REVIEW: The Children of Underground Lair

WEDNESDAY 27TH JUNE
BAR BODEGA
Words and Photos by Charlette Hannah

ALBERT WILLIAMS

Albert Williams was the first act of the night at Bodega on Wednesday. He started off humbly and then proceeded to absolute blow me away. With his husky, gentle voice, he lulled me into a false sense of daydreaming, and then really let go. The dynamics and absolute control over his voice and guitaring was spellbinding. From a heartfelt cover of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here he then sang a knockout version of Joni Mitchell's Woodstock. He made the songs his own, which I do not say lightly, as often when that phrase is used it's a nice way of saying they didn't do such a good job. Not in this case. I would imagine Joni would be quite pleased to hear the heights her song had reached. I was wholeheartedly won over and impressed with Albert's (too-short) set.

RIKKI DOOLAN

Second up was Rikki Doolan, who I actually came across busking earlier that night. (Photo below). Rikki has a cruisy style and a great voice. His songs are down to earth and very easy to listen to. He started with a song about working for 'the man', followed by one about crippling debt, and a sweet and charming song called 'Kiwi Girl'. Rikki is very natural on stage and I was impressed with the calibre of his songs. I happen to know he's currently forming a band, so check out Rikki's MySpace if you're interested!

BENJAMIN EMMANUEL

Unfortunately for me, the pressures of work (i.e getting up early in the morning) meant that I didn't stay for the whole of Ben's set, but I wanted to post these photo's. What I did hear was a well structured song with interesting melodies. Ben has a great voice, although his guitar playing seemed little lacking. However as I didn't stay for the whole set it's hard to tell.

Spotted Busking: Rikki Doolan, Cuba St

I have only admiration for any hardy soul who braves the icy chill on Wellington streets to serenade us in the evening.

PHOTOS: Peter Baillie / The Moon Whispers

SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
WEDNESDAY 27TH JUNE
Words and Photos by Charlette Hannah

PETER BAILLIE

Peter Baillie

Peter Baillie, the esteemed master of Acoustic Lounge, took the stage on Wednesday for an entertaining slot. I've known Peter since I first moved to Wellington, and this is, incredibly, the first time I've seen him play. Peter has strong songs, and a very entertaining stage manner. From the jokes masquerading as stories between songs, to his stories of sexual frustration and wanting to ruin someones day. Don't get the wrong idea though, Peter's a nice guy!

THE MOON WHISPERS

Bruce McNaught, Elisa Di Napoli

Jane Pierard

The Moon Whispers took to the stage at Acoustic Lounge after Peter, with their unusual line up of guitar, cello and flute. Describing their music as 'psycho-noir', singer Elisa launched into one of her favourite songs. The music is beautiful and eerie, with the cello providing a deep undertone, and the flute floating over the top. Unfortunately I had to dash and didn't see the whole set, but I will definitely be looking out for more gigs from The Moon Whispers.

GIGS: 28th June - 4th July

THURSDAY 28TH JUNE

-Happy
Sleepy Demons, Canadia, Tim Knauf. 8pm $5.

- Bodega
Das Ben, Kereoke Taxi, Smelter. 9.30pm.

-Valve
Death Metal - Select and Disect, Morte Vida, Belligerance. 8pm.

- Tupelo
Nine Signals. 9pm $3.

FRIDAY 29TH JUNE

-Old Studio 9
Vatikan, Select and Disect, Beligerance. 8pm $5.

- Sandwiches
Spartacus R, Ryan Prebble, DJ Daimon, Rosco, Jake Silverbeat, Takas. $10.

- Havana
Good foot.

- Happy
Matthew Pixie Pickering, Brad Taylor, Jessie James. 8pm $5.
Grayson Gilmour, Date With Doom, Albert Williams. 10pm $10.

- Valve
Nine Signals, Magnum Opus, Malegra, Riverblind & Alpha Noise. 9.30pm $5.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Gridlok, Conspiracy, Flaw, Snax, Ruckus, Evil, Narcosia, Mana, AG. 8pm

SATURDAY 30TH JUNE

-Old Studio 9
The Tweeks, The Philosophers, Killjoy, Monoxise Blonde. 8pm $5. All ages.

