Carb On Carb are currently on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, which will see them perform five dates in each country. Touring is right at the heart and soul of their drive as a band, having seen them perform extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia, Asia, and the USA.

Their show in Christchurch was the eighth of the tour, having played in Dunedin the night before. Space Academy are staunch supporters of live music, and seeing a show there is always a treat, and tonight was no exception. The crowd were buzzing with anticipation as local heroes This Dog took to the stage, and they duly delivered by the bucketload. Vocalist Robbie has a superb stage presence and is ably backed by four tasteful and golden-toned players, presenting their unique sound and perspective that sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. I saw many folks around me singing adoringly along with a set including Feel The Same, Sleep For Dinner, Clockwork, and hit single Bug Eyed. 

Next up were another beloved local act, Model Home. The "sad songs quartet" formed in Christchurch in 2019, and released their debut album ...And Nobody Made A Sound in 2023. Vocalist/Guitarist Rachael has a clear and powerful voice, soaring over the top of the luscious, jangly guitars and super tasty rhythm section, singing with heart and passion. Having been namechecked by this dog in a sweet anecdote, Model Home continued the mutual admiration society between the three bands, the expressions of love and friendship adding to the overall energy and enjoyment of the show. Model home make infectiously good music, thoughtful and soulful songs delivered with high energy, which was received with rapturous applause.

Carb On Carb have an impressively massive sound for a two-piece (which is greatly assisted by the assemblage of pedals on Vocalist/Guitarist Nicole's pedalboard, having enjoyed wandering up for a little nerd-out at the conclusion of their set). Both Nicole and James (Vocals/Drums) are excellent players, and fantastically and tightly in tune with one another, as they took the bewitched audience on a wonderful journey with their short but sweet set of Emo-Punk. It's Been A Rough Year, from the new album Take Time (the reason for this particular tour) was first up, and Home Again 7, Here Comes The Best Bit, 2009, and Be My Mirror made an appearance, along with more references to the joyful love and connection between the three bands. Carb On Carb have a magnificent melodic sense, with beautiful vocals. I also feel I need to share that now being in ever-advancing middle-age, I have been to a lot of live shows in my time, a LOT. I've seen bands who have shaped my own musical journey and screamed my fanboy jubilation from the crowd. And it's been exceptionally rare that I have  gone home from a show and thought "man I feel like listening to more of that right now!". However, that's precisely what I did upon getting home after this show, proudly donning my nice new Carb On Carb t-shirt. This was easily one of the best shows I've been privileged to attend in the last couple of years.

You still have an opportunity to catch them on this tour, this coming Friday 14th in Wellington at Welsh Dragon, and Saturday 15th at Snails in Palmerston North, and you can get tickets from undertheradar. I can't think of many better ways to treat yourself this weekend.

• 1
  Outside In
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Head Like A Hole
• 5
  Fur Patrol
• 6
  Michelle Rounds
• 7
  L.A.B.
• 8
  The Boondocks
• 9
  Us As Robots
• 10
  Late to Chelsea

• 
  Pink Plates @ Big Fan, Auckland - 27/09/2024
• 
  Cootie Cuties @ Big Fan, Auckland - 27/09/2024
• 
  Shotgun The Couch @ Big Fan, Auckland - 27/09/2024
• 
  Buzz @ Big Fan, Auckland - 27/09/2024

• 1
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 2
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TIMELESS
  The Weeknd And Playboi Carti
• 5
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 6
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan
• 7
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  TOO SWEET
  Hozier
• 10
  BEAUTIFUL THINGS
  Benson Boone

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