Concert Review: Julia Deans, Ponsonby Social Club, 30 October 2020
Julia Deans is solo tonight with just an acoustic guitar. With the opening song Clandestine and you are overwhelmed with a powerful voice. Powerful and sensual. The high peaks are hit effortlessly and sustained. Deep sadness. Twin Peaks floats down and surrounds. Kill ‘em and begin.
A Tale Of Two Venues: Tami Neilson at Flare & Ha The Unclear at Whammy
With so much happening around town last night, I found myself attempting to be in two places at once. Tami Neilson and her ace band were at a new venue called Flare which is in effect a space in and around the Sky City casino. Meanwhile Ha The Unclear kicked off their Strangers Tour at […]
Deva Mahal at the Tuning Fork, Auckland 30 October 2020
Larger-than-live Deva Mahal and little sister Zoe Moon rocked the Tuning Fork last night. Rachel Moidart files this commentary with some killer photos from Rachel Webb.
Concert Review: Troy Kingi, Hollywood Avondale, 25 October 2020
Another fine night of live music in the Elemental Series as Troy Kingi & The Clutch rocked The Hollywood Avondale.
Concert Review: Soaked Oats, Tuning Fork, 23 October 2020
Hypnotic Indie Pop drone melodies captivate and lift a boisterous crowd on the eve of a long weekend. Soaked Oats pull out a superlative show to usher in the long summer and try and banish any Lockdown blues. On their Say Hey and Play Some New Ones tour.
Concert Review: Avantdale Bowling Club, Hollywood Avondale, 23 October
Avantdale Bowling Club‘s Tom Scott returns to the stage for an utterly absorbing set in hometown Avondale
Concert Review: Marlin’s Dreaming -Elemental Nights – Hopetoun Alpha, October 23, 2020
It’s the new sound of Dunedin here in Auckland. Marlins Dreaming did their bit for Elemental Nights with a lovely, polished, slightly fuzzy set at Hopetoun Alpha.
Concert Review: Daffodils, Elemental Nights Hopetoun Alpha, 22 October 2020
The Greek-styling of the Hopetoun Alpha resonates to the perfect Power Pop sounds of Daffodils on a warm Auckland evening. Sunshine music. The hall packed and predominantly adolescent. With Chloe Swarbrick the biggest bolter on Election Night, maybe they do rule the heart of the city.
Concert Review: King Sweeties & Opossom – Hopetoun Alpha, October 20, 2020
Elemental Nights: Hopetoun Alpha Series “There’s Bic Runga!” an excited fan exclaimed as Bic and Cass Basil took to the stage for the first time as King Sweeties at Auckland’s Hopetoun Alpha.
Concert Review: Nathan Haines, Elemental Nights at Hopetoun Alpha, 18 October 2020
A Sunday night of great Jazz music, touching on many genres. Nathan Haines and the band deliver a near perfect set tonight. I don’t know what this music is, but I like it says father and bass player Kevin Haines. He is quoting a friend of his listening to him playing in the Sixties. This […]
Concert Review: Leisure at Hopetown Alpha, October 17 2020
Auckland’s Leisure kicked off level one with a punchy set of their infectious grooves at Hopetoun Alpha on Saturday night. A frisky, funk-filled dose of dance-floor escapism, it’s something the city hasn’t had enough of this year. The gig was the bands first since February, and part of the Elemental Festival.
Concert Review: Milly & the Miltones – Tuning Fork, Auckland October 16, 2020
They say the joint was rockin’, going ‘round and ‘round/ Yeah reeling and a rocking, what a crazy sound. From the opening song Innocence, to closing with the already classic Honest Woman. Cooked and burned for the whole set with great singer-songwriter Milly Tabak and her fabulous band The Miltones. Wang dang doodle all night […]
Concert Review: Benee – Spark Arena, October 16 2020
Straight out of lockdown and music phenomenon Benee has sold out two back-to-back shows at Spark Arena. It’s undeniably momentous for both the artist and the embracing Auckland crowd.
Concert Review: Gramsci – ASB Waterfront Theatre October 16, 2020
Proudly Prog. I think that best describes Paul McLaney’s relationship with the much-derided musical genre.
Gig Review: Church & AP at The Hollywood Avondale, 10 October 2020
Auckland hip-hop duo Church & AP unleash infectious energy, and new tracks, in the heart of Avondale
Concert review: Reid & Ruins, The Tuning Fork, 10 October 2020
Not a sound from the packed Tuning Fork in Auckland tonight. As we watch Nadia Reid and Hollie Fullbrook perform their literary, emotionally complex and musically lavish evolved Folk music. As their country-wide tour reaches the City of Sails and Viruses. Can testify to this personally. From the bar at the back, to the stage […]
Concert Review: Sam Bartells, Velvet Arrow, Grace Kelly, Anthology Lounge, 8 October 2020
Sam Bartells has grabbed attention in Nashville which is exceedingly difficult to do. The reason is soon made clear as he and his backing band fire up the Anthology Lounge. It’s the launch party for the recently released Let’s Go EP, recorded in Music City.
Concert Review: Finn Johansson and Jazmine Mary, Wine Cellar, 8 October 2020
Intense, emotional and committed performances from Finn Johansson and Jazmine Mary, as they do their final show of this North Island tour. A few weeks ago, they could not get here. Stopped at Border Control Auckland. Some spirit was investing the Cellar tonight and channeling through the musicians and ultimately us. Take a load off […]
Concert Review: Rubita – Wine Cellar October 3, 2020
Rubita is Spanish for Blondie. Tonight, the Hamilton band whip their Jazz Pop debut album Distinctive Thrill into shape with some inspirational energy. Not cowering at home but being bold and brave. Thanks for the courage to come out Auckland say Rubita.
Concert Review: Taiko 6, Ponsonby Social Club, 25 September 2020
A special evening of East-West music. Ancient Taiko drums from Japan. With young Jazz musicians combining familiar instruments and electronic effects to deliver a unique live experience that would fit perfectly into a WOMAD festival. When we are allowed to celebrate life again.