The Zone went to check out Wellington band 'Fighting The Shakes' on Saturday night 2nd March @Bodega. The gig was quite a long one that night... amongst 'The Bonny Scarlets, The Tutts and Motocade, Fighting The Shakes are a band that are well worth checking out.
The dynamic three piece is infused with an electric energy which is driven by front man Jayesh Ravla on vocals and guitar. The threesome consisting of Hadley on bass -guitar and Chet on drums is a great lineup and allows the band to fuse their musicianship to create songs that are raw, edgy, and a fresh take on alt.punk-pop. The audience happily clapped along when lead by the engaging frontman. FTS are known to bring a footstompin' snappy set to their audiences comprising of short songs where each one takes the audience on a journey leaving them wanting more...
Having seen The Tutts at The Big Day Out 2007 and finding the excuse to dance along with their commercial alternative tunes and accessible like-ability (the sound is non-offensive in general), I found I was unable to be moved watching them play at a smaller venue. In saying this- sure the kids got into them and went crazy, people were swaying side to side (almost in a kind of daze), yet I watched on, found myself thinking "What a long night", and began to yawn. Thats the problem with bands that have a commercial sound, and happen to fit neatly into that middle-of-the-road box. Its all very nice, but there was nothing exciting or entertaining, sure the sound was polished, the band played immaculately, but lacked a fresh energy.
On the other hand, having waited for Auckland band 'Motocade' to play (as the final band for the evening), and not knowing what to really expect, I have to say my tired body and weary mind were able to engage and be moved by the ultra poppy, catchy songs. It took me back to days of listening to that generation of Flying Nun bands, where the the melody and changes within each song made for great dancing and smiling faces! The kids got into it too! they were hanging out for the single " Bomb Squad but my pick for their next hit would actually be their new number "Soap Opera". Damn good song! Listen out for it, because I know I will be!!!
Unfortunately I didn't really catch much of the Wellington Rock n' Roll act The Bonny Scarlets, and judging by their name I wouldn't have known what they would have sounded like. Having caught the end of their set I was surprised how catchy the songs were- both likeable and accessible.
The gig made for quite a long night, but I was stoked to have finally managed to catch FTS having missed their previous show (not realising their sets would be so snappy), and Motocade were a new band to pop onto the playlist...
Expecting the gig to cost @least $25 with a commercial band like 'The Tutts' playing, the surpisingly cheap $10 deal made for a good night on the town that would have suited the student budget (and there were alot of students!).