22 May 2013
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

2 a.m. Orchestra - Gig Review | Go Vino | Hamilton

20 Sep 2010 // A review by miss nz

The 18th September will definitely go down as one of the stormiest days in Hamilton, but I’ll always remember it as the day I finally got to see the lads of 2 a.m. Orchestra live. No matter how windy and freezing it was outside, this was one of the warmest, intimate performances I’ve experienced in a long time, and am already eager to see them again!

The ‘project’ as the guys call it started ten years ago over in the U.S.A where singer David Kelley resided. He has since moved over to our shores and is sprinkling his talent and love for fine music in a way that can only be described as magic. Teamed up with the equally gifted bassist, Tim Bern and lead-guitarist, Tim Gittins, these lads produce sweet and soothing tunes demanding the respect of any true music lover.

Go Vino was a busy wee place as the humble trio began their set which was part of their four date tour around the North Island for the release of their EP titled Fire Escape. Not only did they get into the tracks from the EP, but they also performed tunes from previous releases - Impermanenceand 2 a.m. Orchestra.

Gittens and Kelley effortlessly wooed the ladies throughout the set with the sweetest harmonies - undoubtedly making all the boys jealous, while Bern was clearly in the zone with his immaculate bass-playing skills. Although all of their tunes are winners in my books, Fire Escape and Man on the Moon were definite favorites of the evening – both of which feature on their new EP. We were also treated to a cover of Daydream Believer, which went down exceptionally well with the older bunch taking over one of the couches.

I honestly cannot say enough good things about these guys who have been liked to Ben Folds Five, Elvis Costello and Radiohead, and am stoked to have seen them before the masses figure out just how awesome they are. If this band were made of chocolate, they would be of the finest quality there is – believe you me, these guys are smoooooth.

Words by Amanda Ratcliffe

Share on MySpace  

About 2 a.m. Orchestra

David Kelley created 2 a.m. Orchestra in late 2000. While working on his self-titled debut, he put together a live band to support the release. Since the time of its inception, 2 a.m. Orchestra has consisted of a rotating cast of members, with Kelley as the only permanent fixture. He organised many shows in California and toured throughout the United States. He met Tim Bern in the States and was convinced to check out New Zealand. Since then the band has played numerous gigs here in NZ and recently released their second album, Impermanence, to critical acclaim.

With the intensity of Nirvana the vocal subtleties of Paul McCartney, and instrumentation on level with Muse, 2 a.m. Orchestra has delivered an album that is worthy of superlatives. Impermanence, the Auckland outfit's second release, deftly translates the chaos and elation of life, into uplifting and well-arranged rock songs - songs fused with eclecticism, vigour and exuberance. The diverse musical styles found on this album, give testimony to the band's formidable songwriting and musicianship. From sweet acoustic ballads, to epic rock anthems, frontman David Kelley demonstrates his impressive vocal range throughout. Consistent, fresh and superbly produced, Impermanence delivers on all levels.


Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for 2 a.m. Orchestra

Releases

Fire Escape
Year: 2010
Type: EP

Other Reviews By miss nz

Parachute 2013 Review!!!
30 Jan 2013 // by miss nz
Today’s review is brought to you by the letter F, and the number 7.  The F word...
Read More...
The top ten cool things about Saturday at Parachute 2012
02 Feb 2012 // by miss nz
1. I’ve been to a number of Midnight Youth shows over the past few years, so it was rather lovely to sit and enjoy a few snippets from the front-man himself, Jeremy Redmore at Noise.
Read More...
A Day At Parachute 2011
30 Jan 2011 // by miss nz
Last week I covered Big Day Out starting off mentioning that I’d been to seven of the Auckland events in seven years, which seemed to go down quite well with readers.  So for Parachute this year, I’m going to do the same, but different because Parachute will always be a little different to the rest of the festivals here in New Zealand.
Read More...
Big Day Out 2011
25 Jan 2011 // by miss nz
Big Day Out 2011 was my seventh in seven years, and if you know a thing or two about numbers and their spiritual meaning, this one is particularly magical.  I can’t confirm such beliefs, as my seventh experience definitely had its share of crappy moments, but don’t cry pussycat – there were good times too.
Read More...
Steriogram - Taping The Radio | Album Review
25 Nov 2010 // by miss nz
Oh dear...it seems I’m showing my age when I say this, but I remember when Steriogram first hit the scene eleven years ago now.
Read More...
Vodafone NZ Music Awards 2010
14 Oct 2010 // by miss nz
Very much the fan of a pretty frock, I was in heaven at the 45th New Zealand Music Awards last Thursday evening at the Vector Arena.  The red carpet was filled with so many beautiful people that it was hard to know where to look, let alone who to shoot.
Read More...
Kids Of 88 - Sugarpills | Album Review
26 Sep 2010 // by miss nz
When a band describes their music as 'a cross between a late 80s police drama intro theme and a sophisticated super hussy', it's pretty much impossible to hold onto that curiosity for long, before delving in to find out who and what these people are all about. So did curiosity kill this kitty after getting her paws on Kids of 88's debut album, Sugarpills?
Read More...
2 a.m. Orchestra - Fire Escape | EP Review
20 Sep 2010 // by miss nz
After listening to and adoring the wondrous tunes of David Kelley’s ‘project’, 2 a.m.
Read More...
View All Articles By miss nz

Gigs Today

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • BLURRED LINES
    Robin Thicke feat. TI And Pharrell
  • GET LUCKY
    Daft Punk feat. Pharrell
  • LET HER GO
    Passenger
  • RADIOACTIVE
    Imagine Dragons
  • AFRICA
    Toto
  • ROYALS
    Lorde
  • FEEL THIS MOMENT
    Pitbull feat. Christina Aguilera
  • CAN'T HOLD US
    Macklemore And Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton
  • MIRRORS
    Justin Timberlake
  • SKINNY LOVE
    Birdy
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem