Josh Pyke
19th April 2017
The Wine Cellar, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Laura Lock. Photography by Mike Thornton.
Josh Pyke, Sydney singer and songwriter, kicked off his first concert in New Zealand in over ten years last night – after a quick guitar strings lesson with the crowd no less! The Wine Cellar in Auckland’s CBD was the perfect setting for an intimate concert, creating a warm, relaxed and lounge-like vibe. Everyone was shoulder to shoulder, listening, swaying, cheering and laughing for the hour and a half set.
Pyke was intense – not at all in a negative way – but in an impressive and hypnotising way. His voice sounding familiar and soothing, showcasing an incredible range from high and fast to deep and slow, perfect for his poetic indie songs. Hearing, seeing and feeling the passion that goes into his songs and songwriting was simply beautiful.
Pyke enjoyed a bit of banter with the crowd between songs, sharing tidbits about his personal life, history with New Zealand and his 12+ year career that is singing for a living.
Singing a great range of songs from his extensive backlog, we got to hear early songs like “Private Education” from Pyke’s first album, to crowd favourites such as “Leeward Side” and “The Summer”. “The Summer” which we learnt verses were inspired by New Zealand’s ‘Franz Ferdinand’ (Franz Josef) Glacier, was played for the first time in New Zealand to which Pyke welcomed the song home with a quirky kiss to the guitar. Pyke played the guitar, harmonica and the foot drum seamlessly, and it didn’t look easy!
We were also treated to a duet with Edward Castelow from Dictaphone Blues (who opened for Pyke), and is a Kiwi – together singing the iconic kiwi classic “Nature” originally performed by The Formyula (or more recently by The Mutton Birds in ’95). Pyke apparently learnt the song via a video recording of Edward especially for the tour, they did a great job with the song leaving us all proud to be Kiwis. Special!
The concert finished with Pyke’s ‘most performed’ song “Middle of the Hill” which a great story of his childhood memories. We were farewelled and said goodbye like friends leaving to head home after a dinner party. Smiles and light hearts all around! This was Pykes first solo show of the year and only his second time playing in New Zealand (though admits he’s been here plenty of times for holidaying). He promised to return later in the year to New Zealand for what no doubt will be another intense and beautiful set of shows.
Josh plays Christchurch tonight and Wellington tomorrow night, so be sure to check him out if you are in town!
Were you there at The Wine Cellar for this beautiful gig? Or have you seen Josh Pyke live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!