22 Nov 2024
The Rock and Roll Machine - The Big Kumara 10-8-2006
12 Aug 2006 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Thursday nights don’t usually see me out of the comfort of my living room, but this was no ordinary Thursday night. The Big Kumara in Wellington was to hold The Rock ‘n’ Roll Machine. I had never heard of this band before, so as always I was keen to go along and have a look-see and check out some possible local talent.
The Big Kumara is a smaller venue, which makes it a nice place to kick back, relax, have a few beers, and listen to some slow jams. It was evident from the start.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll machine did not do slow jams, and my ears suffered accordingly. It was absolutely impossible to hear the lyrics, which was frustrating to say the least. It’s not that The Big Kumara is a bad venue, its great! It’s just the fact that this particular band was not ideally suited to playing in such a confined space. It was all turned up so loud it just drowned out any sort of singing. I realise this style of music and the style of playing tend towards louder amplification, but this was ridiculous! The venue was far too small, so the sound was echoing around like nobodies business.
I usually try to avoid comparing people to other more famous people in the hope of making some connections between the two, but I couldn’t help it this time. It could’ve been the fact that the lead singer looked exactly like Joey Ramone which made it impossible for me to shake this idea of The Ramones being on stage or the fact their sound had some similarities. The fast paced guitar riffs just seemed so similar, but in a good way. The front man had some good energy, in his guitar playing and his vocal output (that of which I could hear), and was accompanied by the bassist in both fields.
The highlight for me was the drumming. The drummers’ persona was just delightful. He was relaxed, tight, and seemed totally at one with himself and the drum kit. He added the professional element the band had been crying out for, which in turn added to the quality of the performance.
I would like to see this band again sometime, or possibly get a hold of an EP, because I truly feel this particular gig has not done them justice in the slightest. A better venue and improved sound mixing would go a long way in their favour.
Craig Johnson
Thursday nights don’t usually see me out of the comfort of my living room, but this was no ordinary Thursday night. The Big Kumara in Wellington was to hold The Rock ‘n’ Roll Machine. I had never heard of this band before, so as always I was keen to go along and have a look-see and check out some possible local talent.The Big Kumara is a smaller venue, which makes it a nice place to kick back, relax, have a few beers, and listen to some slow jams. It was evident from the start.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll machine did not do slow jams, and my ears suffered accordingly. It was absolutely impossible to hear the lyrics, which was frustrating to say the least. It’s not that The Big Kumara is a bad venue, its great! It’s just the fact that this particular band was not ideally suited to playing in such a confined space. It was all turned up so loud it just drowned out any sort of singing. I realise this style of music and the style of playing tend towards louder amplification, but this was ridiculous! The venue was far too small, so the sound was echoing around like nobodies business.
I usually try to avoid comparing people to other more famous people in the hope of making some connections between the two, but I couldn’t help it this time. It could’ve been the fact that the lead singer looked exactly like Joey Ramone which made it impossible for me to shake this idea of The Ramones being on stage or the fact their sound had some similarities. The fast paced guitar riffs just seemed so similar, but in a good way. The front man had some good energy, in his guitar playing and his vocal output (that of which I could hear), and was accompanied by the bassist in both fields.
The highlight for me was the drumming. The drummers’ persona was just delightful. He was relaxed, tight, and seemed totally at one with himself and the drum kit. He added the professional element the band had been crying out for, which in turn added to the quality of the performance.
I would like to see this band again sometime, or possibly get a hold of an EP, because I truly feel this particular gig has not done them justice in the slightest. A better venue and improved sound mixing would go a long way in their favour.
Craig Johnson
About The Rock and Roll Machine
Paul was replaced in 2002 by Rich Mixture (Shaft, The D4) and the band toured Australia, the US and the UK. The Rock n Roll Machine has toured with The White Stripes and Dead Moon and played with the likes of Guitar Wolf, The Dirt Bombs and The MC5.
After hundreds of gigs and a handful of vinyl 7"s the Rock n Roll Machine have finally released their self-titled, debut album. First single 'Creature Of The Night' out now on Hell Squad Records. Distributed in New Zealand by Rhythmethod.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Rock and Roll Machine
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