Up next was Garden Party Riot, whom I have seen perform before at the Dogs Bollix. Despite having seen them before it still surprises me when only three people hit the stage. Guitarist Brent Wallwork takes full responsibility for that, taking on the combined bass and guitar roles, providing a grungy and gritty punk rock vibe. Vocalist Paul Goddard has clearly spent a lot of time fine-tuning his performance, from movements on stage, to costume changes, and movements into the crowd; he pushes the limits to keep the attention of the crowd firmly on him as he belts out track after track. With only one guitar on stage, a stale sound is always a threat, but Brett Allison does a magnificent job on the drums, with a wide variety of fills, and working his way through equipment malfunctions without drawing attention to himself, and keeping the tracks going. Goddard has a surprisingly youthful voice, which combines with the instruments to create an original Kiwi version of Jane’s Addiction. A good mix of rock sounds so far.
Third
band for the night was Mystery Liquid, a band that boasts 15 years of
achievements, achieving high rotation on the US airwaves, winning awards for
top bassist and drummers in Battle of the Bands, and even gaining endorsement
and sponsorship deals. And hearing them play, it’s clear that their bassist
Raschella “Krispy” Murillo is a league of her own. Rocking the stage barefoot,
the bass lines cut through the guitar, and adds layers of melody. Vocalist
Andre Kerrison likes to mix the clean and heavy vocals as well, with a Drowning
Pool/Limp Bizkit style, that matches the 90's/2000's style of Mystery Liquid’s
music. I was going to mention that their tracks would easily fit in the same
funk rock categories as early Incubus albums Fungus Amongus and S.C.I.E.N.C.E.,
but they rendered that comment rather obsolete by performing an on-the-nose cover
of Incubus’ A Certain Shade of Green.
Mystery Liquid are a hit of nostalgia.
Next up is the headliner, Hangar 18. The vocalist, Ian Black, I’ve heard before, performing with Fuser who headlined Garden Party Riot’s gig at the Dog’s Bollix back in April. Wearing his signature baseball cap, he takes front and centre, and starts the crescendo of a set list. Originally starting off very soothing and relaxing, the tracks are simple, lacking any real hooks. But as the set progresses, the funk of Brendon Thomas of Brendon Thomas and the Vibes fame, starts to increase in complexity, and playfulness. With one long jazzy solo, suddenly the crowd starts to react stronger towards the music. As the pace of the songs increase, the energy does too, and the drummer gets an opportunity to really show off his skills and fills. The most reserved of all the bands up until this point, Hangar 18 have some good tracks, but could really do with a little more emphasis on the performance aspect of their show.
After
Hangar 18 left the stage, Brendon Thomas stuck around for his part in the next
group that was performing on stage, The Rubics. Within minutes, the crowd had doubled
in size, halved in average age, and quadrupled in energy. Having won Battle of
the Bands last year at this very venue, the six-piece band is the epitome of
youth and passion. Every member on stage is loving being there, and it’s really
infectious to watch. Smile at the world and the world smiles back. Their
vocalist, Rob Lardizabal Jatulan Jr, who could best be described as a young rock ‘n’ roll
Bruno Mars, could not stand still; he danced on stage, he crooned to the crowd,
and looked to be having the time of his life. Bassist Nic Montgomery was also
stand out with the talent that he was showing off. Spending more time singing
along, while his fingers ran up and down the neck of his bass with ease. An
incredibly confident band, with some dazzling original music with some abundantly
funky riffs.
Auckland based Alt/Pop/Rock band Hangar 18 are hungry and talented with a passion for performing live. They thrive best when on stage, their energy and excitement coupled with their enthusiasm is infectious. From pop orientated tracks such as Say It To Me, that will get you grooving along, to Never Gonna be the Same, which will have you bouncing on your feet all night long.
With a truly unique line up and one of a kind personalities this band includes members from London (UK) and Manila (Philippines) now based in Auckland (New Zealand), Hangar 18 are the nicest bunch of chaps to hang out with and work with, they are dedicated to their craft but also know how to have fun and enjoy themselves, being good humoured and lively, there is never a dull moment when your around them.
Their songs are eclectic in theme, ranging from love songs, break ups to gun control, from murder to mental health issues, songs about traveling, about people, and about pretty much every subject in between.