29 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

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

Aro - Gig Review: Aro @ The Jam Factory, Tauranga – 30/03/2019

31 Mar 2019 // A review by Corinne Rutherford

It was a glorious evening in Tauranga last night, the sun set in a stunning blaze of glory casting an orange glow over the village. As people started to arrive to see Aro, we all gathered on the deck to watch the beautiful sunset accompanied by Canadian geese in perfect formation flying above us. It was a magical start to the magical evening.

I want to mention that Aro had an impressive range of merch available last night, which also included a translation booklet from Te Reo Maori to English of the lyrics for Manu, the album Aro have been promoting with a mammoth tour through the entire length of the country. The booklet helped immensely with the accompanying story telling which Charles provided and included stunning artwork by Manu Berry.

Aro, who are husband and wife team Charles and Emily Looker (nee Rice) were also joined last night by a friend called Callum, he has just in the last 48 hours re-branded himself under the name of Od.Cassidy (formerly Rewind) and is definitely someone to keep an eye on. Emily and Callum opened the evening with a set of original songs which they sang beautifully. Emotionally charged lyrics delivered from the heart. Callum's soft, faultless guitar playing and warm vocals complimented Emily's sweet vocal tone perfectly. It was a fabulous opener for the stunning performance which followed.

The album Manu meaning bird “is a bilingual – Te Reo Maori & English, 10-track album transcribed from the melodies and rhythms of our native birds”. This is a remarkable album.

Charles and Emily delivered us a selection of songs with alluring vocals and humorous storytelling which had the crowd completely engaged. Each song was educational and delightful and certainly brought the birds characteristics to life. The Kereru song was particularly memorable, what a lovely story that cheeky bird told of the tempting berries.

The set weaved effortlessly between Te Reo Maori and English. Charles playing guitar and Emily a whiz on the looper. They delivered a stunning set. The narrative provided by Charles throughout the evening was informative and entertaining. The inclusion of the Taonga and the accompanying story which Charles told us of the various traditional Maori instruments used on the album had the audience absorbed. The couple combine a wonderful jazzy/pop sound with delightful harmony.

I had the honour of reviewing Manu when it was first released, I said that the album is lively and cheerful yet at the same time inspiring and engaging. That is exactly what Aro delivered in their performance.

As the evening drew to a close and the last song played out, I witnessed something I have never seen before at The Jam Factory or at any intimate event in recent memory. A standing ovation, a testament to the stunning performance from this duo. Needless to say, we got one more song before the night ended, but the audience could have happily stayed on and listened to more if we could of.

If you ever get a chance to see Aro perform, go and see them. Keep an eye out for the wonderful Od.Cassidy, and listen closely to the melodies, rhythms and stories of Aotearoa's native birds. They have significant messages for all of us.

 

About Aro

Aro consists of husband and wife Charles (Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngati Te Ata, Te Ati Awa) and Emily Looker (nee Rice). The pair share a passion for the power of language and music to tell stories and remind us of our cultural identity. The duo were finalists for the Maioha Award at the Silver Scrolls (2019) and the APRA Best Children’s Song Award for their song Korimako (2020).




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Aro

Releases

He Wai
Year: 2021
Type: EP
He Manu Ano
Year: 2020
Type: EP
Manu
Year: 2019
Type: Album
Van Jams
Year: 2018
Type: EP
Aro
Year: 2017
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Corinne Rutherford

Ersha Island - EP Review: Back To Our Roots
29 Feb 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Classically trained duo Dani and Tee are Ersha Island, Auckland based musicians with a contemporary style which has been described as indie-folk. They began their journey in Guangzhou, China on Ersha Island, hence their name.
Read More...
Eden Mulholland - Album Review: A Bee Might Bite My Nose
21 Dec 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Funny, Kooky and gently melancholic at times is one description of respected Australasian composer, songwriter and collaborator Eden Mulholland (Ngati Porou). His most recent release is channeled by a very cute teddy bear.
Read More...
Jessica Leigh - EP Review: Lightbeam
03 Nov 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Nelsonian, singer, songwriter and producer Jessica Leigh has recently released her third EP Lightbeam. Changing tack from her previous EP in 2021, the acoustic guitars and strings have given way to full synthpop sound with an 80's inspired vibe.
Read More...
Michèle Ducray - EP Review: Throne Of Mine
05 Oct 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Mysterious and sinister themes such as horror combined with the colourful characteristics of circus life are the inspiration behind emerging dark-pop artist Michèle Ducray's debut EP Throne Of Mine. The balance of both dark and light create a fresh and original sound that is complex as it is identifiable.
Read More...
Sam Heselwood - EP Review: Home Is Where The Heart Is
19 Sep 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Ex rugby player turned singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood has recently released his 5 track EP Home Is Where The Heart Is. Originally from Christchurch, the indie-pop musician has delivered poignant, beautifully composed music which aims straight for the heart.
Read More...
Strawpeople - Album Review: Knucklebones
29 Aug 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
For the first time in 19 years, slick electro-pop duo Strawpeople (Fiona McDonald ex-The Headless Chickens, and Paul Casserly) have released an album sparking early 2000's nostalgia. Knucklebones is a fusion of their iconic sound mixed with a collection of entirely new material.
Read More...
Sofia Machray - EP Review: Language Of Flowers
01 Aug 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Sofia Machray has been described as an “eclectic master of indie singer-songwriter gone rouge,” her recently released debut EP Language Of Flowers consists of 6 ethereal indie dream-rock tracks which have been beautifully constructed. Inspired by her love of flowers in particular the similarity in evolution between human nature from tiny seed to full bloom.
Read More...
Mitch and his Guitar - Single Review: Mine In My Mind
18 Jul 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Mitch and his Guitar is a solo musical artist from Hawera in Taranaki, diversifying from wedding singing to deliver original soft pop songs inspired by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Passenger and Hollow Coves. Mine In My Mind is one of three tracks which will be followed by his debut album.
Read More...
View All Articles By Corinne Rutherford

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
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