Last night's show was one of those really awesome ones where there are all those people you haven’t seen in what feels like a hundred years and it was definitely a night that could have gone on for a few more hours! The bands all added to that excitement though and I’m pretty sure when I see any of these bands again I will be reminded of this night and the people, music, laughter and memories. My only regret is missing the first act the solo and acoustic set by Bryce Patten but I heard very good things from those that did see him. It was also a night I wished I wasn’t reviewing numerous times because the band’s music and energy made me want to dance and headbang all night (which I did) and had to remind myself to take notes of the bands in between enjoying myself. As I write this my stomach is sore from laughing and my neck and back are sore from moshing and head banging – definitely signs of an amazing night.

Pull Down the Sun was the first full piece band and this is a band I’m so happy to know about now and I kind of feel like I’ve been under a rock not having heard or seen them before! They reminded me of so many bands – a little bit of NZ Legends Cripple Mr Onion with the crazy time signatures and very much like Meshuggah with a more ambient/psychedelic feel. It’s been a few months since I have seen a new band I haven’t seen before and it’s normally hard to dance or mosh because you don’t know where the music will go but as soon as Pull Down the Sun took to the stage and started playing I instantly wanted to move! 

Pull Down the Sun are a band in their own league there’s no way to pigeon hole them in one particular genre. Punk, Grunge, Heavy Metal, Thrash, Math Metal, subtle elements of Death Metal my notes from the show read like a glossary index of Metal and rock subgenres. Pull down the Sun take the listener on a journey as every song is so different. They put on the performance to go with the amazing music as well.  I love it when bands put effort into their shows with synchronized headbanging etc. and this was emphasised more by there not many people up the front of the bar – but Pull down the Sun didn’t care they were there to have fun and the people that were there, definitely enjoyed the set. My notes for Pull Down the Sun end with this gem I’ll leave you with – This is the kind of music that makes my soul happy.  Do yourselves a favour and get out and check out this Whanganui based band the next time they are playing in your town.

Primacy were up next. I was outside when they started and watched their first song by the outside side of stage area at the Kings Arms but it didn’t take me long to run around and join the dancing crowd. I’m glad I took the time to sit back for the first song though as it was the only time during their set I was standing still. I loved Jason’s use of the mega phone during some of their songs, it added a depth and ambience to his already amazing voice but also a depth and added element in the visual effect of the bands performance as a whole. 

Watching a Primacy set is a real treat with all of the musicians being extremely talented. I was blown away by Jason McIver’s vocal abilities. I’ve worked with previous bands he has been in and it has been maybe 4 years since I have seen him perform again. His voice has matured and he has found his style and owns it! I think it also helps that he is no longer playing guitar while performing and is now able to focus on his abilities as a vocalist, he is definitely one of NZ’s best vocalists.

The song that stands out for me the most from Primacy’s set was their new song they played for the first time in Auckland called Scorpion was played live for the 2^nd time last night, with the first time being at Down the Rabbit Hole event. I absolutely loved it! It was probably the heaviest song of their set and with the double kicks featuring prominently it was awesome to see Will let loose behind the kit. It had a much darker ambience to it than other Primacy songs and with the distorted bass and guitars all combine to make one dark masterful song. Primacy are playing next weekend at The Brutalitees Birthday bash and I really hope they pull out Scorpion for the crowd again!

Last it was time for Remote who are celebrating 20 years of music this year! I’ve seen them a few times over the years at various sized venues and last night was one of the best performances I’ve seen from them. The band was on fire! Rob is a shredding machine! Most definitely one of New Zealand’s best guitarists. I love Andy’s voice and it’s easy to forget what a powerful presence he is on stage, when you talk to him off stage as he is one of those chameleons who go from friendly, kind soul off stage to brutal beast on stage – THOSE GROWLS! So powerful! Remote also features Will Stairmand on drums (also in Primacy) and last night I came to the realisation that if this man is behind the drums any band he performs in will be amazing!

We were in for a treat last night with brand new songs not heard before! Remote are currently working on a new EP that will be released in the next few months. There was two songs off it that I loved - A Team and Red Hat. A Team was a song that took you on a journey through the history of rock music I felt. Parts of it with a grungy tone, then psychedelic then on to funky bass and guitars. I loved it when they did a cheeky stop towards the end and the crowd all cheered thinking it was over but nope! Just a little cheeky stop. Red Hat which will be their next single they release started how I LOVE – with bass and drums and was another song where I found my self-captivated by Will’s masterful drums. 

This is a night I could have relived many times. For a show organized in such a short amount of time it was one of the better ones I’ve been to this year. I can’t wait to see the bands live again! Check them out if you haven’t! Well worth it.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Devilskin
• 8
  Coridian
• 9
  The Boondocks
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

• 
  Goodshirt @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 21/12/2024
• 
  The Slacks @ Festival of Lights - Pukekura Park, New Plymouth - 21/12/2024
• 
  LOST BiRD @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
• 
  Just Janie @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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