Blindspott
29th July 2022
Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Courtney Newbold. Photography by Ginelle Cocks.
After all we’ve been through lately, the best way to start a review these days is, ‘Wow, thank God it’s even happening.’ And while we’re at it, let’s share our gratitude to the West Auckland Bogans for providing a classic kiwi band with an ongoing fan base. As Damian (Singer) quotes: “I’ll tell you what West Auckland, if you had told me 20 years ago we would be here, I wouldn’t believe you. I was born here I grew up here.”
In terms of the heavy music scene we don’t really have many enduring bands in New Zealand. As much as I would like to change that, it’s a reality. However, this band is a special part of New Zealand music. A special part of the NZ community. A band that despite taking over ten years off had members staying active in the kiwi music community, as proved by when Marcus (Bassist) used to walk into the west Auckland music store I used to work in, to purchase gear for his Crescendo Trust, as well as other members splintering off into acts such as I Am Giant, Blacklistt and City Of Souls to name a few.
After a typically energetic set from local rockers Written By Wolves, and a selection of bangers for that all important crowd hype from DJ Kane Hawkins the band starts at 9 and runs through the tunes from the first two albums to a very enthusiastic crowd.
Kiwi gigs are special. After seeing a bunch of heavy music overseas, there is something to say about the intimacy of a New Zealand gig. The crowd-band interaction is smooth and casual. There’s no over inflated ego’s here. The heavy guitars and melancholy vibe is interwoven with westie humour.
“Fuck I love west Auckland. Time for a drink.” Damian says with pride in his voice. A drunk guy in the crowd says to me “That’s the Bible.” I laugh and watch as he tosses another Kiwi Lager can on the ground. I feel like I’ve met this guy somewhere before, and knowing New Zealand, I probably have.
As much as you wouldn’t think a name change would affect a band, the atmosphere is definitely better than when I saw them perform as Blacklistt in the mid 2010s. I’m not sure whether it’s the band performing more cohesively, or whether it’s the crowd encouraging a great performance out of the band, or whether it’s because it’s their home turf. But this gig feels authentic and passionate, even if most of the crowd is very drunk.
Midway through the one-hour set, the rowdy audience was treated to a new single: Tonight. Damian shouts that we’re the “First to hear that song live, ever.” Which is great. The song carries Blindspott’s signature sound but lacks some of the sounds from their reigning era. Damian describes the band’s origins. “We did our first shows in a Massey garage. There is something to be said about the era that brought heavy bands and turntable scratches together, and definitely something special about it happening in New Zealand.”
Phlex really accentuated the reggae guitar live. A special part of the kiwi sound mixed with a rock band Sheldon still has a controlled sound with the rim shots sounding crisp. Midway through it turns into a mashup with Bob Marley and cleverly runs the bass line back through – beautiful.
The encore was two massive New Zealand singles: Mind Dependency, and to finish, Nil By Mouth – which even evoked a circle pit as suggested by Damian. The audience is passionate and singing word for word.
Overall a substantial set with all the goodies from the full length albums, the new singles from a band that stands the test of time in a genre that isn’t always recognised in New Zealand.
Were you there at the Trusts Arena for this classic Kiwi Nu-Metal gig? Or have you seen Blindspott perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only.
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