The opening act Marlin's Dreaming slide into a well-chosen opening number. Opening with gently strummed chords, and a drum machine, which the drummer synced with well when he came in.

The singer has a good range, the bunker under the Mornington Tavern filled up gradually, and by the end of the show it looked like they’d had about 200 people through the door.

Their second song reminded me of 90's UK shoegaze.

Before the third song, Marlins Dreaming’s singer says gidday, mumbles the band's name and says, "we're honoured to be opening up for Elemeno P, we grew up listening to that shit, still do." Paul, my reviewing buddy for the evening guesses Kings of Leon are also an influence.

A couple of songs later, including an art rock instrumental which left many in the growing crowd talking loudly, and then not even politely applauding.

They follow with a more standard alt pop tune during which the singer's guitar could out jangle any of the Dunedin bands of the 1980's.

Pretty good set, tough to be a band unknown in these parts to open up for a heritage act like Elemeno P.

There was a decent break before Elemeno P came on - it takes big cajoles to have Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody as your walk on song.

Opening with Nirvana featuring the classic line, "I like Nirvana, it doesn't mean I'll shoot myself". Verona then follows and there’s about 200 people singing along with Dave ‘Gibbo’ Gibson.

There could have been another 150 to 200 people here easily, but it's a bloody good pa, and the basement venue is fabulous.

Goodbye is a stunning 6/8 ballad, which has more of the crowd singing.

After The Benjamins Dave introduces the band, and it turns out guitarist Justyn Pilbrow was born in Dunedin, as was Scotty Pearson on drums.

Fast Times In Tahoe had everyone singing along, and many cell phones filming. It's easily got to be among the Kiwi greats.

Dave asks people to give it up for Marlins Dreaming, and says Elemeno P are honoured to share a stage with them, he says "if you haven't heard them, follow them on Spotify and stream that shit".

The band begins On My Balcony, which Dave says they’ve "played it four times in 20 years", it's dedicated to Don, who is celebrating an anniversary, birthday in January, or something.

Everyday’s A Saturday is another dead set banger, since before that expression was a thing. It's an incredible song, especially live. Newest member Jessie Booth smashes Justin's solo out of the park.

Weed Out is another live anthem, and let's face it, mentioning 'weed' is an easy way to get people engaged, especially if you also mention a '40oz'.

11:57 has the crowd singing along with what they remember. There's a solid contingent at the front, but also pockets of people singing the call and response parts. Dave, is a great front man, interacting with audience members as if he was one on one.

Dave, introduces drummer Scotty Pearson to the mic, and they bust into The Ramones' I Wanna Be Sedated. Nice work - it's a top version, and a great addition to the set.

Following with, the Weezer tune Say It Ain't So, and encores for the Verlaine's Death And The Maiden, it's a hell of a way to end a show in Dunedin. The band exits as Dave serenades the well-satisfied crowd with a brief acoustic version of Fast Times In Tahoe.

Photos courtesy of Andrew @ Keaphotos

• 1
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• 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

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  LOST BiRD @ Space Academy, Christchurch - 15/12/2024
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• 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
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• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
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• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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