Devilskin - Gig Review: Devilskin & Halestorm @ Great Lakes, Taupo - 8/01/17
Taupo is a funny wee place, being smack dab in the
centre of the North Island you might think a few bands would come
through but the reality is that it's the polar opposite. The only
real exception is UB40, Icehouse, Bonnie Tyler and The Alan Parsons
Project..... ok so what about those of us that enjoy their music with
a bit more edge? A little bit louder? A little bit more “in your
face” attitude?
One problem the metal and rock community in Taupo face is
the lack of available venues, they go from far too small to far too
big or they only want covers bands. That was a bit of a sad discovery
but I think that it can change with the right approach as clearly their is an audience for rock and metal in Taupo.
Being
an international billing it felt good finally have a reason for some pre show drinks with friends, there's a special feeling when you are getting ready
to go out to metal/hard rock show that doesn't come with say.... going
to see UB40. The experience is a little more unpredictable, slightly
chaotic and no doubt there is more alcohol, but who wants to
play it safe ALL the time anyway?
Apologetically I missed the City
of Souls set, though my partner was photographing the show and told
me they were tight, everyone was on point and the performance was
high energy and professional, so I'll stick with that.
Halestorm
have been getting a lot of hype lately though I was genuinely
confused at first listen because for some reason I thought she was a
guitar virtuoso but yeah, either way the crowd was really into it,
Lizzy was a really energetic front woman and she didn't miss a
note even though she had just cancelled a show due to throat
problems.
A random memory stands out... I was standing in line at
the bar while the drum solo was happening then I turned around to see
the drummer using bizarre 4 foot drum sticks, I wondered if someone
had slipped some acid into my drink, it was such an out of it thing
to turn around and see!
After Halestorm's polished pop/rock set I was
ready for some slightly heavier guitars and as anyone would know that
has been to a Devilskin show, they always give a strong
performance.
Being the last of a string of NZ shows before a short Australian tour I would have thought perhaps Jennie's voice might be strained but she was on point, the sound was massive over all and everyone in the band seemed to be genuinely having a great time which in turn pushed the audience.
The band smashed through an
impressive set including the singles Fade, Little Pills, Mountains and their latest, Pray.
There really isn't much I can say that
hasn't already been said so when I say they were tight I mean it in
every sense of the word, the amount of shows they have played has
really paid off!
I loved seeing the locals coming out and
supporting NZ bands that are taking their music to the world. The
professionalism in the shows production is a definite selling point,
big cheers to the promoters for bringing heavier bands to Taupo!
About Devilskin
Jennie previously fronted Rotorua band Slipping Tongue garnering a swathe of fans with their videos, EPs and album. Slipping Tongue also impressed many when they opened for Coheed & Cambria in 2008.
On lead guitar is Nail from the popular Waikato band Chuganaut who won the NZ Battle of the Bands and the World Battle Of The Bands in 2004. Played BDO in 2005 and opened for Iron Maiden at Mt Smart stadium in 2009. Chuganaut has played numerous national tours and released several singles, EP’s, videos and an album. Nail's searing guitar work and high energy performance bring real intensity to the live show. Nail also performs with Beckoned.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Devilskin
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