. It is evident when they jam Pink Floyd classic, We Don’t Need No Education.

Drummer, Logan Fox, is powerful and hard hitting. Gone Are the Days, a personal favourite. The beat made me wish I were living in the 60s strutting the dance floor and owning my style.

Dancing is encouraged, but few take up the option. Perhaps a few less tables up front would make this suggestion easier to oblige. The Brazilian heat of bass player Ronaldo Lima has that toe tapping feel. The RVMES thrive on audience interaction and they need the crowd to be up on their feet, getting down.

The song list includes tracks from their 2019 EP – self titled The RVMES and their current album Lifetime. Shanghai Sunrise is a crowd favourite and head bobbing and seat dancing ensues.

Their performance of Lifetime gives an insight into who The RVMES are. Funk is prominent in their sound but is not the defining genre. They can mix it up and they are good at free flowing into as many genres as they resonate with.

The engineering tonight had just the right amount of kick the audience needed. Everything sounded clean and I was impressed with the levels.

Pulling Teeth has that Black Seed influence gritty sound which is impactful and grounded.

When they covered Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get it On my mind was made up. The RVMES are destined for greatness. Their unique stir-fried collection of musical righteousness should be heard from audiences wide and far. Give them a year or so, and their presence will be known.

Marns Trego