SKRAM blew up Big Fan in Auckland on their Strawberry Dream Tour. Billed as "an explosive pop music spectacle", they didn’t disappoint, the energy was palpable. Led by vocalist Henry Ashby, he lent to the mix one of the most intuitively skilled voices I’ve heard in a long time. With a hefty bunch of support acts and an unexpected intermission, it was a night of self-assured performances in the tucked away Morningside venue. I encourage those regularly visiting some of Tamaki Makarau’s more intimate music venues to add this to your list. It’s supporting new music and delivers on both atmosphere and sound.

The evening opened with Bird Machine, who shared their diverse music influences with ricocheting guitar, effortlessly expressive vocals, and a generous performance, that I attribute to the devotion and creative skill Bird Machine have for music. Onwards and upwards, please, I love this band.

We also heard from Marmalade who were fun, charismatic and had a whole bunch of fans lined up to dance on the front row. They played their first single Bright. Towards the end of their set, a fire alarm was raised, and the venue evacuated. Three fire engines later, I didn’t hold out much hope for the night of music continuing. That is until the lead singer of SKRAM and members from Marmalade took their music to the street. Did anyone get it on camera? Is it on YouTube? It was one of those moments of joy. I sang my heart out in a group sing-along, I’m just a teenage dirtbag, yeah? Thank you for your spirit of music!

We returned to the venue and the night resumed, with the crisis averted. Borderline were up next and were sure-footed with their performance of Cinderella. Again, the vocalist has a tone to his voice that dealt with the pop vibes and added sincerity and depth.

Back with SKRAM they are quoted as saying their music envelopes an idea shared in simple terms: “to take care of myself, and be really positive, and […]to take care of everybody else.” This was demonstrated on the night at Big Fan. They followed through on their ethos with energetic performances, my favourite was Love Don’t Keep Me Waiting.

Overall, this was a night of hearty performances. I had to leave part way through SKRAM's set due to the late running of the event and I was unfortunately starting to feel unwell (testing positive for Covid the following day - apologies to the bands!), but what I did see lived up to the hype, roll on Summer - I'm sure this band will bring a exciting musical vibe wherever they go.

Photo Credit: Joe Photography
SKRAM Photo Gallery
Borderline Photo Gallery
Marmalade Photo Gallery
Bird Machine Photo Gallery

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