26 Sep 2016 // A review by Jacob Sisson
The night was opened by Christchurch newcomers
Smokin' Voodoo with a hiss and roar, a great thundering brewing with their high energy, well honed brand of Rock and Roll. While having only stepped onto the scene recently, these boys took out this years local RDU Roundup, proving they aren't mucking around. Their fast paced, balls to the wall metal tinged brand of rock was a welcome start to the evening, setting the pace and getting everyone warmed up. They played their apparent crowd favourite
Doomsday, which got everyone up and moving as well as their recent single
Will To Live, which is a great tune. These guys all work extremely well together, culminating in what I feel to be the band to watch in the NZ rock scene at the moment.
Then follows
Black Fox Trio. A band I had heard great things about, but up until a day or so before the gig, had not heard myself. High energy rock and roll with a smooth as velvet voice sitting on top nicely, they slowed the pace only slightly while still providing a very fun, very welcoming atmosphere. While every member of this band is tight and very proficient at their craft, the drummer was what stood out for me. Head down, hands a blur with blistering fills, he is a sight to be seen. These lads are about to release their debut EP titled
Rhythm Is Your King, after releasing the first video for the title track. After seeing these guys live, I highly HIGHLY recommend checking them out.
Then came the headline act, the big dogs.
Stonehurst. With over ten years under their belt, these guys know how to put on a show. Tight, groovy, with just the right amount of shred to dazzle the senses. These guys are one of the hardest working bands in the Christchurch rock scene, and it is paying off visibly, judging by how much fun they have onstage and how well they work together as a team. The new single
Free Yourself is a catchy number, showing the new keys player is a perfect fit that has integrated seamlessly. If this show was anything to go by, the new album will be packed wall to wall with riffs and vocals to get your head banging away!