CUBADUPA REVIEW: SoSo showcase at the Massey Creative Distraction stage
ISOBELLE WALKER
Sat cross-legged on the stage, armed with an acoustic guitar, Isobelle Walker started her delicately candid set. Her voice is a soul-warming vessel for impactful words that are carefully crafted. As the set progressed, she brought in some minimal beats, providing an anchor for her floating vocals. Isobelle’s performance boasted beautiful simplicity, a mastery of production techniques, and undeniably flawless melodic lines.
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SWEETSPOT
Sweetspot breathed life into the afternoon, from the first note struck. Joe Andrew’s energy was contagious, throwing his shaggy blonde mane around as he delivered punchy beats. Nobody ever made the bass look so cool, Alana Hauraki’s pure passion for the instrument is heard through her fluid playing and dynamic lines. Zar Naylor’s sun-soaked guitar licks added vibrant colour, and Philip Kim’s effortless style and bold vocal technique was the cherry on the Sweetspot cake. This well oiled machine is definitely one to watch out for in the coming months as they get situated in the Wellington scene.
ELI SUPERFLYY
Anyone who has heard Eli Chamberlain’s distinctive vocal tone, knows that there’s nothing in Wellington that compares. Support from Baxter Perry, Jamin Forlong and Aaron Brag created a seamless, perfectly brewed mixture of sounds. Trickling, summery riffs pour their way into Eli’s unrelenting songwriting talent, delivering true Wellington indie at its finest. It never matters exactly what words Eli is singing, because he sings them with such conviction. Sitting under a tree, listening to Eli’s set made my $9.50 gin and tonic taste even sweeter.
Check out Eli Superflyy’s new EP ‘NEPTUNE’S BLUE’ here
KING FISH
King Fish brought the fun that we have all come to expect from their live performances. A band that were once the new kids on the block are now seasoned pros, commanding Glover Park as if they’d done it 100 times before. Freyja delivered her ever-impressive rhythmic skills, with the epic drummer facials to match. Cool, calm and collected Sam held things down with his infectious bass lines and immaculate vibes. His connection with guitarist, Brandon is undeniably the best thing since sliced bread. Brandon himself was as excellent as ever, shredding masterfully in a blazer that made me wanna go out and buy my own. Seriously Brandon, how cool can you get? If anyone knows how to work a crowd, it’s Hannah Davenport. Fronting the group with her extreme confidence and energy, she made every member of the crowd a part of the King Fish family. Their cover of Kyoto by Phoebe Bridgers was just so good. Indescribably good. There is nothing left to be desired from this fun-filled four piece.
Watch the new music video for ‘39 Days’ here