GIGS: 19th - 25th July

Are YOU playing in Wellington? Remember to send through your gig details to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com by Monday morning to have it listed here!

THURSDAY 19TH JULY

- Bar Bodega
World Battle of the Bands Heat 2
Alpha Noise, Fiin, Mota, Colonel Mustard

- Matterhorn
The 202's. 9.30pm.

FRIDAY 20TH JULY

- Tupelo
Ghost Dubs, Strictly 138, Kaps, Steppa D, P-Vans, M.Tekka. $5 8pm.

- Happy
Hannah Curwood and Simon Comber. 8pm.
Infinite Flying Kick, Decortica, Vorn, Hot Swiss Mistress. $10 10pm.

- Sandwiches
Liam Finn, Ginger Brown

- Bodega
Residue

- Valve
The House of Capricorn, Vatikan, Amarna, Demon Foetal Harvest, Gary Churr & The Beers. $10 9pm.

- Old Studio 9
The Pinkertons, The Philosophers, Harris MacKenzie Boock, DNA. $5 All Ages 7.30pm.

- Havana
DJ Takkas.

- Matterhorn
The Jewel School. 10pm.

SATURDAY 21ST JULY

- Valve
TT Ryder, Cynical Ploy, Forgotten Warriors, Muzzleglow. $5 Doors 9pm, start 10pm.

- Subnine
Crossings Festival
Big Bada Boom, DJ El-Amein-Ji, DJ Ajnabee, MC KthrNak, MC Pundit, MC Mantra. $10. Doors 9pm, start 10pm.

- Blue Note
Infinite Flying Kick, Decortica. $10 8pm.

- Sandwiches
Rhombus with local guests and DJ's. Tickets $20 +bf from sandwiches.co.nz or Real Groovy. R18 10pm.

- Happy
Ryan McPhun and the Ruby Suns, Holiday With Friends, Girlfriend.

- Underground Arts
The House of Capricorn, Wrath, Aethea, Vatikan, Morte Vida. $10 Doors 7pm.

- Bar Bodega
The Offbeats.

- Havana
Sons of Puha.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
The Little Bushmen. 9.30pm $20 +bf presales from Real Groovy.

- Matterhorn
The Imperial Doppelgangers. 10pm.

SUNDAY 22ND JULY

- Matterhorn
The Skins feat. Money-D, The Yeabsley Key, Lisa Tomlins. 8:30pm.

MONDAY 23RD JULY

Are YOU playing in Wellington? Remember to send through your gig details to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com by Monday morning to have it listed here!

TUESDAY 24TH JULY

- Havana
Roberto Rodriguez.

WEDNESDAY 25TH JULY

- Valve
Colonel Mustard, Karaoke Taxi, Cop Car.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
So So Modern, This City Sunrise, Hectik Runz, Zitty, Cut Off Your Hands. All Ages.

- Sandwiches
Charmaine Ford, Nick Tipping, Richard Wise. Album Launch 9pm Free.

GIGS: 12th - 18th July

Are YOU playing in Wellington? Remember to send through your gig details to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com by Monday morning to have it listed here!

THURSDAY 12TH JULY

- Bodega
World Battle of the Bands Wellington Heat 1
Psycho Space Monkeys, Faster She Said and more.

- Sandwiches
Harbour City Electric. 9pm.

- Subnine
Riverblind, Muzzeglow, Barefoot In The Sand. 10pm $5.

- The Adelaide
The Ramps, The Randoms, Amos. Free.

-Valve
Omega Realm, Slaughtered Symphony, Evil Mule. 9pm.

FRIDAY 13TH JULY

- Bodega
The Stomps, Bastard Sons of Grey Power, The Randoms. 8pm.

- Underground Arts
Black Friday Massacre. 9pm $5.

- Old Studio 9
Charmed School Rejects, Left Handed Addiction, Too Many Jonnys, Twice On Thursdays. 7.30pm $5 All Ages.

-San Francisco Bathhouse
Bad Luck Ball Pt 3
Thumper, Horror Story, Black Chrome, Volcana, DJ Voodoo Savage, DJ Nightmare 666. 8pm $13.

- Sandwiches
Teebee (NOR) and Calyx (UK) & The Upbeats: Local support from Mr Smith, Indeks and Habit. Tickets $45 +bf from Real Groovy, Cosmic Corner, DMC and Sandwiches.

-Subnine
Concord Dawn, local DJ’s Sal and DDog. 10pm. Tickets $25 from Real Groovy and Cosmic Croner and $30 on the door.

- Valve
Fanucman, Punchbowl, Pink Flamingoes, Goodtimes.

