Counting Crows, Auckland NZ, 2023

Counting Crows

25th March 2023
Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Fleming. Photography by Doug Peters.

Tāmaki Makaurau has been treated to a plethora of live shows lately, and the run continues with none other than Californian rock band Counting Crows, a group not only comprised of members of longevity but more importantly companions who obviously love what they do.

It’s no wonder then that their career has expanded well over three decades.

To open the evening’s proceedings however, an artist who himself is clocking in two decades of musical prowess, the beloved Englishman Frank Turner.

Having recently released FTHC in February last year, an album that has been heralded as one of his best thanks to the fact that Turner has thrown open the gates to his cavernous soul and delved into self-reflection with a decidedly hardcore outlook.

Performing solo, there is something quite endearing about an artist that can command a stage by himself. No band members to shield you or step in to allow you to catch your breath, and certainly no place to hide, especially in an arena setting such as last night’s.

But Turner ain’t no rookie, armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar, his music, all of which comes from a deeply personal place, enraptures the audience, whether they be familiar with his work or not. And the sheer vivacity with which he delivers it only seals the deal.

‘Miranda’ set to subtle pink and blue lighting was a definitive highlight of his set, the story of his father transitioning and their renewed relationship a thing of pure love; ‘Get Better’ just the icing on the cake.
Thanking the audience and then asking them to join him in song on his closing track ‘I Still Believe’ Turner left on some exciting news; yes, he will indeed be returning with his band to play some headline shows this November!

Following the standard intermission, in which attendees could stretch their legs and partake of the various hydration on offer (some more copiously than others), and Counting Crows made their entrance.
Never a band for flashy attire or theatrics, because frankly they don’t need it, the audience heralded their arrival like long lost friends. In fact, there is a decidedly warm atmosphere to the entire evening, undoubtedly a wonderful mixture of love for the decades of music and the nostalgia that it brings with it.
Opening with ‘Hard Candy’ it was clear that front man Adam Duritz has lost none of that vocal dexterity that saw their debut album ‘August and Everything After’ catapult into the charts all those years ago; surrounded by a six-member band it’s as if you stumbled into a jam session, each member looking relaxed, the music cascading from the stage unabated by pretence.

Well known for changing their set lists up, the opening track may have come of a surprise to some, but it still brought a sense of joy to the room, the familiar notes of a band that has meant so much to so many, enticing even the ‘singles only’ fans to sway to the tune. With an outstanding back catalogue of compositions to choose from, there are of course the favourites, but unlike many acts who to stick to a pre-determined set list for the duration of the tour, Counting Crows like to keep everyone on their toes. One of the more exciting things of watching a band whose craft does indeed come naturally to them without the need for additional bells and whistles.

Often presenting their music with a more whimsical approach, a touch of blues and open interpretation means that many of the songs do not sound exactly as they do on the album version. But there are no complaints to be had in regard to this, in fact it is what makes their shows so entertaining, the songs coming to life in the hands of Duritz, Dan Vickery, David Bryson and of course Jim Bogios as treasured objects, pulled from the shelf to be re-examined and presented with love once again.

‘Mr Jones’ saw an animated Duritz wander about the stage, hand gestures emphasising lines, the microphone stand held out to the front rows, his vocal arrangement bringing a freshness to the song. Whereas ‘Colorblind’ was presented truer to form, the sentiment of the bewitching lyricism felt within ones very soul.

In saying that, this is indeed the Butter Miracle tour; the latest album from Counting Crows which consists of only four tracks that ebb and flow into one another, the quartet of compositions being played together in a block set, which suits them well.

While some may have found this a little confronting if not familiar with the work, it was a unique way of presenting the music live, as obviously this is how the band envisioned it when recorded. To see this carried through onto the stage seemed only natural.

Of course, staple classics, such as ‘Rain King’ and tearjerker ‘Round Here’ roused the crowd into heartfelt karaoke sessions, Duritz and the rest of the Crows visibly enjoying the audience participation.

All too soon, proceedings came to an end, the encore finishing with none other than ‘Holiday in Spain’, a song that Duritz often refers to as a ‘lullaby’ to their followers. One that is sure to be lulling Auckland fans into a contented sleep for many days to come.

Counting Crows:

Frank Turner:

Were you there at Spark Arena for this brilliant folk-rock gig  Or have you seen Counting Crows perform live somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Setlist:

1. Hard Candy
2. St. Robinson in His Cadillac
3. Mr Jones
4. Colorblind
5. Butterfly in Reverse
6. Omaha
7. I Wish I Was a Girl
8. Anna Begins
9. Palisades Park
10. Blues Run the Game [Jackson C. Frank cover]
11. God of Ocean Tides
12. Miami
13. The Tall Grass
14. Elevator Boots
15. Angel of 14th Street
16. Bobby and the Rat-Kings
17. Rain King
18. A Long December
19. Round Here [encore]
20. Hanginaround [encore]
21. Holiday in Spain [encore]

_{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. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.}

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