Gig Review: Zed @ The Church, Christchurch – 8/12/2023

Zed are back! 23 years after the release of their triple-platinum, number one debut album Silencer, they have finally returned, after a couple of teaser reunions over the years. Formed in 1996 (Originally as Supra) by Nathan King (vocals, guitar), Ben Campbell (bass) and Adrian Palmer (drums) whilst still at high school, they really hit their straps with the addition of powerhouse guitarist Andy Lynch, prior to recording the album.  They recorded another album, This Little Empire, before disbanding in 2004. However, new single Future You is the first from an upcoming new album, and Zed are set to take on the world, all over again.

If the crowd at this show was anything to go by, it won’t be a difficult goal to achieve for them. Before they took the stage, we were treated to a set from the bold, sassy, and irreverent Emma Dilemma. Emma’s songs have a uniqueness of character, to a degree that is no mean feat in the music world. It takes a lot to truly stand out as a performer, and Emma has certainly carved out her own niche. Her rollicking, raunchy set featured many from debut album Spit, as well as new kazoo-riff driven single Bed All Day. Plus, I got to experience the deliciousness of her partner-in-crime and guitarist, Moses, whom I haven’t seen perform since his days in House Of Mountain. Long before the end of the 9 song set, Emma had the crowd wrapped around her little finger.

After a brief intermission, the wait was over… the venue was briefly plunged into darkness, before the opening strains of Renegade Fighter had the crowd roaring their joy at the stage. Zed were tight, slick, and polished. Their glorious vocals were effortlessly on point, and Andy Lynch had a guitar tone that had me drooling. They delivered a set of classics from both earlier albums, but also introduced a couple from the new album along with Future You, to the delight of the capacity crowd. Nothing beats a sing-along, so before they dished up the final banger of Glorafilia, they tore new ones for both Kings Of Leon’s Sex On Fire and Radiohead’s Creep, inspiring a raucous and heart-felt vocal effort from the audience.

A triumphant return to form, in the city where they formed. Zed were magnificent, and utterly brought the house down.

Photo Credit: Alec Huisman
Zed Photo Gallery
Emma Dilemma Photo Gallery