I started amping…sweet pun I know…in the Ministry of Sound tent to the tunes of Pitch Black. The kiwi electronica band got the party started with what appeared to be a set put together by computer geeks (note three laptops and a heap of dry ice) and was fronted by the blonde satan.
Ok that’s a little mean but that hair and goatee…after Pitch Black was another kiwi dance favourite State of Mind. Christchurch’s MC Camo provided vocals as State of Mind got the crowd to sweat. The Ministry of Sound tent filled up as they pumped a remixed version of Tiki Taane’s ‘Now This Is It’.
The need for water and oxygen drove me from the tent to the outdoor venue that was the RDU stage. RDU is Christchurch’s Bnet station and taking the stage next was local band The Klap. The Klap are the 2008 winners of RDU’s band competition Round Up and are making a name for themselves around town, having opened for Cut Off Your Hands a week earlier. The five piece has an interesting sound (almost pirate like if you ask me) created by the mix of keyboards, an acoustic, drums, a bass and a banjo.
They drew a big crowd but mainly because they were situated next to the steak sandwiches stall. But all those queuing were tapping their feet, the catchy tunes were irresistible.
I admit I got a little side tracked now as Weta were being interviewed in the Vodafone tent. Set up next to the stage was a twister mat so I had to have a go. I battled my flat mates and needless to say I won, yuss! Shenanigans aside, Concord Dawn were due in the Ministry of Sound tent so back in I go. These guys were awesome despite Evan Short being m.i.a and the two gross people pashing next to me. However I was quickly drawn to the main stage to see my first international act of the day, The Charlatans from the UK.
Despite a late start, they were eventually introduced by That Guy who was MC between the main stage bands. Southern Amp was the bands first time in New Zealand, having been together since 1989. Age aside they were one of the highlights of the day. The majority of the crowd was not familiar with their music but they still managed to stir excitement. They had a sort of indie rock, Placebo kind of sounding vibe that was a welcomed change from the intense electronic I had been listening to previously.
It was definitely time now for chips and chicken nuggets but with that done I’m back into the Ministry of Sound tent for Tiki Taane. Tiki in all his beauty and glory took to the stage with the right attitude. Apparently some old people next door to the arena were complaining the music was too loud, so he demands his mic be turned up..and up…and up then encourages the crowd to make some noise.
The Christchurch boy starts his set with acoustic versions of old Salmonella Dub tunes who he says he has “nothing but love and respect for”. ‘Love Your Ways’ went off but not as much as ‘Always On My Mind’ in which he got the male and females of the crowd to sing alternate lines.
And just so the oldies next door got a little more peeved off, he shouts “Thank God for Obama” raising yet another cheer from the crowd.
Unfortunately for Tiki, half way through his set the crowd starts to thin out as people make their way to the main stage to catch The Dandy Warhols. Also starting late, the Dandy Warhols did not disappoint and started with hits ‘Bohemian Like You’ and ‘We Used To Be Friends’. However…those tracks are really the only ones a lot of people know. Meaning the Dandy Warhol crowd eventually got smaller as well.
The middle of their set was full of old songs while at the end they played their new material. For those who are aware of the feud they have with fellow American band The Brian Jonestown Massacre you will be interested to know they had a BJM sticker plastered to their keyboard. Their sound is quite similar (minus a rather prominent tambourine) and they started out at the same time in the early nineties. What followed was a battle for success which some would say the Dandy Warhols won, achieving mainstream popularity.
Next up was Aussie band The Living End who produced an impressively polished sound for a three piece. The band is on their fifth album, with new hit ‘White Noise’ exciting cheers from the crowd. Double bassist Scott Owen took advantage of his unique appeal, strutting the stage with his giant instrument in hand. I think the crowd didn’t realise how much they would enjoy this band as not only are they good live, they had a surprising amount of hits off their last album State Of Emergency such as ‘Wake Up’ and ‘Long Live The Weekend’ which the crowd found themselves singing along to.
The final draw card for me was The Potbelleez. By this stage I am exhausted yet back I go into The Ministry of Sound tent. It’s full, but not as full as you would expect. I think a lot of people were either too tired or were queuing up for Seether. But The Potbelleez were not going to take no for an answer, putting on an intense and interactive set that left me for dead. Obvious favourites ‘Don’t’ Hold Back’ and ‘Are You With Me’ drew a final cheer from the crowd, as did Dave Goodie climbing onto the disc decks to encourage everyone to get pumping.
However, when they were done I left the tent dripping and spent and wanting spaghetti and cheese toasted sandwiches desperately. Thanks Southern Amp for a great day.
By Phillipa - a C4 viewer.