Wilberforces, Moron Says What?!, God Bows To Math, Nevernudes and Nice Birds

Saturday, April 18, 2009

St Leo’s School Hall, Devonport, Auckland

Last night was proof that if you have enough energy and passion you can put on an awesome show for $50 and make all your money back. In Devonport. Though not a lot of kids came out of the corners of the shore, five of the best bands in Auckland played some great sets, marred only by the occasional sound difficulty – and this was hardly a critical error, as the ‘mixing desk’ was manned by random rotating volunteers.

Nice Birds kicked it off with their danceable rock and roll with moments of shady Joy Division drone and squealing ’60s pop goodness. Impressively professional for their first gig, and having only been together a few months, the trio played a strong set of abstract pop that’s sure to improve as they go on. Their lyrics were weird and introspective but the creative construction of their songs and impeccable drumming meant they were really eye-opening.

Moron Says What?! played the cleanest set I’d ever seen them play, but we still couldn’t hear the lyrics to their amazing new song Nathalie, Touch Me There Again! They held together a lot better than the previous night’s ramshackle gig, ramshackle of course being charming but the real charm of MSW is their perfect pop tunes, which they delivered tactfully and with their always-fruity fun, even if drummer Alessandra had apparently sprained her ankle moshing to Die! Die! Die! last night. New song Fight sounded even better in the echoey surrounds of St Leo’s School Hall.

God Bows To Math was powerful and forceful and in my opinion played one of the better sets I’d seen them play also, despite them missing key member Jeremy. In place was Will from Boyfriend/Insurgents, who was never going to be quite as radical and random as Jeremy, though Will did his best to scream along in parts. Drummer Tom unofficially filled in screaming duties in parts with awesome results and even without a mic! Will borrowed Maria from MSW?!’s bass and developed a weird rash on his arm from all the fake flowers that are stuck on her bass. Though you could hardly hear Will’s bass at all in GBTM’s set, Martin and Tom made up for it with their relentless and tight grunge/hardcore, that was spot-on awesome.

The more I see Nevernudes the more I liked them, which is funny because I loved them the minute I saw them last night at Cross Street. While co-vocalist Anthony’s mic was up way louder than Joe’s or the rest of the instruments for that matter, it was both enjoyable and uncomfortable to be able to hear his mumbled whine better than before. They displayed their unrestrained energy with great ability while harnessing their perfect pop/grunge songs. Grade F Meat is an instant favourite, the Beach Boys harmonies glistening over the wave of scattering guitars and sliding bass (listen to it on their myspace!). Their drums stay on top of everything with intense concentration and the band is utterly captivating to watch – with lead guitarist Joe leaping and scattering around the stage all while attacking his guitar with frustration and joy. When he gets on the mic he lets rip with a wonderfully deranged Malkmus or Thurston bent, screwing up his face underneath his fringe with nervous energy. Their creative, catchy and fun songs will definitely have me singing along once I figure out the words.

By the time Wilberforces came on everyone was finally ready to dance before noise control called the whole thing off. Wilberforces played a typically awesome set, the energy between Thom and Emily when they both shout over the tumbling melodies and rhythms is always a highlight, as was the random downtrailing of guitarist/singer Thom by organ player Chris. Because Thom, instead of pulling his pants up straight away, kept going, and actually jumped up and down harder and faster so that his jeans fell down to his ankles. He ended the song with a fit on the floor with his guitar, twitching and convulsing in front of all the startled and amused kids. Then he got up, pulled up his pants, and it was back to business. Wilberforces continually impress and sound increasingly polished as they go on. Their dreamy gutter punk floats on waves of guitars and their brittle vocals spat with such force are always enthralling. It was a great gig and if you didn’t come you really missed out.

More Wilberforces, Moron Says What?!, God Bows To Math, Nevernudes and Nice Birds live photos

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