REVIEW: Pisces

PISCES
ACOUSTIC LOUNGE
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah



Guitarist/singer Martin started the show with his back to the audience - a brave move. Picking the guitar strings, he then launched into a rich and interesting full band song. With Martin providing ample guitar instrumentation, and backing from a varied and competent rhythm section, Pisces were a great listen right from the start.

I have to admit that I couldn't find anything on the web about the band, so I don't know their full names, or the spellings of them. If anyone would like to help out with that information, it'd be much appreciated!

Backing singer Carly had a beautiful soulful voice, with a lovely trill and easy feeling to it. The tambourine got a little boring, but it did add another dimension to the percussion. She took the lead on a fantastic acoustic rock 'n roll number - Jimmy Jones I think it was called. It was great to hear the harmonies between her and Martin. She smiled the whole way through, nice to see someone really enjoying being on stage.

The upbeat pop/rock had slight country tones, and the performance was dynamic. The songs were instantly catchy, and with the laid back drumming, powerful guitar and great bass tones, Pisces were an entertaining and pleasant listen for a Wednesday evening.

REVIEW: OdESSA and The Thomas Oliver Band

OdESSA
THE THOMAS OLIVER BAND
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Words by Peter Baillie
Photo's by Sheryn Simpson

Matt Pender

Paul Mouncey

Dan Ryland

Matthew 'Puba' Swain

The Thomas Oliver Band

Expectations were high on Friday night - after a long wait, OdESSA's much anticipated second album was ready for release and they wanted to celebrate it in style. A good portion of Wellington decided to join them.

OdESSA has become a local legend with their feverish, high-octane performances coupled with fantastic tunes and beats that you can't help but dance to. Their album 'The Prize' finally manages to capture the energy and polish of their live show in a studio album.

With so much expectation for the headliners, the Thomas Oliver Band took to the stage with no fanfare- not that stage fright is a problem for a young man who opened for Eric Clapton at the Mission Estate concert earlier this year!

It only took a minute for the crowd to get right into their performance, and each song ramped up the excitement from there. A three piece comprising Thomas (guitar and vocal), Steven (electric and upright bass) and Tom (drums), they made effortless changes through folk, pop, rock, soul, slow blues and country. Closing with the show-stopper 'All I Can Say', Thomas led the band through a medley of 'Cocaine' by JJ Cale and 'Ground On Down' by Ben Harper before snapping back to their own song to close the set. They left the stage to rapturous - and justified - applause, with many new fans.

OdESSA has played hundreds of shows in the last 5 years (I've been to almost all of them!) but obviously wanted to make this one special. Usually playing as a four-piece, they were joined this evening by a female vocalist, percussionist and keyboard player.

Concentrating on numbers from the new album, each band member excelled. Laying a ferocious beat that belies the scaled-down drumkit, Matthew 'Puba' Swain gave unstoppable groove to each number. Paul Mouncey on bass laid down fantastic lines that complemented everyone else's performance, and blew the crowd away with a bass solo that most guitarists wouldn't have a hope of replicating. Dan Ryland, the new guitarist, threw off melodic lead breaks and gentle acoustic numbers with equal ease.

Above all, Matt Pender, the ultimate frontman, blessed with athletic dancing, a fantastic voice and unbreakable stage presence. His dancing turned the crowd into a wild, sweaty yet good-natured mosh pit. The crowd danced, jumped, clapped, sang and yelled for more.

This was undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable gigs I've been to, and it's a wonderful thing that two bands should have the courage to play a wide variety of styles and be so warmly received by everyone present. Out of five stars, this gig gets a Milky Way.

REVIEW: OdESSA

OdESSA
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Words by Lucy Wyatt

Sensational, captivating and hugely entertaining were amongst the words that sprung to mind as OdESSA left the stage at The San Francisco Bathouse last Friday night. Promoting their second album, The Prize, this band really knows how to put on a bloody good show. Pender is a star, totally at home on the stage. A talent that it can be argued, you are only born with. He’s definitely up there with the best of them, and with a sound that both elates and physically moves you; it looks like OdESSA’s prize is a winner. The crowd were certainly hungry to hear their fresh sound.

