27 Feb 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Auckland’s electro pop Charlie Ash set the scene for the evening by painting the faces of the audience as they entered Bar Bodega, and although it smelt like rotten fish oil it created a highlighter, early 90s, mullet theme throughout the audience and onto the stage. And I quote Rosie- “face paint is better when it’s not paper”. The drummer, keyboardist and guitarist were all dressed in fluorescent pink tops, and the singer sported a bright pink and orange jump suit, which was removed throughout the set.

The guitarist played to this style of music flawlessly, showing he could accompany the synths to produce a classic synth, electro pop sound that still had some characteristics of a rock n roll band.

The drummer and keyboardist both showed superior skill in their fields, but at times I thought the keys could’ve been a bit louder and more influential in the structures of the songs.

Although the singer seemed to be a rip off Peaches, she was younger and hotter, and had a voice to go with it. Her consistency throughout the night was notable, hitting difficult to reach notes and oozing energy and charm. It was a performance with attitude but not one I would imagine everyone would enjoy, and seeming vaguely arrogant at times, their Auckland basis was evident.

If you enjoy dancing, and people around you dancing, a Charlie Ash show would definitely be your best option. Their audience has really embraced the scene and stepping into Bodega was like stepping through a time warp back to the early 90s where fros were plentiful and fluro was king.

Craig Johnson

Charlie ASH come from the bottom of the globe (New Zealand to be precise) where Rosie Riggir and Mailee Mathews bonded over a love of indie-pop, lavish costumes and extravagant stage shows. The band has since been busy in the Kiwi music scene – and more recently overseas when they headed off in mid-May 2009 for a five-week tour of the UK and Europe, playing to packed-out venues at the Great Escape festival (the SXSW of Europe) in Brighton and even gracing the cover of the festival programme. They also squeezed in Cardiff, Liverpool (at the SoundCity festival), and Berlin gigs – as well as a sold-out show supporting Ladyhawke at Koko in London. Playing in Amsterdam alongside fellow Kiwis – and Flying Nun legends – The Bats was another tour highlight.

Charlie ASH's European tour follows attention from both local and international sources: homegrown luminaries Dick 'Magik' Johnson, Fiord and Module have all recently remixed the band's tracks while their cover of 'I Wanna Sex You Up' (originally by R&B slowjammers Colour Me Badd) was included on the Barcelona-based Buffetlibre DJs' Rewind 2.0 compilation and played early in 2009 on BBC Radio 1's Kissy Sell-Out show - receiving a heap of blogger attention in the process.

Other triumphs for the band include New Zealand's first 3-D video 'Ah-hA' and an electrifying performance in the finale slot at the 2008 New Zealand Music Awards surrounded by dancers and acrobats. In past years the band has opened for international acts New Young Pony Club, Chicks On Speed, Juliette Lewis and the Licks, the Slits, and OKGO. They've also found time to produce an award-winning musical BOX for the Wellington Fringe Festival and a debut video 'O'Baby' that won Best Overall Video at the 2006 Radio Active Handle the Jandal Music Video Awards.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Charlie ASH

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