I had a fair amount of trepidation about heading along to Otautahi Smoke BBQ Festival, the temperature was forecast to be 31 degrees, and I'm one of those folk who, as Billy Connolly so eloquently put it, is "so white, I'm pale blue". Luckily, I found a nice shady spot with a great view of the stage, and easy access to the free water station, and with a nice cool breeze blowing through, I didn't have to worry about burning to a crisp. An absolute pearler of a day to sit and watch some of Christchurch's fine local talent.

First up were Sandfly, a young but nonetheless highly talented band who took out the regional final of Smokefree Rockquest in 2023. They played a mixture of originals and covers, and are fantastic musicians, with an admirably huge sound for a three piece. A high energy performance, tight and punchy. They were followed by Imperial April, fine purveyors of "guitar-heavy power pop". Their vocalist, Victoria Knopp, not only has a captivating voice, but is also a hell of a good bass player, with a mighty tone. Another band rich in musicianship, and an excellent cover of Radiohead's Black Star. Great songs, with beautiful vocal melodies and harmonies.

The Dead Circus are comprised of four absolute legends of the local covers scene, and their set of Stone Temple Pilots tracks had punters flocking to the front of the stage area, despite the punishing heat. Guitarist Brendan Yates easily had the best guitar tone of the day, just glorious stuff. Vocalist Jason Bird was all over it, he would have made Scott Weiland proud. The crowd certainly agreed, not wanting to let them leave the stage, with the inevitable chants of "ONE MORE! ONE MORE!". 

After they'd given in to the crowd's demands as much as possible, it was time for Volts, much to my delight. I'm just going to be totally honest; Volts are far and away one of my favourite Kiwi rock bands, just kick-arse contemporary Rock & Roll. Sharp, slick, tight, and polished, as good as you like. Huge choruses, solid driving rhythms, and they own the stage like pros. An outrageously good cover of Blondie's Call Me, vocalist Lorna Coll nailing it to perfection.

Up next, it was balls to the wall from the first girthy chords of Pieces Of Molly, "The Bastard Child of a Motörhead / AC/DC one night stand". Riffs abound in this primal sound, old school rock with hair, and teeth, and spit, and venom. Doug Stewart delivered one of the filthiest bass solos in recorded history, but even that was overshadowed by consummate frontman Ewen Glasgow climbing the gantry at the side of the stage WITH his guitar, to deliver a blistering solo. Just a world-class act.

To my disappointment, I was unable to stay to check out the legendary Tadpole, but from accounts I've heard they've lost none of their power or tightness, with an impressive performance from new vocalist Lauren Marshall.

A thoroughly entertaining day, from a great line-up of bands. Thanks to the organizers of Smoke... bring on next year.

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

• 
  Rumpus Machine @ Music in Parks, Aotea Square, Auckland - 18/01/2025
• 
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• 
  Fin Rah Zel @ Music in Parks, Aotea Square, Auckland - 18/01/2025
• 
  Georgia Lines @ Music in Parks, Aotea Square, Auckland - 18/01/2025

• 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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