-Valve
Punk Show - Miss Conduct, We Dunno. 10pm.

- Happy
Lauren Thomson, Shaun K Anderson, Achilles Botes. 9pm $8.

- Curve Bar
Enter The Blue EP Release. Vanadis, Mr Smith, DDog, Indeks. 11pm $5.

- Valve
We Dunno, Cop Car. 6pm All Ages.

- Southern Cross
The Aviators. Free.

SUNDAY 1ST JULY

-Old Studio 9
Acoustic Afternoon. 2 - 5pm. All ages.

MONDAY 2ND JULY

?? Stay at home and have a cuppa?

TUESDAY 3RD JULY

- Valve
Seizure Drum n Bass - NAR/CO/SIA, Evil, Mc Sig'le. 10pm.

WEDNESDAY 4TH JULY

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Acoustic Lounge. F8, Barefoot In The Sand, Mannekin Thoughts. "American Independence Day! Get your fix of patriotic songs... May not be patriotic, but they WILL be songs!" 6pm. Free.

BAND REVIEW: Niko Ne Zna

NIKO NE ZNA
Wednesday 20 June
By Lucy Wyatt

Isn’t being totally detached from your everyday reality something that appeals to most? Listening to Niko Ne Zna allows for exactly that to happen. It’s easy to forget where you are when you listen to these hypnotic melodies. It’s like being dropped amongst the hot and spicy lands of a country far away - to a place where you can free yourself with these infectious and wild beats that take their influence from the gypsy-soaked Balkan States.

The creative talents that make up Niko Ne Zna are 7 artists who are also members of Zirkus, Ginger Brown, The Black Seeds, The Offbeats and the Porirua Brass Band. Their passionate imaginations and freethinking creativity results in an extravagant party band that unearths the folk treasures of afar. The selection of trumpets, sax, trombone, accordion, tuba, drums and percussion pull together to create an energetic and much appreciated rhythm. Enhancing the freedom within this music, come the laughs, shrieks and general cheers from the band. The audience comes away from a gig feeling thoroughly entertained.

Originally a covers band (comically belting out such tracks as the James Bond theme tune), Niko Ne Zna’s actual tracks are masterfully produced. Often beginning with a methodic build up, then breaking into a joyous ruckus. The folk come jazzy vibe encourages even the shyest dancer to get involved – no doubt with the addition of a cheeky grin. Niko Ne Zna promises a truly inspiring show. Get immersed in the rich history of the other side of the world. Brush away your serious side, lift up your jug of beer and have a proper dance. You can always have a sing-along – If you speak Serbian.

NEWS: Blindspott call it quits

By Charlette Hannah

For ten years Blindspott have been leading the New Zealand metal music scene, and now the boys are calling it quits.

Blindspott have had an impressive amount of radio play for a metal band. Thanks to fan's requests, radio stations were forced to play the songs. This set the boys off with a major label bidding war, two number one albums, triple platinum sales, a number one airplay single, countless sold out tours, and overseas adventures in South East Asia, Japan, America and Australia.

Marcus and Shelton are moving to the UK with their new band, Damian is focusing on a solo music project and his design career, while Dave will continue to tour international bands through NZ.

However all is not lost. If you're a fan of Blindspott, they are doing a New Zealand farewell tour. They'll be in Wellington on Friday 10th August at Union Hall.

Visit their MySpace for more dates.

OPPORTUNITY: Taste of Chaos

If you want to play at the Taste of Chaos this October, act quick, as C4 is giving one NZ band the chance to grace the stage.

You'll play alongside the The Used, Rise Against, Aiden, Escape The Fate, The Bled and Gallows.

You'll also be included on the Taste of Chaos album released throughout New Zealand and Australia. It's a great opportunity to get your music out there to thousands of ears.

C4 are also giving you a couple of days recording at Auckland's York Street studios.

