REVIEW: Mercury Crowe

MERCURY CROWE
Dogs Bollix
Thursday 25 September
Words and Photos by Charlette Hannah

Allan Mansfield

Nick George

Hamish Mckoy

Rowan Clark

Mercury Crowe are hot hot hot. Did I say hot?

They are young, talented, their live show is on fire, and they are up-and-coming in the best sense of the phrase. Sadly so many local bands seem destined to struggle with the local gig circuits for a wee while before it all gets the better of them and they retreat back into bedroom jamming. Mercury Crowe appears to be one of the rare exceptions - these guys are Going Somewhere. Happening. It.

With enough pop catchiness for instant appeal and enough indie cred to back it up, Mercury Crowe's songs are a mix of California-esque surf rock, blues and pop rock. Strong harmonies dominate the arrangements - one of the stand-out elements of their live performance. With singer/guitarist Allan Mansfield sharing vocal duties with lead guitarist Hamish Mckoy and bassist Rowan Clark, backed up by drummer Nick George, Mercury Crowe's finely crafted arrangements are refreshing. All four are excellent musicians and display their talent without showing off.

I've seen Mercury Crowe a couple of times before, and they just keep getting better and better. And they were great to start with. Mostly upbeat songs, their enthusiasm is reflected in a tight and energetic show, and in the crowd at the Dogs Bollix all eyes were riveted to the stage. A couple of darker numbers kept the pop element under control and showcased the dynamic range Mercury Crowe are capable of.

Currently Wellington based, Mercury Crowe tour regularly, so make sure you catch them next time they're in Auckland.

www.mercurycrowe.com
www.myspace.com/mercurycrowe

REVIEW: The Sami Sisters

THE SAMI SISTERS
Dogs Bollix
Thursday 17 July

Words by June Hart
Photos by Charlette Hannah

Madeleine Sami

Anji Sami

Priya Sami

The Sami Sisters have witty banter down to a tee. With stories about fish food and other assorted delicacies, they had the audience laughing between every song during their set on Thursday night at the Dogs Bollix.

Opening with the classic 'Tonight You Belong To Me' (I couldn't help picturing Steve Martin in The Jerk), their three lovely voices blended wonderfully as tends to happen in family bands. Their smooth harmonies were perfectly done like a good pav. Mixing covers and originals by all three sisters, their set was lively and energetic.

Eldest sister, actress Madeleine was the most outgoing of the three, dancing around the stage, apparently hyped up on flu meds. Baby of the family, Priya, seemed to be the repository of most of the stories, with the other two deferring to her jokes during tuning or drinking pauses. Middle sister Anji is apparently the 'singer-songwriter proper', having released The El Dorado EP in 2006.

The sisters had confident stage presence, with an easy going professionalism. Although they all had great voices, Priya in particular was given the chance to shine, performing her catchy radio hit 'Mrs Julian Casablancas'.

The Sami Sisters are a thoroughly entertaining act to watch, with quality music and relaxed humour and I would highly recommend them for any weddings or Bar Mitzvahs you might have coming up. They said they're available.

myspace.com/thesamisisters

REVIEW: Reb Fountain and The Bandits

REB FOUNTAIN AND THE BANDITS
Dogs Bollix
Thursday 17 July

Words by June Hart
Photos by Charlette Hannah







Reb Fountain possesses an incredible voice, and a songwriting talent which should see her at the top of the charts. Vocally she achieves an exquisite balance of strong and sweet, with a bit of life thrown in to roughen the mixture up.

With two other guitarists besides Reb herself, drums, bass, keys and violin provided by Sam Prebble of Bond St Bridge, the band is a powerful live unit. They were equally at ease with the more laid back folky songs and the full force rockier ones, which brought to mind PJ Harvey.

The songs were dynamic in structure and delivery, and the balance of mellow and rocky songs was well received. Reb has a skilful ear for melody, and the songs were catchy without being obnoxiously pop.

The audience gradually crept forward, leaning in to listen and get closer, with loud applause and cheers following every song. They were one of the best acts I've seen in a long time, giving a tight and engaging performance.

Reb Fountain and The Bandits depart Auckland for a tour of the North and South Islands at the end of July.

myspace.com/rebfountain

REVIEW: Bond St Bridge

BOND ST BRIDGE
Dogs Bollix
Thursday 17 July

Words by June Hart
Photos by Charlette Hannah





Bond St Bridge is one rather European looking fellow (ref: hat and glasses). Replete with a violin, guitar, and 'antique tape echo machine', Sam Prebble, a.k.a Bond St Bridge, played a melancholy and moody set opening for Reb Fountain and The Sami Sisters. Although he also sometimes plays with a band, his set on Thursday was a pleasant solo performance.

Utilising a fair amount of reverb and delay, Sam built up layer after layer of atmospheric music which was ethereal, and yet managed to stay grounded and human. With appealing folky melodies sung with Sam's rich voice, the songs had an almost darkly vaudeville sound to them.

Thumps on the guitar were looped to provide a rhythm section, while layers of violin overlaid with guitar resulted in an almost symphonic backing. The introspective, satirical lyrics added to the depth of sound.

The very first song, played just on the violin, was particularly lovely, and had a celtic influence - appropriate for an Irish pub!

myspace.com/thebondstreetbridgeband