Melbourne’s The Drones have a formidable reputation as a live band in their home country and overseas, so it’s somewhat surprising to see a fairly sparse crowd for their first ever headlining show in New Zealand’s capital.
The band’s latest offering, the brilliant I See Seaweed, has already seen them complete two national tours, which included supporting Neil Young in Auckland and Wellington. That was New Zealand’s first taste of The Drones live and from most accounts they split the crowd down the middle.
Auckland’s Street Chant impressed the early crowd with their mid-’90s garage punk. On first listen they seemed somewhat under whelming, however the trio’s musicianship quickly turned things around. Underpinned by some very solid punk drumming, front woman Emily Littler displayed some fine guitar work.
Whilst those who have experienced The Drones before would have felt the crowd numbers were a little light, it did present a unique opportunity. Being able to witness arguably one of Australia’s best and most intense live acts very up close and personal. The small Bodega stage had Gareth Liddiard, Fiona Kitschin, Dan Luscombe, Steve Hesketh, and Mike Noga merely inches away from those smart enough to get up front.
There was certainly no easing into the set as Hesketh’s dissonant twinkling on keys signalled the start of the latest album’s title track. It set the tone for what was to be an extremely intense, raw, and breathtaking performance. Liddiard is a man possessed as he cranes his neck to the microphone and glares at the onlookers.
Moving from ‘How To See Through Fog’ to ‘The Minotaur’ from 2008’s Havilah, the pace doesn’t diminish and each member’s contribution in this band cannot be understated. Whilst Hesketh has been a recent addition for the new record, Luscombe’s intricate interplay on lead guitar has long been a crucial part of The Drones sound; it’s jarring but elegant.
‘Locust’ is the first song to feature from what could be argued as the band’s break-out 2005 record Wait Long By the River. The driving drums of Mike Noga keep the momentum moving with ‘Baby Squared’ from the same album. The energy levels maintained on stage are beyond ridiculous. Led by the frontman, Noga and Luscombe hit every accent as if their life depended on it.
The fury on stage is what grabs the audience’s attention, but it’s the dynamics that keep them enthralled. ‘Laika’ is one of the best examples of this as well as encapsulating Liddiard’s iconic vocal sound, singing “half a pound of sugar/ on an old blackboard”. The tragic tale of the Russian dog sent out to space also serves to highlight just how incredible the tracks from I See Seaweed translate on stage. Every band member’s vocals are engaged with this tune and a stand out is undoubtedly the subtle high tones from bass player Fiona Kitschin.
The unbridled ferocity of Liddiard’s piercing vocals and distorted guitar initially overpower the presence of Kitschin on bass. But it doesn’t last long. Although for much of the set she faces away from the crowd, there’s an intrigue that keeps drawing you back.
‘River Of Tears’, a haunting and dramatic cover of Kev Carmody’s original, is a clear highlight of the set. The bass is the constant foundation, which the rest of band essentially loses their shit too, culminating in a thunderous crescendo. It’s one of the most intense experiences you can have watching a band, matched by the closing number, ‘Why Write A Letter That You’ll Never Send’.
The Drones have set a dangerous precedent for Australian bands touring New Zealand. Whilst it may not have been a sell out show, it was easily one of the best gigs of the year. Simply Australia’s finest.
