My mega week of gigging continued last Tuesday when Wellington was graced by the prescence of Mr Henry Rollins, former lead singer of SOA and some two bit punk group called Black Flag (Kidding on the 2-bit thing!!!!!!) At 8pm sharp, he stepped onto the Paramount stage and talked to/at us for the next 3 or so hours. He spent a lot of his time talking about his recent travels to the middle east and Pakistan. For a guy pushing 50, he certainly has more energy than I do and loves travelling to parts of the world that his government seems to think are evil. Recently, he went to Iran. He tells us a brilliant story about how the only way he could get a visa to get into Iran was to go to Dubai and apply for one there. "And you're not gonna do that now, are you Mr Rollins" said the travel agent. Wrong. The most amazing story he told was about his time in Pakistan. He happened to be there right at the time Benazir Bhutto was assasinated. His stories of seeing only men in the streets mouning her death (the women weren't allowed out) were moving to say the least, and Henry seemed to amazed to be in that part of the world during such an historic time.
The major themes touched on by Henry were basically that we should try as much as possible to stay bull shit free in our lifes and how when you look closely, things ain't always what they seem, themes that anyone familiar with his spoken word stuff will have heard many times before. Sure, he changes his stories, but the underlying themes remain constant, which is good.
Also, given that he's been involved in music for many years, he stories about music and how its affected his life are also very interesting. His story about seeing Van Halen and Ted Nugent was worth the price of admission alone.
The best thing was that, given that he talked for 3 hours, it seemed like a lot less and he never once lost our attention. He's and interesting and funny guy who has had a more interesting life than most people could ever have, and yet he's also very humble and has the ability to laugh at himself, which is a quality that I think should be admired.
All I have to say is, Mr Henry Rollins, I hope you enjoyed your first visit to Wellington and I hope you can return sooner rather than later.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Giving them a taste of kiwi
Vodafone Homegrown was put on by the same people responsible for the X-Air competition and is a day long festival of all things good and great about New Zealand music, and was held on April 26th 2008(thank god they didn't hold it during NZ Music Month). Four stages around the Frank Kitts park area of the Wellington waterfront resonated to the sound of kiwi music for the best part of 10 hours on one of those sunny autumn days Wellington excells at.
I got there nice and early and headed over the roots music stage to check out the mighty Salmonela Dub. Its weird that I've never seen these guys live before, as I've been a fan for about 10 years, and to be quite frank, I don't think that a tent in the middle of a car park was really the place to a band like them for the first time. That said, they put on an enjoyable set, though it never really crossed over into amazing teritory, tho that was more to do with the situation than anything they were doing on stage. Next time they make it to this fair city, I'll make sure I tag along to check them out in a venue more conducive to their dubby soundscapes.
I had few hours to kill before my next must see act, so I wandered around, checking out the other stages, and some of the stalls and markets that were doing business. Wandering into the rock stage, I caught a couple of songs by The Valves. Servicable rock, nothing more. They weren't bad, its just that they weren't anything special either. I soon left to find some friends and have a few brews while Cornerstone Roots provided the sound track. Its moments like this I understand why Reggae is so popular, sun, beer, good company, you cannot go to wrong.
After finishing up our drinks, it was time to head to the Indie stage to check out Wellington heroes, So So Modern. These synth happy kids usually provide one of the best shows in town, with their energetic stage prescence and their brilliantly dancible angular pop tunes. The problem was that its hard to get that across to the crowd when some thief has stolen the bottom end from yr sound!!!! Seriously, even the drums were inaudible, horible. They carried on like troupers, possibly unaware on what was assaulting the punters out front. Eventually, the sound guys got their shit together and the last few songs of their set sounded like they should.
Next up, Die! Die! Die! Now, if there another band on the planet that can make people just lose their shit as much as these guys do, I've not seen them. Seriously, within about 10 seconds of these guys starting up, a massive circle pit had formed, people turned into human projectiles and fist fights were breaking out all over the place. After a song or two, and once security at the front of the stage tripled, things calmed down. A tiny bit. Yep, it was yr typical Die! Die! Die! set, the band going for it like there was no going back, and the crowd going with them step for step. Seriously, I was wondering if any of the other bands could top them for energy and sheer commitment. We would have to wait and see.
After Die! Die! Die!, we needed food and a lie down, so too the busking stage it was. Refueled and calmed down, it was back to the Indie stage to check out the soothing goodness that is Phoenix Foundation. Having only recently decided that these guys were worth my time, they produced the perfect set to soundtrack a post near-riot calm down, especially since they've toned down some of their proggier excesses. Left early to head to the dance tent, where Minuit were about to perform.