If you're interested, send your demo, band bio, full contact details and photo to:

TASTE OF CHAOS SUPPORT
C4
Private Bag 92624
Symonds Street
Auckland

Entries close Friday 13th of July.

Click here for more info.

GIGS: 20th - 27th June

Here's a list of some of the gigs on from today til next Wednesday. Starting from next week I will post the gigs from Thursday -Wednesday on the Monday so you have time to decide!

WEDNESDAY 20TH JUNE

- Southern Cross
Iva Lamkum. 9:30pm. Free.

- Happy
Shoeb Ahmad (Aus), Cookie Brooklyn, Puncutre Lung, Ben Spiers. 8pm.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Acoustic Lounge: Russell Self, Bill Hickman, Marleybone Station. 6pm. Free.

THURSDAY 21ST JUNE

- Hope Bros
Don McGlashan with The Seven Sisters, Luxury Liner. 8pm. Tickets at Real Groovy or venue.

- The Adelaide
Streetwise Scarlet, Alex The Kid. 8.30pm R18 $10.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
The Draft, Cobra Khan, Ryan Thomas, Skaface Claw. R18. Tickets $30 from Ticketek, Real Groovy.

- Valve
This City Sunrise, Carpithagian Solution, Donatello, Fighting The Shakes. 9pm $5.

FRIDAY 22ND JUNE

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Cortina Fest: Cortina, Cherry's Gemstones, Golden Axe, Knife Fight, Barge, Hot Swiss Mistress, DJ Dancing Steve, Thought Creature, Disasteradio, Pumice. Doors 7pm, start 8pm. Tickets $15/$20 presales from Real Groovy and Cosmic Corner, $20/$25 on the night.

- Sandwiches
State of Mind, Trei, DDOG. 10pm. Tickets $20 from venue, DMC and Real Groovy.

- Old Studio 9
The Lucky Strikes, The Philosophers, The Pinkertons, Misguided Youth. All ages, 7pm, $5.

- Happpy
Carthiginian Solution, Dial, Akaname.

-Subnine (Attic Lounge)
Mr Smith, Narkotix, Subsonik, JDM.

SATURDAY 23RD JUNE

-Valve
Blood Duster, Slave Cadaver, Backyard Burial, Sadius Fiend. R18 8pm. Tickets $25 presales from Real Groovy.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Grand Prix

- Old Studio 9
Killjoy, The Mickeys, Artemis, Scarlet Fever. 7.30pm All Ages $5.

-Mighty Mighty
Labretta Suede and the Motel Six, The Crypt Kicker 3. 8pm

- The Adelaide
Not Quite Right, Ritalin, Nonetheless. R18

- The Opera House
Evermore, Thirsty Merc, The Electric Confectionaries. Tickets $40.50 presales from Ticketek, Real Groovy and Ticket Direct. All Ages 7pm.

- Matterhorn
Ginger Brown. 12am. Free.

TUESDAY 26TH JUNE

-Havana
Carlos Navarette.

WEDNESDAY 27TH JUNE

- Valve
Kill The Fake Patient, Deal, This City Sunrise.

- Havana
Johnathon Crayford Trio.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Acoustic Lounge: The Moon Whispers, The Gracious Deviants, Tommy Pickett. 6pm. Free.

REVIEW: The Aviators

THE AVIATORS
MIGHTY MIGHTY
SATURDAY 16 JUNE
Review and Photo's By Charlette Hannah

Paddy Breakley on guitar

David McGurk on drums

Kane Sherwood on guitar

James Mason, Dave Brennan, Simon Love and Kane Sherwood

Paddy Breakley, Ned Worboys, James Mason and Dave Brennan

James on Sax and Dave on Trombone

Mighty Mighty on Saturday was thick with ‘funk, crunk and grime’ courtesy of The Aviators. The funk is obvious – these boys are so full of it you could imagine them dancing themselves off the edge of the building and on the way down too, where they would get up and just keep on dancing. Or maybe it’s just me. The grime became clear about two songs into the set, when sweat was dripping down my face, and I was hardly even dancing! The venue was so packed out there was hardly room to move, and even less to breathe, but it was all worth it. (Someone’s going to have to explain ‘crunk’ to me though.)