The tracks from the new album were welcomed enthusiastically, matching the crowds dancing. It was busy, but not too busy to prevent you from expressing your desire to dance to such new delights as Bleeder, an obvious future anthem. Vastly fused music, hitting on such diversity as the blues, rock and funky-pop, it’s extremely inspiring to hear and watch. Expressing their personalities; two donning suits, one in a T and one in a shirt, their infectious energy bursts off the stage onto the dance floor. The glitter balls should have been spinning as the crowd got deeply immersed in the groove.

Pulling the old and faithful out of the bag, Promises Promises, proved that Ryland, the latest member, has totally found his feet within the band, his guitar work smooth and confident. Is That You Calling, heard the drumbeat revving up the pace, getting the crowd jumping around. The lyrics always unveil a depth within the band’s heart. The formula is positively sealed; take a charismatic, animated front man, add 3 fellow talented musicians and finish off with beautifully written and produced tracks. As Pender says, they are a “classic band” and for sure this was a classically, dazzling performance.

www.myspace.com/odessamusic

WELLINGTON'S PARTY OF THE YEAR

REVIEW: Cornerstone Roots

CORNERSTONE ROOTS
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
FRIDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER
Words by Lucy Wyatt

The vibe was right and the crowd were perfectly warmed up by The Midnights’ reggae fusion - enjoying the tight ska and jazzy shake up. Clearly another great night was in store for the San Francisco Bathhouse. Cornerstone Roots took to the stage with great presence, ready to educate the crowd with the delights from their new album Free Yourself. With the addition of 2 soulful backing singers, the masters of reggae roots were emulating a friendly and positive buzz. The dance floor wasn’t packed out, allowing those there to express themselves without restriction. Like the new album the audience could really free themselves - always nice with such mellow and skanking music.

Each song projecting messages on a political, environmental and spiritual tip - the fresh songs were met with approval and respect. Tracks such as Forward Movement, have an uplifting vibe with funky keys, keeping the crowd happy. Home offers an upbeat ska vibe, enticing the crowd to bounce along. Steppers’ atmospheric, dubby instrumental jamming, got plenty of heads nodding along to the immersed bass and echoing effect. The old favourites from the widely embraced album Soul Revolution, went down a treat. Soundsplash was met with sunny smiles, encouraging it’s dub undercurrent. The catchy lyrics in Lovers got everyone moving – mashing up the dance floor, horns blazing.

Such honest music produces a really honest crowd. No frills, no pretence - just there to groove with a smile fixed on your face. With a bluesy air, this is really a sophisticated fusion of reggae roots, bound together by their charismatic front man Brian McMillan. The depth and warmth of Cornerstone Roots’ second album demonstrates that they are seriously here to stay - a solid, grounding band. Spreading their sound globally, already being recognised in Australia, Japan, USA and Brazil, with this amount of spirit it’s going to be a positive journey ahead. Here’s to Cornerstone Roots’ getting the worldwide respect they deserve.

REVIEW: Pitch Black

PITCH BLACK
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
FRIDAY 17 AUGUST
Words and Photo by Lucy Wyatt

Have you ever-experienced music that makes you feel dirty, moody and horny all at the same time? Pitch Black had the San Francisco Bathhouse rocking on Friday night with a sound resonate of the audiences prurient feelings. From the very first track off their new album, Rude Mechanicals, the crowd were totally tuned in. Paddy Free’s crazy, almost Johnny Rotten look, complete with an intense shock of red hair, bounced his groove amongst the electronic equipment. Michael Hodgson’s less frantic presence created something of an on-stage juxtaposition - a difference that is arguably a necessary part of this eclectic electronic-dub co-habitation.

Tracks like Rude Mechanicals were perfect dance floor raisers, the catchy vocals hitting the right note. 1000 Mile Drift’s eerie, warped beats and haunting vocals changed the audiences pace a little. It’s like knowing what you’re going to get but loving it more than you could have imagined when you get it. Older tracks from Electric Earth were met with familiar appreciation. Many a smiling face told it so. The evening’s concoction of dirty riffs, smooth electric grooves and mesmerising vocals seemed to reach out and draw you deep inside the music.

