Mako Road
12th August 2021
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sam Duquemin. Photography by Doug Peters.
The cold has yet to set in this thursday evening outside The Powerstation. A queue consisting of mostly twenty somethings that must choose between waiting in line or making use of the pub across the road. Conversation leads to ‘Stranger Days’, Mako Roads’ new album, crowd excitement is unmistakable and warms my jaded little heart. The Powerstation opens their doors and invites the crowd in, a stage resplendent in bright red lights and a bar festooned with talented bar staff. There’s an atmosphere of generally excited positivity.
The first band No Cigar waste no time making the stage their own. Regardless of the weather outside they fill the room with a summery vibe. I struggle to pin down their genre, elements of roots-rock, soul and reggae come to mind. Further reading led me to discover they self describe the genre as pychediscofunkilicious, which is ambitious – but correct. The opening song has everyone nodding along or swaying along.
Front man and lead vocalist Willy Ferrier is a born entertainer. We could be in a garden party for how effortless he holds the crowds attention. Joking as the crowd sings along to a cover of Bob Marleys “I shot the Sheriff”. ‘Oh, you know this one?!’ Yeah mate, it is a bit familiar. The addition of James Mitchells Saxophone solo to it however is absolute chefs kiss perfect.
Their song ‘Alice’ is a timeless gem complete with an invitation to Mangawhai, somehow without having heard it before it brings up nostalgia as though a new piece of kiwiana has been written infront of me. By the end of their set the dance floor is packed. The job of an opening band is to warm up the crowd and they have more than filled that brief. I would recommend to anyone with a vested interest in enjoying life to give No Cigar a listen.
But an opener must make way for a head liner and so with genuine gratitude they make their leave. The infectious energy has a long half life. As the sound and stage techs worked their magic some of the crowd started singing along to The Strokes. This enthusiasm will not be diminished, every sign the band were closer to making the stage the tangable excitement became more and more evident.
With a sudden erruption of cheers Mako Road hit the stage. The indie rockers Rhian, Robbie, Connor and another Connor. Before the first chorus the dance floor is packed, bouncy sways, full skanking and dance moves that can only be described as unique. Connor Jaine is as much a puppeteer as he is a Bassist, for how much he has me nodding away. Especially during ‘Open Plan living’. There is a slow incline into heavier sounds, the screeching guitar solos flirt with acid rock and profound drops wake up my veteran hardcore gig instincts.
The set rounds its last few songs and the band makes a polite retreat. But the crowd is not done, cries for ‘one more song’ become a chant. But the chanting doesn’t need to go for long. Less than thirty seconds later Rhian Ward the bands lead vocalist responds. ‘How ’bout three?’. The joyous explosion in response can be roughly translated into ‘yes thanks, that would be lovely’. The dancing reaches a fever pitch of full body flailing interspersed with some genuinely impressive dance. The finale is perfectly landed, sending the crowd back into the night to find their ways home. Unfortunately the weather has not held out and a slight mist of rain reminds us we are still in winter.
As I walked away I could not help but think of one glaring detail. This crowd was awesome. Friends and strangers rubbed shoulders and danced in unison. People helped their fellow concert goer. When someone went down someone was there to make sure they were ok. No animosity or ego was on display – Just genuine joy and friendship. For No Cigar and Mako Road this shouldn’t be lost on you. Because if this is the people that gravitate toward your band, it is crystal clear you are doing something right.
Were you there at the Powerstation for this stunning indie rock act? Or have you seen Mako Road perform live somewhere else? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Note: Eccles Entertainment provided passes to Ambient Light 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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