NZ Underground Festival: Review

OMG. Words. cannot. describe.
I don't think I'll ever listen to the radio again.

The bands yesterday were incredible.

We got to Kings Arms at about half past three. At that point it was mostly stalls selling jewelry and singles, but there was a really good harp and saxophone duo (Harp and Soul) and the weather was lovely. About four o'clock the louder bands started, although initially they were country folk acts with only about two or three people.

Because I needed to split up the text"P

We literally turned our heads when Ratsmagic came on. They were sort of, blues/rock which I don't often listen too, but they had a fantastic lead singer. Her voice reminds me a lot of Imelda May, an Irish rockabilly singer. The supporting singer... shouted a little too much for my taste, but they were still really good. It was neat to see them using different instruments - tambourine, harmonic, violin - to mix the sound up and it really looked as though they were enjoying themselves. They had the whole question&answer thing going on in the music between the guitars and singing and violin, which is really nice to hear.

The next band was more solid rock, which I was particularly interested in. Hence why I didn't really bother to find out theire name...

'Damn the Trend' took the next set and they were really really good. You know, the kind of good where they started playing guitar and you break into the biggest grin because it sounds that brilliant? Very good guitarists. They were a four man band, with two electrics, a bass and drums. Metal band and you could hear really clear Metallic influences. Although, those maybe (are probably?) in most metal bands...?
I personally don't like Metallic, but I love 'Damn the Trend.' I have this thing against death growl, which forgive, but to me it sounds like burping. So initially (to me) it sounds funny and then it just gets annoying. (I understand its supposed to be cathartic but it really doesn't float ma boat...) 'Damn the Trend' had the perfect balance of death growling to normal vocals. Enough that there was a very nice contrast, without overwhelming or detracting form the song. And they had such great energy.

'Bury me Low' followed, probably more alternative/rock... not really my thing. I found it hard to tell when they ended the song because it sort of felt like... they'd stopped connecting together before it ended. I don't play rock or preform often, but I do play classical piano and have played with classical groups. You finished and start together, even if your instrument doesn't have a part to play towards the end. And the bass player thought he was in a metal band. Which was cool, and other could be forgiven since the guitar strap broke, but it didn't help bring it together as a performance.

The final set we stayed for was 'Heathen Eyes.' I don't usually listen to this kind of music. It felt like hard, heavy rock but didn't seem to be metal.
When they came on I finally had the sense to put in some earplugs. Because they were loud. The only other concert/gig I've ever attended was Evanescence at Vector Arena. And that was probably quieter. Although, it is a different genre... but they do have some louder songs.
These guys a flipp'in fantastic. The second electric guitarist and bass player were totally rocking it out together. So cool to actually see live. I would have almost liked the bass player to sing a little more, because she had quite a nice sound, at it added another layer to the music.

Heathen Eyes

We missed the other three sets unfortunately, because we were tuckered out - we are so not night owls - and some random kept hitting on my friend, which was, initially diverting because we got bored in between and didn't mind talking to someone new, but soon just got annoying.

It was a great evening out and we saw some incredible bands, who sadly, get very little or literally no air time on the radio. It really is cool to see forty-somethings head banging together and mums twirling their kids around to heavy metal, not to mention the darling little girl in front of us who was making hand horns and jumping up and down in her pink tutu.

So hopefully, some of you will check these bands out and give them a listen, maybe go see them if you live in or happen to be in New Zealand some time. Here are some links to some of them:

Heathen Eyes: http://heatheneyes.bandcamp.com/  - free download of one of their songs http://www.facebook.com/Heatheneyes
Bury Me Low: http://www.facebook.com/burymelow
Ratsmagic: http://www.facebook.com/ratsmagic
Damn the Trend: http://www.facebook.com/DamnTheTrend?fref=ts