Got there just in time to catch the end of Sunshine Sound System, they seemed cool, tho I didn't hear enough of them to get a full idea of their sound. Minuit however, were greeted like returning heroes and played the best I've ever seen them, which is high praise cos last time they knocked me for six. Ruth was her usual effevesent self, jumping around and keeping the audience from flagging, not that there was any danger of that. They played all the old favourites, and still managed to leave us wanting more, fantastic.
Back at the Indie stage, The Checks were finishing up a set of their boring as fuck plod rock. I hate The Checks. But the main event was about to begin, fresh from a few months in Portland Origon US of A, The Mint Chicks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was interested how they would sound as a 3 piece, with their bassist opting out of the USA adventures, and didn't have to wait long to find out, as they opened with a brand new tune, all drums and bass and Kody at his microphone destoying best. Seriously, how many gigs have you been to where the lead singer kills not one, not two, but three mics during the first song. Once the first song was despatched, they were joined by their old bassist and preceded to play a greatest hits set. It was incredible and intense, I've never seen them play with such ferosity ever. The crowd, while not at Die! Die! Die! levels of shit lossage (yep, I'm making words up), were going pretty crazy too, lapping up everything the Mint Chicks threw at us. It was loud too, so loud that towards the back of the venue it was apparently unbarable, but up the front, we cared little for such quibbles. Eventually, the band left the stage and the honorary call for an encore came from the crowd, the loudest I've heard in ages. Seriously, we must have been chanting for 5 minutes straight, and I was begining to wonder if they were coming out. Eventually, they did come back out and Kody dedicated Funeral Day to a friend of his that had recently passed away, and my god it was the best version of that song I have ever heard. One more song and they left us for good. My whole body ached. Time for bed.
Overall, a great concept executed well, I for one hope this isn't the last Homegrown.
I got there nice and early and headed over the roots music stage to check out the mighty Salmonela Dub. Its weird that I've never seen these guys live before, as I've been a fan for about 10 years, and to be quite frank, I don't think that a tent in the middle of a car park was really the place to a band like them for the first time. That said, they put on an enjoyable set, though it never really crossed over into amazing teritory, tho that was more to do with the situation than anything they were doing on stage. Next time they make it to this fair city, I'll make sure I tag along to check them out in a venue more conducive to their dubby soundscapes.
I had few hours to kill before my next must see act, so I wandered around, checking out the other stages, and some of the stalls and markets that were doing business. Wandering into the rock stage, I caught a couple of songs by The Valves. Servicable rock, nothing more. They weren't bad, its just that they weren't anything special either. I soon left to find some friends and have a few brews while Cornerstone Roots provided the sound track. Its moments like this I understand why Reggae is so popular, sun, beer, good company, you cannot go to wrong.
After finishing up our drinks, it was time to head to the Indie stage to check out Wellington heroes, So So Modern. These synth happy kids usually provide one of the best shows in town, with their energetic stage prescence and their brilliantly dancible angular pop tunes. The problem was that its hard to get that across to the crowd when some thief has stolen the bottom end from yr sound!!!! Seriously, even the drums were inaudible, horible. They carried on like troupers, possibly unaware on what was assaulting the punters out front. Eventually, the sound guys got their shit together and the last few songs of their set sounded like they should.
Next up, Die! Die! Die! Now, if there another band on the planet that can make people just lose their shit as much as these guys do, I've not seen them. Seriously, within about 10 seconds of these guys starting up, a massive circle pit had formed, people turned into human projectiles and fist fights were breaking out all over the place. After a song or two, and once security at the front of the stage tripled, things calmed down. A tiny bit. Yep, it was yr typical Die! Die! Die! set, the band going for it like there was no going back, and the crowd going with them step for step. Seriously, I was wondering if any of the other bands could top them for energy and sheer commitment. We would have to wait and see.
After Die! Die! Die!, we needed food and a lie down, so too the busking stage it was. Refueled and calmed down, it was back to the Indie stage to check out the soothing goodness that is Phoenix Foundation. Having only recently decided that these guys were worth my time, they produced the perfect set to soundtrack a post near-riot calm down, especially since they've toned down some of their proggier excesses. Left early to head to the dance tent, where Minuit were about to perform.
Got there just in time to catch the end of Sunshine Sound System, they seemed cool, tho I didn't hear enough of them to get a full idea of their sound. Minuit however, were greeted like returning heroes and played the best I've ever seen them, which is high praise cos last time they knocked me for six. Ruth was her usual effevesent self, jumping around and keeping the audience from flagging, not that there was any danger of that. They played all the old favourites, and still managed to leave us wanting more, fantastic.