The gig marked the release of The Aviators first album (following on from their EP in 2004) and the turnout proved how popular the band has become since they first started as a five piece way back in the day. Now an eight piece, The Aviators are even tighter than when I first saw them at Southern Cross a few months back, and they were tight then. It’s hard to tell how much is playing a song and how much is jamming, but I don’t think it really matters, as the result is good.

Each musician stands out, while contributing to the overall sound, from Simon Love’s wicked bass lines, to Paddy Breakley’s interesting and controlled guitaring. Drummer David McGurk is brilliantly creative with those sticks. Singer Ned Worboys has a smooth slick voice, and the songs are quality.

The whole band is great to watch, in their suits, dancing and communicating with each other. It’s good to see a band dress nicely. I figure, if you expect people to come along and listen to/watch you, it’s important to respect their eyes. Also, The Aviators are never standing still. That’s also an important ingredient in a good live show.

If you missed out, you really missed out. You can still get their album though, and they seem to have quite regular gigs at the Southern Cross, so head along next time you see a poster. Also, I recommend checking out the ‘band’ section on their website below, as it contains a rather amusing description of each member.

www.theaviators.co.nz

REVIEW: Ginger Brown

GINGER BROWN
MONDAY 11 JUNE
By Lucy Wyatt

Picture a world of 60’s psychedelia fused with dixie, 50’s rock n roll, carnival, layered over with modern rock, this is the enchanting, quirky world of Ginger Brown. Lawrence Taula (organ/vocals) and Joe Dobson (drums), make up the eclectic duo that are Ginger Brown.

Taula and Dobson are onto something new with their compelling, raw style resulting in an eccentric musical experience. Their combined energy is unrelenting. It’s intense. Your auditory senses are repeatedly satisfied as Ginger Brown successfully reaches that ever-elusive dynamic climax. There’s nothing predictable here. The tracks are tight and strong. Each possesses an original identity.

There’s no shortage on talent. Their core vibe is an influence of both experience and risk. They want to do what no one else is doing. The fluid sound of Tuala’s Hammond organ shapes each track. Dobson’s confidence is truly evident on the drums. Together they inject a solid structure to their music.

“This Ship” is a noble track with a catchy tone that disguises a myriad of levels. “Madison Garden” with its vivacious energy is a true crowd pleaser. It’s hard not to dance to this one. Another track that warrants an animated jig is “Kiss Me Goodnight”. This is where Tuala’s voice demonstrates his exceptional range.

The poetic lyrics are often narrative and sometimes cryptic. The speed of the tracks ranges from frantic to a serene calm. There are certainly plenty of surprises. “Boston Dance” is an instrumental delight, demonstrating Ginger Brown’s depth and their fearless talent. Their live shows have left crowds enlightened and thoroughly entertained.

There is no doubt in my mind that Ginger Brown’s unique sound is responsible for their ever-increasing fan base, which like them, will only continue to expertly thrive. Ginger Brown takes me on an intriguing voyage. Each of their tracks is like a new fix released at a medicated rate – they keep you wanting more.

Ginger Brown Wellington Tour Dates.

23.06.07 12am @ The Matterhorn, Wellington

29.06.07 8pm @ Tupelo, Wellington

27.07.07 10pm @ Bodega, Wellington

04.08.07 12am @ The Matterhorn, Wellington

REVIEW: Katchafire

KATCHAFIRE
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
SATURDAY 9 JUNE
By Lucy Wyatt

Katchafire left The San Francisco Bathhouse well and truly smoking last weekend. Their extreme energy was matched by the crowd’s intense respect for New Zealand’s hottest roots reggae band. The well-heated euphoric audience sang passionately, they danced and skanked along to an incredible 3-hour show. To the crowds delight they covered many old favourites like “Colour Me Life” and “Seriously”. The new stuff such as the track “Mr Flava” was greeted enthusiastically.

