24 Apr 2024
The Rock and Roll Machine - The Big Kumara 10-8-2006
12 Aug 2006 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Thursday nights don’t usually see me out of the comfort of my living room, but this was no ordinary Thursday night. The Big Kumara in Wellington was to hold The Rock ‘n’ Roll Machine. I had never heard of this band before, so as always I was keen to go along and have a look-see and check out some possible local talent.
The Big Kumara is a smaller venue, which makes it a nice place to kick back, relax, have a few beers, and listen to some slow jams. It was evident from the start.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll machine did not do slow jams, and my ears suffered accordingly. It was absolutely impossible to hear the lyrics, which was frustrating to say the least. It’s not that The Big Kumara is a bad venue, its great! It’s just the fact that this particular band was not ideally suited to playing in such a confined space. It was all turned up so loud it just drowned out any sort of singing. I realise this style of music and the style of playing tend towards louder amplification, but this was ridiculous! The venue was far too small, so the sound was echoing around like nobodies business.
I usually try to avoid comparing people to other more famous people in the hope of making some connections between the two, but I couldn’t help it this time. It could’ve been the fact that the lead singer looked exactly like Joey Ramone which made it impossible for me to shake this idea of The Ramones being on stage or the fact their sound had some similarities. The fast paced guitar riffs just seemed so similar, but in a good way. The front man had some good energy, in his guitar playing and his vocal output (that of which I could hear), and was accompanied by the bassist in both fields.
The highlight for me was the drumming. The drummers’ persona was just delightful. He was relaxed, tight, and seemed totally at one with himself and the drum kit. He added the professional element the band had been crying out for, which in turn added to the quality of the performance.
I would like to see this band again sometime, or possibly get a hold of an EP, because I truly feel this particular gig has not done them justice in the slightest. A better venue and improved sound mixing would go a long way in their favour.
Craig Johnson
Thursday nights don’t usually see me out of the comfort of my living room, but this was no ordinary Thursday night. The Big Kumara in Wellington was to hold The Rock ‘n’ Roll Machine. I had never heard of this band before, so as always I was keen to go along and have a look-see and check out some possible local talent.The Big Kumara is a smaller venue, which makes it a nice place to kick back, relax, have a few beers, and listen to some slow jams. It was evident from the start.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll machine did not do slow jams, and my ears suffered accordingly. It was absolutely impossible to hear the lyrics, which was frustrating to say the least. It’s not that The Big Kumara is a bad venue, its great! It’s just the fact that this particular band was not ideally suited to playing in such a confined space. It was all turned up so loud it just drowned out any sort of singing. I realise this style of music and the style of playing tend towards louder amplification, but this was ridiculous! The venue was far too small, so the sound was echoing around like nobodies business.
I usually try to avoid comparing people to other more famous people in the hope of making some connections between the two, but I couldn’t help it this time. It could’ve been the fact that the lead singer looked exactly like Joey Ramone which made it impossible for me to shake this idea of The Ramones being on stage or the fact their sound had some similarities. The fast paced guitar riffs just seemed so similar, but in a good way. The front man had some good energy, in his guitar playing and his vocal output (that of which I could hear), and was accompanied by the bassist in both fields.
The highlight for me was the drumming. The drummers’ persona was just delightful. He was relaxed, tight, and seemed totally at one with himself and the drum kit. He added the professional element the band had been crying out for, which in turn added to the quality of the performance.
I would like to see this band again sometime, or possibly get a hold of an EP, because I truly feel this particular gig has not done them justice in the slightest. A better venue and improved sound mixing would go a long way in their favour.
Craig Johnson
About The Rock and Roll Machine
Paul was replaced in 2002 by Rich Mixture (Shaft, The D4) and the band toured Australia, the US and the UK. The Rock n Roll Machine has toured with The White Stripes and Dead Moon and played with the likes of Guitar Wolf, The Dirt Bombs and The MC5.
After hundreds of gigs and a handful of vinyl 7"s the Rock n Roll Machine have finally released their self-titled, debut album. First single 'Creature Of The Night' out now on Hell Squad Records. Distributed in New Zealand by Rhythmethod.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The Rock and Roll Machine
Releases
Other Reviews By johnsoncraigsbc
Spartacus R - When The Fever Takes Hold - Debut Release
15 Feb 2009 // by johnsoncraigsbc
The locally anticipated debut release from Wellingtons own Spartacus R is finally here. After becoming regionally acclaimed over the past six years their debut full-length album “When The Fever Takes Hold” is looking to rouse devotees and new listeners alike.
Read More...
Samuel Flynn Scott - Straight Answer Machine
28 May 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Stepping away from electronic Americana and heading towards tropical folk, ‘Straight Answer Machine’ is Samuel Flynn Scotts’ second solo performance that supports his song writing potential. ‘Straight Answer Machine’ leads us on a mystical journey through his ideological landscapes and on through good hard times.
Read More...
An Emerald City - Debut, Self Titled E.P.
15 Apr 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
An Emerald City showcases mastery musicianship with a seamless blend of traditional instruments, spawning an easy listening, instrumental collaboration of styles in this self titled, debut extended play. Commencing the four track E.
Read More...
Recloose- Perfect Timing
14 Apr 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Recloose has been busy and after such previous success, the now internationally exalted producer and DJ has brought a new touch to living room and club dance with ‘Perfect Timing’, taking a few pages out of the eighties in the process. Starting the album with Rachel Frasier and the mellow sophistication of ‘Catch A Leaf’ is the perfect way to precede the dismal post eighties revival that is ‘Robop’.
Read More...
Crash-Test For Favourite Things - We all want to be just like you.
31 Mar 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
We all want to be just like you- Crash Test For Favourite Things The general aesthetic of Crash Test for Favourite Things has matured since their debut, self titled album, and the cover art captures some of the imagery that is apparent in the music wonderfully. It speaks innocence and injustice.
Read More...
Lawrence Arabia: Live Gig @ Happy 08 Feb 2008
13 Feb 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Thursday night at Happy was packed, and for good reason. For ‘it’ man Liam Finn was due to support Lawrence Arabia, who threw two nights of fun filled music with all his friends.
Read More...
The Phoenix Foundation - Happy Ending
20 Dec 2007 // by johnsoncraigsbc
After such success from ‘Pegasus’ it was exciting to hear what direction The Phoenix Foundation had taken with their new album- 'Happy Ending'. I like the album and its casual holiday appeal, with up beat happy tunes like ‘Bright Grey’ and ‘Bleaching Sun’, but opening singles aside; the album showcases all of the song writing talent that is The Phoenix Foundation.
Read More...
The Phoenix Foundation - Wellington Opera House 17/11/2007
19 Nov 2007 // by johnsoncraigsbc
On Saturday night The Phoenix Foundation played at the Opera House in Wellington as part of their Happy Ending tour. Because of the recent success from their newly released album ‘Happy Ending’ I was excepting another great show from the Wellington lads who seldom disappoint.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- TOO SWEET
Hozier - BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Benson Boone - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
Artemas - SATURN
SZA - STICK SEASON
Noah Kahan - END OF BEGINNING
Djo - LIKE THAT
Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
Ariana Grande
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
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 Problem