The lighting - the vibrant colours, the backdrop of illuminated pipes was a pre-cursor to the fluid motion of the wired, electro musical waves fused with a pumping dub heart. The diverse mixture of people forgot their differences and united their common appreciation. When the last track finished the hunger could almost be interpreted as insatiable. Pitch Black, yet again, produced a fat, atmospheric dance floor blast. A truly wicked show.

REVIEW: Peneloping

PENELOPING
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
FRIDAY 10 AUGUST
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

Christopher

Kirsten

At the start of Peneloping's set I was pretty unimpressed. It sounded loose and unrehearsed and there were a few 'what's going on?' moments. As the set went on I was more won round, however in all honesty I wasn't particularly inspired.

Both Kirsten and Christopher have lovely voices, although some of the harmonies were a little shaky. The second song was a vast improvement on the first, and it did get better as they continued. I found the overall tone pleasant, and there were a lot of melodic changes, which is always nice, but not many dynamics.

The music is cutesy and charming, catchy quirky pop tunes. It sounded unpolished to me, but there is definitely potential. It's good to hear male and female vocals together.

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!

REVIEW: Mannekin Thoughts and Barefoot In The Sand

SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
ACOUSTIC LOUNGE
WEDNESDAY 4TH JULY
Words by Charlette Hannah

MANNEKIN THOUGHTS

Acoustic Lounge really is the place to go to find talented singer/songwriters/bands. I don't know where Peter Baillie find them all, but he manages to constantly procure excellent performers.
Mannekin Thoughts opened the night, with their upbeat alternative/country/folk rock. Between the two of them, Rose and Byron played guitars, tambourine, hamonica and shakers. Both had great vocals, especially Rose. The melodies and rhythms are skilled and it's great to listen to, with lots of feeling. It's good to hear more upbeat music - people often seem to get sucked into the melancholia trap.

BAREFOOT IN THE SAND

Following Mannekin Thoughts was four piece folk funk band Barefoot In The Sand. Singer Jenn Shelton has an deep, powerful and soulful voice, and the instrumentation from the guys is dynamic and unique. Not many bands would dream of putting aside the full drum kit in favour of a hand drum, but percussionist Jeremy Hantler not only played a variety of beats, he even did a solo! Hamish Maudie provided stable and creative bass lines, while Blair Pederson on the guitar had subtle and lovely riffs. Each musician was given their chance to shine.
There was obvious rapport between the members, which created a real feeling of harmony, quite aside from the lovely harmonies in the music.
The music overall is laid back yet interesting, with a solid groove. I will definitely be keeping my ears out for these two bands.

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.

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.

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.

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

REVIEW: Samuel Flynn-Scott and Lawrence Arabia

SAMUEL FLYNN-SCOTT AND LAWRENCE ARABIA
THE HAAST EAGLE TOUR
SAN FRANCISCO BATHHOUSE
FRIDAY 13 APRIL

By Charlette Hannah

I bought a new dress for this gig. It was little and cute. Not that anyone noticed, as these guys have enough stage presence to make you choke.

Sam Flynn-Scott and Lawrence Arabia aren’t just doing a tour together – they actually play together! Luckily for us, it works, as it would be far worse to see a bad band when there was no relief in sight (i.e. when the next band took over). Both of them manage to command the stage, and hold back to let the other take over, which I think is praiseworthy given the unfortunate tendency of performers to either be egotistical or boring.

Aside from the music, which was always going to be good, a mixture of slinky blues, country/pop ditties and rock, they were particularly funny. In fact, the drummer stepped out from the usual strong silent role, and cracked many a line.

Backed by the Duo Orchestra of Craig Terris and Tom Callwood (I like the idea of a two person orchestra) they jived around the stage, miraculously avoiding all instruments and cables.

At times it did get a little messy, however Samuel kindly explained to us that they had learnt 26 songs that week. I don’t know what to believe anymore now that I’ve found out about the DOC conspiracy to breed extinct Haast Eagles.

The only complaint I would have is the butchered Beatles song at the end. However when they stick to originals, its good music, and great entertainment.

By Charlette Hannah