SATURDAY 14TH JULY

- Sandwiches
Timmy Schumacher & MC Kyla. R18, $20 (+BF) presales.

- Old Studio 9
Alien 8, The Alpha Shift, The Stacks, Feiry Orchid. 7.30pm $5 All Ages.

- Bodega, Room 101
The Huhu.

- Valve
The Postures, Fanucman, Yokel Ono, The Dissentors, Captain Sergeant Major. 9pm $10.

- Mighty Mighty
Cherry's Gemstones. Wild Rockabilly Surf Marshan Madness. 9pm $10.

SUNDAY 15TH JULY

- Old Studio 9
Acoustic Afternoon. 2-5pm $5. With Barefoot In The Sand.

MONDAY 16TH JULY

- Southern Cross
Acoustic Pioneers.
Matthew Pixie Pickering and more. Koha entry.

TUESDAY 17TH JULY

- Valve
Seisure Drum N Bass 1/ NAR/CO/SIA, Evil and McSig'le

WEDNESDAY 18TH JULY

Are YOU playing in Wellington? Remember to send through your gig details to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com by Monday morning to have it listed here!

GIGS: 5th - 11th July

THURSDAY 5TH JULY

- San Francisco Bathhouse
The Bleeders, Antagonist, Full Nelson. R18 $15 8PM.

- Bar Bodega
The Have, The Dukes, Fighting The Shakes, Tommy Ill. 8pm $10 presales from Ticketek.

- Sandwiches
The Taliband, Harbour City Electric. 10pm.

- Subnine
Matt Holleman, Rikki Doolan, Shaun K Anderson, Kathryn Baker. $5 9pm.

- Tupelo
The Moon Whispers. 9.30pm Koha entry.

- Happy
The Nigel Patterson Trio

FRIDAY 6TH JULY

- Old Studio 9
Rubix Cuba (early show before Bodega later), Single Strand, Tender Groove, Cross Eyed Mary. $5 7pm All Ages.

- Bar Bodega
Rubix Cuba, The Offbeats. $10 10pm.

- Valve
Fallen Order, Agent, The Alpha Shift. R18.

- Happy
The Ramps, The Randoms. 10pm.

- Flashbacks Bar and Grill
Masters of Metal feat. Magnum Opus.

- The Adelaide
Neckstretchers, Man Alone, Highlords.

- Happy
Pumice, Sunken. 8pm.

SATURDAY 7TH JULY

- Old Studio 9
The Randoms, The Stomps, The Lucky Strikes. $5 8pm All Ages.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
dDub, Pacific Bass Culture. 8pm.

- The Adelaide
Plastic Kitchen.

- Sandwiches
Electroluxxe, Samari, Perspex, Techead, Rex, D'Nation, Moneytree. Midnight. $15 on door, $10 with active card.

SUNDAY 8TH JULY

?? Are YOU playing? Remember to send your gigs through to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com to have it posted here!

MONDAY 9TH JULY

??

TUESDAY 10TH JULY

-Bar Bodega
Beats and Bubbles feat. Johnathon Crayford.

- Vic Uni
Rubix Cuba.

- Matterhorn
Beatnik feat. Lisa Tomlins, Moana Ete. 9pm Koha.

WEDNESDAY 11TH JULY

- Bar Bodega, Room 101
Sleepy Demons, Charlette Hannah, Fanucman. $5 8pm.

- Southern Cross
Iva Lamkum Band. 10pm Free.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Acoustic Lounge - Tony MacIver, Joe Ryan, Clint Meech. 6-8pm Free.

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.

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.

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

REVIEW: The Gracious Deviants and Tommy Pickett

THE GRACIOUS DEVIANTS / TOMMY PICKETT
BAR BODEGA
WEDNESDAY 30 MAY

By Charlette Hannah

It was a quiet Wednesday night. The students were on the street smoking in their pyjamas as usual as we headed down Willis St to Bodega.

Walking into the bar, I was a little disappointed by the turn out. Ok, it was the middle of the week, but this is the capital city. Don’t we have a thriving music scene? Where’s the support?

At least the audience members that were there seemed to appreciate the music – the applause was enough for double the crowd. And it was well deserved. The Gracious Deviants started off the show, and did two sets of their melodic acoustic folk songs. Two male singer/guitarists, with particularly good harmonies, their songs were described by fellow performer Tommy Pickett as ‘bits of chocolate, one after the other’. At one point he paused while talking to me to listen to ‘a particularly good bit of chocolate’.

Then Tommy got up himself, to ‘warm down’ for the band he was supposed to be warming up for. After explaining he’d double booked himself and had just rushed from a gig at the Hotel Bristol, he proceeded to play his own unique style of acoustic folk/Americana. Tommy has a real smooth voice, and a confident guitar style. He also has commendable between songs chatter. I’m always impressed by that. Probably more than I should be.

GIGS: Nine Signals and more

WEDNESDAY 30 MAY

- Bar Bodega
The Gracious Deviants and Tommy Pickett
Gold coin entry. 8.30pm

THURSDAY 31 MAY

-Happy
Nine Signals, Captain Sergeant Major, Hannah's Son & Vade, Feelix Fielding.
You can get in free if you bring a flier from Slow Boat, have student ID, or are in a group of nine. But if you pay your $5 on the door you go in the draw to win a free EP.

- Bar Bodega
The Spines 9pm

FRIDAY 22 JUNE

-Zeal
Take Down Lucy (feat 7-String Orchestra), Whispers for Warning, Streetwise Scarlet.
8pm $5

REVIEW: The Midnights

THE MIDNIGHTS
BAR BODEGA
FRIDAY 18 MAY
By Lucy Wyatt

Fresh, young and seriously reggae The Midnights hit the stage at Bar Bodega on Friday night supporting the groovers that are Dubdoubt. A 100% New Zealand band based in Auckland, The Midnights feature members Leo Horgan (guitar and vocals), Joe Keating (bass), Chris Varnham (organ), and Berin Hunter aka B-Dog (drums). These boys are putting the raw roots back into reggae with their mellow Kiwi tip and their tightly fused live performance. The rather quiet crowd at Bodega got warmed up quickly as The Midnights pushed the levels up with their freestyle, improvised jamming.

Revving up the mood a little with a reggae fusion, incorporating twists of ska, R&B, experimental jazz and soul. Leo’s voice has a surprisingly mature and experienced edge, combined with his wide and radiant smile; he has all the ingredients of a charismatic front man. The Midnights already have an established following due to their strong array of gigs performed in the last year. Supporting the cream of New Zealand’s crop and reinforcing their status with a music video for the track Sweet Togetherness that got aired on all the main music channels, The Midnights are truly going places. Outside Looking In saw a familiar response from the crowd, perhaps recognized from the album Conscious Roots 3.

True Progress has a very catchy rift and some true ragga MC’ing producing a very solid, rounded reggae track that would not be out of its depth playing at international festivals. A collection of goodies behind them, including their limited edition ep Hot Country, The Midnights are not shy to push their ripened sound forward where they are destined to be. Projecting such a relaxed style and what seems like an effortless tightness, this is what you expect to hear and feel from a unique soulful reggae act. Keep an eye on The Midnights as they certainly won’t be crashing early.

REVIEW: DubDoubt

DUBDOUBT
BAR BODEGA
FRIDAY 18 MAY
By Lucy Wyatt

The summer has drawn to a close, but the sun is endlessly shining with the sound of Dubdoubt. The Sunshine and Scenery NZ Tour bought this Brisbane based band to Wellington’s Bar Bodega. Comprising of four Aussies, John Ruggles (guitar), Euan Gray (saxophone and vocals), Mitch Ruggles (bass) and Darren Skaar (trumpet and vocals). Combined with two Kiwis members, Nic Ramsden (drums) and Hayden Andrews (lead vocals, synth and percussion). These lads are a truly funky act. Grooving together since 2001 their music is a fusion of swinging jazz, dub, hip-hop and reggae.

The turn out at Bodega was a bit on the light side, but Dubdoubts’ uplifting energy ensured that their audience got their groove on. Playing alongside New Zealand’s hottest talent in the past at such acclaimed gigs as Soundsplash (Raglan) and Big Day Out (Gold Coast), Dubdoubt are certainly creating waves across the trans-Tasman ocean. These funksters have a lot to offer, pumping out such songs as Lack of Inspiration - so tightly produced it’s a catchy track that contently sticks in your head for days. Again Always Manage To Get High fills you with both warmth and happy dancing feet due to its infectious hip-hop vibe.

Hayden’s mixture of retro coolness, (his wardrobe speaks for itself), sets the tone for these thoroughly laid-back musicians. The 12-8 horns as they refer to themselves (both Darran and Euan are 6ft 4), really pump up the buzz, pulling together this solid, sublime groove. The acid jazz strength in Insect Eyes kicks out a cheeky little number, which was received with a rocking, admiring atmosphere. On tour with yet another fresh talented Kiwi band The Midnights, I would recommend that if you missed this gig and their free set at Te Papa, you need to get in the know and sort your act out as Dubdoubt are pure quality that are not to be missed again.

