Why Tāmaki Makaurau’s live music scene isn’t dead!

FEATURE | ISSUE FIVE | PUORO O AOTEAROA / LOCAL MUSIC Written by Ethan Worthington (he/him) | Contributing Writer

Awning - Seeing a band live eight times in one year could be seen as insane or financially stupid. But you see, Awning isn’t just a band; they’re a portal to a sonic wonderland where I escape from everything. Every time I see Awning play live, I shut my eyes and mentally swim through their magical compositions. Poetic lyrics, layers upon layers of mystically tuned guitars, crisp and driving rhythms, all topped off by those velvety bass lines. These guys are effectively an underground Aotearoa indie supergroup, with various members contributing to bands like Recitals, Eli Superflyy, and Salt Water Criminals - so it’s easy to see why these guys are special. However, you need to experience Awning live to understand just how special they really are.

Elliot & Vincent - I had heard their singles and absolutely loved them, plus two other legendary Kiwi acts were playing, so I had to go to this show, right!? Elliot & Vincent opened for Fazerdaze and Office Dog at The Powerstation in March 2025. I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears when they kicked into action. How was this much noise being created with so few members? What guitar pedals is that guy using? Is she drumming and singing at the same time? All I knew for certain was that I wanted to plug the PA speakers directly into my ears at full volume. This was music meant to be played loud, very loud. This power duo of Elliot Finn and Vincent Cherry create ominous tunes that swagger yet sting in their own pulsating rhythms, elegantly complemented by an abrasive guitar being strummed within an inch of its life. Keep an eye/ear out for Elliot & Vincent.

Grecco Romank - What do you get when you combine pumping drum and bass, an operatic midi saxophonist, chugging metal guitars, and distorted spoken word vocals? Grecco Romank, of course! I’ve only seen this group once, but rest assured, they rewired my brain chemistry whilst opening for American shoegaze band A Place To Bury Strangers. This Kiwi musical mind trip forcefully threw genres into a raving blender. I had previously tried to get into their music after hearing great news of their 2025 album ‘Arts Colony’, however, I didn’t immediately get it. Once some midi drums, a voice-operated synth, some DJ decks and a shredder guitar were placed on stage, I was more than curious as to what would unfold in the next 30-45 minutes. Whatever I imagined, I was wrong. I can’t even begin to piece together what went on - just go see them live!

Ethan is an AUT communication design student who is an avid music addict. He’s also involved in the local shoegaze band Blisster.