1 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

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

Mister Unit - Gig Review: Mister Unit @ Valhalla, Wellington - 18/01/2024

21 Jan 2024 // A review by Nicholas Clark

An emotional night for many, Valhalla hosted Mister Unit's album release party on Thursday with a three-band line-up. Emotional because the conclusion of work on a recording always is, whether or not it is a celebration, especially so on the dense, powerful and ultimately nostalgic six track album by the headlining band; but more than usual perhaps, because one member who featured on the album was no longer with us. Gareth Smith, bassist for the band Mister Unit, had recorded his parts for There's Always Someone With a Bigger Schtick by October, but he would not live to see its release. His unexpected passing unsettled the band; however, they knew he would have wished the band to celebrate and release their loosely themed album in such a manner.

The two bands in support were a little different but showed the two sides of Mister Unit. The first, I'd seen play many times now while the other was as of arriving yet unheard to me, but with one familiar member. The Clangers, with such a name, were assumed by myself and my friend to be a punk band, but we were very wrong. Instead, their songs were pleasantly sophisticated with hints of Pink Floyd, Rush and other prog-rock bands flowing through their tunes. Their created quite a sound from just three members, albeit with a six-string bass. Nick Potts, guitarist and vocalist from local band The Bravo Uniform Mikes, filled in on drums  playing a type of music I wouldn't have usually associated with him.

Next up, Cherry Punch performed the usual raw and fast punk music they have become so well known for. They have continued to become more professional in their shows with almost no dead-air between songs, except for quick stories from front-woman Cherry who usually garners most of the attention with her wild movements, mic swinging, stomping and finally collapsing on the stage. With bassist Cody sitting down during their set on the drum riser, guitarist Emily was the only person on stage to compete with Cherry's actions and concentrating on the guitar solos (that I haven't really noticed before but was surprised and impressed by) all eyes were on their singer to ensure she didn't spill anybody's beer. The set ended with everyone a little bewildered, as per usual, but keen for the main act to begin.

Mister Unit started off strong with classic songs from their ten-track album Wake Me Up When We Get To Utopia but leaned heavily into the new album also. With a hypnotic display behind them, the band played and looked like absolute rock stars. The mix was superbly balanced; with bass, drums, all three guitars when vocalist Andrew picked up his Parker Fly or Gibson Firebird to join in, and vocals (including punky-anthemic vocal chants) were all nicely sitting next to each other and representing the parts of each song well. Lead guitarist Curtis absolutely wailed above the songs, cutting through the mix to play his melodic shred style solos. Rhythm and gang vocalist Simon began many songs with a trusty swagger, but it was obviously a night for lead vocalists to steal the show, because frontman Andrew not only belted out some impressively high notes, but he also entertained throughout with stories and humorous asides.

The night ended with Mister Unit fans baying for more, but the band was spent, and the hour was late. With friends both present and with those departed in their thoughts, the crowd surrounded the band and congratulated them on a fantastic night and album.

Photo Credit: Nicholas E. Clark

 

About Mister Unit

From the fiery depths of Sonic mayhem, the dirty old rock’n roll band Mister Unit present themselves for your entertainment with boundless energy and songs that drift across time, space and style. We are Andrew, Gaz, Mishy, Simon and Pete.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Mister Unit

Releases

Wake Me When We Get To Utopia
Year: 2022
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Nicholas Clark

Job Site - EP Review: The New Zealand Experience
15 Oct 2024 // by Nicholas Clark
Emerging from the Waikato, high energy punk band Job Site showcases their special blend of comedic music on their latest offering, the 4 track The New Zealand Experience EP. The band plays fast and heavy throughout the recording, with rhythms that range from oi-punk, thrash music and even a little 2000’s indie rock.
Read More...
Festival Review: Great Sounds Great Review 2 @ Wellington - 31/08/2024
03 Sep 2024 // by Nicholas Clark
Six iconic venues. Twenty eight acts.
Read More...
Voodoo Bloo - Album Review: Dead-end Rodeo
28 Aug 2024 // by Nicholas Clark
Rodeos, at least in this country, aren’t perceived as sport nowadays. If the term is used at all in New Zealand it usually refers to a metaphor for an intense struggle to survive or to conquer the unconquerable, if but for fleeting moment.
Read More...
Gig Review: Bad Schematics @ Moon, Wellington - 26/07/2024
27 Jul 2024 // by Nicholas Clark
Fresh from picking up numerous awards in the recent National Battle of the Bands competition, Bad Schematics have embarked on a North Island tour including Tauranga, Auckland and their hometown Palmerston North, to promote their newest album,C O L L I D E. Tonight, along with winners of the competition for this year, Adoneye, finalists Donal and The Bucks and last year’s second place winners, Dave and the Dirty Humans, Bad Schematics hit Wellington’s favourite underground alternative music venue and pizzeria, Moon.
Read More...
Gig Review: Floyd Marsden @ Valhalla, Wellington - 18/07/2024
19 Jul 2024 // by Nicholas Clark
Although technically a sad affair, (as it was to be final of Floyd Marsden’s string of local shows promoting her album The Disco Lizards), the atmosphere in Valhalla was uncharacteristically filled with retro vibes but the usual friendly faces. In support for this show was Adult Friends, spearheaded by vocalist/guitarist Jackson Kidd who was also the producer of The Disco Lizards.
Read More...
SuperMild - EP Review: SuperMild
11 Jun 2024 // by Nicholas Clark
SuperMild is a busy band playing lots of venues and entertaining crowds with their blend of reggae tinged psychedelic rock. Their debut, self-titled four song EP is out now, and it spans the many sounds the band can summon with just three members.
Read More...
Anecdata - Album Review: Obsolete
05 Jun 2024 // by Nicholas Clark
Anecdata is a one man band, Dan, who proves without a shadow of a doubt that a single person can be far more prolific than a band of many members. He has recorded nine albums and a number of singles, dabbling in various genres (grunge pop as well as new wave inspired rock) and done covers also including New Zealand classic Sierra Leone, originally by Coconut Rough, and two Beatles covers (I Am The Walrus, and Things We Said Today).
Read More...
Carb On Carb - Album Review: Take Time
16 May 2024 // by Nicholas Clark
Carb on Carb was a busy, touring band until the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. While promoting their first two full length albums, For Ages and their self-titled debut, James Stuteley (drums / vocals) and Nicole Gaffney (guitar / vocals) toured as far as Japan and the US, as well as extensively throughout New Zealand.
Read More...
View All Articles By Nicholas Clark

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
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