REVIEW: Tommmy and OdESSA

OdESSA / TOMMY
BAR BODEGA
SATURDAY 12 MAY

By Charlette Hannah

I have not yet seen Bodega as packed out as it was for the Tommy gig on Saturday. Tommy's homecoming show on their 'Tomorrow I Might Go' album release tour included old friends OdESSA.

It was my first time seeing OdESSA – I had heard great things about them, but for some reason had never gotten round to going to one of their gigs. Which was most unfortunate, as I quickly learned. These guys are on fire! I don’t think I have ever seen such a showy front-man in a New Zealand band, but the dance moves are not to hide a lack of talent. This guy can sing! OdESSA are great to listen to and interesting to watch. Really funky, sophisticated songs. I would recommend going to see them whatever mood you’re in.

However I really went to see Tommy, probably the first New Zealand band I became a ‘fan’ of back in the vicinity of ‘98-’99. Tommy’s reggae influenced pop/rock is upbeat, full of soul, and rhythmically, tunefully and lyrically intelligent. After a personnel change, Tommy have been on a massive nationwide tour.

Tommy himself is a brilliant performer. At one point in the show he broke a string, and instead of handing the guitar to a roadie or stopping the show while he changed it, he informed us the band was going to jam. Bass followed drums and the keyboards soon joined in. Then Tommy himself starting freestyling over the music. I don’t know where he comes up with that stuff! He continued to lyricise while still winding on the string. He looked infinitely comfortable on stage, and his soft yet metallic voice was great as always. The new band members held up their end well, the bassist in particular stood out.

Finishing with my all-time favourite – The Magpie Song, Tommy had the audience in tears and with their arms around each other. Pretty strong stuff.

Tommy's MySpace

OdESSA's site

REVIEW: Hellserpoppin pips hell

SATURDAY 10 MARCH
BAR BODEGA
HELLSERPOPPIN

By Charlette Hannah

Last night there were three bands playing at Bodega, The Matt Langley Band who I've already reviewed, Miss Conduct, and Hellserpoppin. Unfortunately, I didn't get to hear Miss Conduct, as I just couldn't sit through Hellserpoppin. They lost me from the first moment lead singer Joe stepped on to the stage with a beer bottle in his hand, which he proceeded to nurse for the three songs I endured, and started swearing about something. Ok, so this is rock and roll right? But is it necessary? An image can't carry a band (although Westlife would beg to differ) and if the music falls down, drinking and swearing probably is all that's left. The first song started weakly, with a half decent guitar riff being overshadowed by the bass. Joe went from standing on stage and humming to screaming. There was no build up, and no power in the music. The drummer merely kept time, though he was solid and kept time well. Metal/punk/rock music really needs good strong interesting beats to hold it together. The guitarist was so quiet I could barely hear what he was doing. By the second song they had warmed up a little, and the singing improved. I think Joe has a good voice, but on the whole the band seems slightly misguided. From their website: "We give eternal thanks to our followers for always holding such devotion, in our hearts you are the loving masses against smoky lights and the Hellserpoppin symphony. You channel our venom; you are the water to our thirst, the lifeblood in our veins. And we extend it to you all always."
Like I said, I couldn't listen to a whole set.

REVIEW: The Matt Langley Band

SATURDAY 10 MARCH
BAR BODEGA
THE MATT LANGLEY BAND
By Charlette Hannah

I have to admit, it's been a while since I've been to Bodega. A friend of mine used to work there, so I could get in for free (don't tell management) which was great, because if the band sucked, I wouldn't mind leaving. Unfortunately, it's often hit and miss with Bodega. I applaud that they give so many up and coming bands a go, but sometimes the bands really should just up and go.
Thankfully, this wasn't a case in point. I was more than happy after watching the Matt Langley band to have paid my $5 to get in. In fact, I wouldn't have felt ripped off paying $10.
I haven't seen Matt play before, as he is from Dunedin and I have spent a total of three days in Dunedin in my whole life, but I was well impressed with my inaugural hearing.
A relaxed and natural performer, Matt looks intimately at home on stage, and his stage presence extends throughout the bar. Unfortunately there wasn't a huge crowd at that stage, but there was obvious enjoyment from those assembled.
Matt's finely crafted songwriting and easy going guitar style is easy to listen to, but by no means boring. He had my attention right from the first song, and held it for the whole performance. A fantastic voice, matched by a fine rhythm section from brother Jake Langley on drums and Scott Mead on bass made it an overall inspiring show, and one that restored my faith in going to see original bands I don't know. You don't know til you go right? Alternative, country, folky rock with a unique flavour is how I'd describe Matt's music. It's pleasant, and interesting, and from what I could distinguish, lyrically good as well as melodically solid.
I've contacted Matt about an interview - so watch this space. Check him out if you get the opportunity!