Formed 10 years ago, this eight-piece band is of Maori descent including 2 generations of 1 family. Grenville Bell founded the band in 1997, originally as a Bob Marley tribute band, now accompanied on stage by his 2 sons, Logan (guitar and vocals) and Jordan (drums). With 2 highly acclaimed albums “Revival”(2003) and “Slow Burning” (2005), and a third to be released this month, “Say What You’re Thinking”, it’s safe to say that these boys are very much on fire.

Saturday’s sell-out gig is definitely reflective of past album sales. (“Slow Burning”, featured “Giddy Up”, the highest selling single of 2003). Subsequently, Katchafire’s reputation on stage is fast becoming legendary throughout New Zealand. I doubt it presumptuous to suggest they are a household name. Such popularity is arguably due to their dedication and desire to tour. They are an accessible band – easy to get to, easy to get down to.

Katchafire gets inside your soul and keeps on burning brightly within. Exceptional vocals, talented writing and sensual depth ensure that nothing can stop the flame. Where there’s smoke there’s definitely fire. Katchafire are now on a mission to raise the spirit of New Zealand to a global level. Yet another world tour is about to begin. Surely then this joyous and harmonious sound will conquer the world.

REVIEW: Adi Dick

ADI DICK
OUR PLACE ALBUM RELEASE
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
MONDAY 7 MAY
By Lucy Wyatt

Will the waves of beautiful music ever calm in Wellington. The San Francisco Bathhouse was cooking up a storm with the launch of Adi Dick’s stunning debut album Our Place. Receiving a very snug embrace, the crowd were united in their appreciation. There were plenty of nodding heads of approval with a mellow but uplifting atmosphere, proving that Adi had hit the right note. Breaking away from his more recent position within his 3-piece band Son Of Puha and his truly established status with Fly My Pretties his strong influences of blues, roots and jazz shine brightly through along with his dedication to his beloved guitar.

Our Place grasps a sound so real it’s almost 3 dimensional, creating a warmth and depth that is sure to capture many hearts. This groundbreaking album envelops many different emotions, creating a strong sense of origin and pride. The fusional sound is a melting pot of genres that is so unique to New Zealand’s homegrown music. Adi’s heartfelt lyrics and distinctive voice reaches out and touches you with each song having it’s own fresh identity and energy.

Opening the album with Get Out, the wonderfully familiar track from The Return of Fly My Pretties, Adi sets the vibe nicely. Laidback and honest the tracks continue at a steady pace, perhaps the most down tempo being Drifting. There is a perpetual soulful vibe throughout the album, covering personal memories from his past and current passions, especially in the track Our Place. The influences are many, ranging from his devotion to hip-hop to R&B, producing a sound that has a positive direction. In I Will Not Go the search for who he is, is portrayed clearly, now that he has found his voice and place in the world, both personally and musically.

GIGS: Ritalin, Tommy Pickett and more

THURSDAY 14TH JUNE

-Happy 8pm $5
Charlette Hannah, Fanuc Man, Jeremy Brick, The Ramps

-Bodega 9pm Koha
Matthew Pixie Pickering, Dave Kempton

FRIDAY 15TH JUNE

- Old Studio 9 (All Ages)
Ritalin, Not Quite Right, Whispers for Warning, The Lucky Strikes

SATURDAY 16TH JUNE

-Mighty Mighty
The Aviators CD release party

-Subnine
The Offbeats, Skaface Claw, Freddy Fudd Pucker and more

SUNDAY 17TH JUNE

-Bodega
Rikki Doolan, Matt Holliman, Shaun K Anderson

MONDAY 18TH JUNE

-Southern Cross
'Acoustic Pioneer'
Tommy Pickett

I play tonight

Now for some shameless self promotion. Remember if you send me your gigs I will promote thme too, I just don't have time to go and look on everyone's myspace site or email everyone to ask.

WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE

-San Francisco Bathhouse
Charlette Hannah, Stephanie Casey and Kerry Logan. 6-8pm. Free!

THURSDAY 14 JUNE

-Happy
Wellington Music and Artists Social Club
Charlette Hannah, Fanuc Man, The Ramps, Jeremy Brick. 8pm. $5

OPPORTUNITY: Band manager wanted

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