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.

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.