The Lookie Loo’s and Clap Clap Riot let the good times flow…
Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:33 am

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I think it was about this time last year that I was telling you guys I had never even seen the already much loved local act; The Lookie Loo's perform before.
A year on and I can safely inform you that I've now seen my fair share of great shows by the lads.

There was the stinking hot day at BDO where they did Hamilton proud on the local produce stage. A few weeks later they had a slot at The Braxton Hicks' NZ on Air single release party down Ward Lane. And more recently, they headed over to Chaos HQ in Tauranga to play along-side the big men that are BareBones and Cabaret. Now, that’s only naming a few of their gigs that have brightened up my year. Each set so sweet to watch made me a keen bean to head along to another top notch show, this time at Flow, and all for only five bucks!

I knew Auckland indie rockers Clap Clap Riot were visiting, but we were also treated to a surprise third act, Laughter in the Mainsail.
Not knowing what we were in for, it was refreshing to see the kids get stuck into a danceable set which was not only easy to listen to but equally easy to watch…oh yeah, these guys are hot!

While the rather dashing tattooed front-man of the group got us on our feet jiving to some unique tunes the only girl of the entire evening’s acts wowed us with her rock star looks and vocals.
These guys made it feel as though we were in a devilishly dark underground bar on the other side of the world...the only thing missing was the stinky cigarette smoke wafting its way to the stage over head.
With such charm and already obvious popularity, Laughter in the Mainsail will most definitely be one to watch over the coming year.

Now, I've heard only good things about Clap Clap Riot’s live shows and I'm now excited to report it’s all true. Originally from Christchurch the lads have certainly come a long way with the release of their latest single, I Don’t Want Your Baby. It airs on local radio stations around Auckland and most recently the video has featured on C4.

Starting their energy induced act with Get it On and Die, they had all the kids up on the floor bopping and wondering what moves the guys were going to bust out next. Jumping around the stage to Background Radio it was awesome to see the lads enjoying themselves with guitarist Dave Rowlands leaping into the crowd to play a few chords receiving all the love he deserved.
Highlight of the show for me was when front-man, Stephen Heard wailed out their sweet original song, Mama. His vocals reminded me a lot of Motocades, Eden Mulholland – and anyone who can sing like that is instantly a star in my books.

Getting into Sorry by The Easy Beats, it was a nice change to see Aucklanders embracing the Hamilton music scene with open arms, so hopefully the Clap Clap boys will drag some others down the next time they visit for another action packed show like this one.

The last act of the colourful evening were Hamilton hotties, The Lookie Loo's bringing with them all the kids who used to hang out at the much missed underground venue, Yellow Submarine. I was beginning to wonder where they had all gone, so it was good to enjoy the taste of home even if it was only for one night.

A new set which I first sampled at their Chaos HQ gig was performed with all the new vibrancy I loved so much from their very first gig in the Tron I went to. Singer, Tim Steers always seems to pull off the ‘this is the first live act I’ve ever performed’ look with such happiness and charisma that it makes you forget how big they are for a reasonably little band.
New songs of the evening, Shaky Laughter and What you Crying For went down a real treat, making the crowd swing excitedly, while a few of their older ones off their debut EP - Timing is Everything like Back Of My Mind and Sweet Release, made everyone sing along and cheer with delight.

I think the only thing that made this performance even sweeter still was seeing popular boy Ken Lau from Auckland group, Kids in Tokyo making an appearance on stage which even surprised the Lookies. Bloody brilliant.
A good night out in the city of the future with top-notch performances all round. I can’t wait see what they all come up with over the year to come.

Amanda Ratcliffe