Drax Project – Powerstation May 12, 2018

 

It was the second of two consecutive sold out shows at Auckland’s Powerstation as former Wellington buskers Drax Project brought their unique brand of modern pop music to town.

The crowd was young and pumped even as opening act Robison held court. Usually the audience at The Powerstation arrives just as the headliner is about to perform, and the ones who are there for the openers barely tolerate their presence.

That wasn’t the case last night as the room was already close to full as 21-year-old (Anna) Robinson entertained. At first glance, with her long, dark hair, she might be mistaken for another young female pop star, but those in attendance knew who she was thanks to her hit, Nothing To Regret. They were all happily singing along, giving her their full attention.

When the four members of Drax Project took the stage at 9:30, they also had no problem getting the audience’s attention.

This was a crowd that was ready to singalong, dance along and have a good time.

As is usual, the four musicians…singer/sax player Shaan Singh, guitarist Ben O’Leary, bass/keyboard player Sam Thomson and drummer Matt Beachen lined up along the stage, giving the audience a clear view of each bandmember.

But really, the focus was on Shaan Singh…and why not…he had boyband good looks, sings like and angel and plays the sax.

Yes, the sax. In fact, it looks like this band is making the saxophone cool again. The audience cheered ecstatically every time Singh put the instrument to his lips and blew.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t exactly the second coming of John Coltrane, but it is nice to hear a bit of honking amidst the electronic beats.

Unfortunately Shaan’s vocals were somewhat lost in the mix most of the night, but the audience made up for it, singing along to fan faves such as Pony and Latch.

The band previewed a few new tunes and Singh even had them singing along to those.

Considering that Drax Project has yet to release their first full length album, this was a very impressive performance, much more so than when I caught them at Auckland City Limits Festival a few months back.

On the outdoor stage in the afternoon sun, they seemed somewhat out of place, but here at The Powerstation in front of 1000 or so fans they were completely at ease.

And judging by the sound of the new material on display last night, that album will only bring them more fans.

Marty Duda

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Ivan Karczewski:

Drax Project set list:

1. Cold
2. Falling Out Of Sight
3. Pony
4. Still Figuring It Out (new)
5. Wildfire
6. Get It All Night (new)
7. Go
8. City Lights
9. Latch
10. Hollywood
11. Prefer (new)
12. Something About You
13. Woke Up Late
14. Cry Me A River
15. Light