Back at the Indie stage, The Checks were finishing up a set of their boring as fuck plod rock. I hate The Checks. But the main event was about to begin, fresh from a few months in Portland Origon US of A, The Mint Chicks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was interested how they would sound as a 3 piece, with their bassist opting out of the USA adventures, and didn't have to wait long to find out, as they opened with a brand new tune, all drums and bass and Kody at his microphone destoying best. Seriously, how many gigs have you been to where the lead singer kills not one, not two, but three mics during the first song. Once the first song was despatched, they were joined by their old bassist and preceded to play a greatest hits set. It was incredible and intense, I've never seen them play with such ferosity ever. The crowd, while not at Die! Die! Die! levels of shit lossage (yep, I'm making words up), were going pretty crazy too, lapping up everything the Mint Chicks threw at us. It was loud too, so loud that towards the back of the venue it was apparently unbarable, but up the front, we cared little for such quibbles. Eventually, the band left the stage and the honorary call for an encore came from the crowd, the loudest I've heard in ages. Seriously, we must have been chanting for 5 minutes straight, and I was begining to wonder if they were coming out. Eventually, they did come back out and Kody dedicated Funeral Day to a friend of his that had recently passed away, and my god it was the best version of that song I have ever heard. One more song and they left us for good. My whole body ached. Time for bed.
Overall, a great concept executed well, I for one hope this isn't the last Homegrown.
It's an awesome feeling!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, it's Anzac Day and what better way to spend at least part of yr day off than to head over to Bar Bodega and sample some original music, which is what I did.
After checking out the slightly updated decor (Bodge is under new ownership), the first band, The Wind Ups, took the stage. These kids reminded me of the more discordant end of post-punk, with synths right out of Metal Box era PIL. Also it wouldn't surprise me much if they had listened to early Sonic Youth, it had that kinda vibe to it. Were they any good? I have to admit I'm still trying to work that one out. I honestly couldn't tell if they really couldn't play, or if they were just good musicians slumming it, trying to sound as grating as possible. That said, I heard enough that I'd be tempted to see them again, if only to make my mind up about them.
Disasteradio was next, and lived up to his usual high standards. His almost slightly cheesey brand of electronic pop had the crowd going from the outset and only continued to get better as he went on. More vocals than I'd seen him do previously, but I was kinda expecting that as one of his more recent vocals, Awesome Feeling, is very vocal heavy. As well as more vocals, the was also a screen showing video images relating to each song, some of which were worth the price of admission alone. A great set, reminding me that I should drag myself out to see him more often.
Cortina have been off the scene for a wee while now, with singer Bek having adventures in Europe. So as you can imagine, there was quite a large feeling of anticipation in the room before they got underway. For me, it was the excitement of not having seen them before and also wondering if they could top the amazing set from D-rad. Now they didn't quite deliver that, but were very cool none the less. If i had to describe the sound of Cortina, it would be Irony Metal. Confused? Let me explain. You see, they use a lot of bad metal cliches, but at the same time, subverting them into something a whole lot better. It cheesy as hell, and yet at the same time it isn't, y'know. Also, not afraid of the rediculous, they had a still drummer, who sat behind the drums, keeping perfectly still, occasionally holding the bass when Bek was playing keys. One song featured a rapper, who I believe may also do time in Coco Solid, but don't quote me on that.
A good evening of local music, and a great preparation for my adventures the following day(stay tuned of more details)
After checking out the slightly updated decor (Bodge is under new ownership), the first band, The Wind Ups, took the stage. These kids reminded me of the more discordant end of post-punk, with synths right out of Metal Box era PIL. Also it wouldn't surprise me much if they had listened to early Sonic Youth, it had that kinda vibe to it. Were they any good? I have to admit I'm still trying to work that one out. I honestly couldn't tell if they really couldn't play, or if they were just good musicians slumming it, trying to sound as grating as possible. That said, I heard enough that I'd be tempted to see them again, if only to make my mind up about them.
Disasteradio was next, and lived up to his usual high standards. His almost slightly cheesey brand of electronic pop had the crowd going from the outset and only continued to get better as he went on. More vocals than I'd seen him do previously, but I was kinda expecting that as one of his more recent vocals, Awesome Feeling, is very vocal heavy. As well as more vocals, the was also a screen showing video images relating to each song, some of which were worth the price of admission alone. A great set, reminding me that I should drag myself out to see him more often.
Cortina have been off the scene for a wee while now, with singer Bek having adventures in Europe. So as you can imagine, there was quite a large feeling of anticipation in the room before they got underway. For me, it was the excitement of not having seen them before and also wondering if they could top the amazing set from D-rad. Now they didn't quite deliver that, but were very cool none the less. If i had to describe the sound of Cortina, it would be Irony Metal. Confused? Let me explain. You see, they use a lot of bad metal cliches, but at the same time, subverting them into something a whole lot better. It cheesy as hell, and yet at the same time it isn't, y'know. Also, not afraid of the rediculous, they had a still drummer, who sat behind the drums, keeping perfectly still, occasionally holding the bass when Bek was playing keys. One song featured a rapper, who I believe may also do time in Coco Solid, but don't quote me on that.
A good evening of local music, and a great preparation for my adventures the following day(stay tuned of more details)
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