Gig Review: Dr.Reknaw @ Anthology Lounge, Auckland – 16/04/2021

Epic eight-piece, Dr.Reknaw, took to the stage at Anthology Lounge on a wet Friday evening for their only Auckland gig. They are on their Rektified tour, debuting their first album of the same title. Anthology Lounge was sold out, and first up was support act Strangely Arousing.

Shortly after I arrived, Strangely Arousing broke into a trumpet solo. I would usually eschew brass, perhaps I’m ignorant, but it’s not an instrument that lulls the mind, it sticks out. However, in this band’s hands and with their blend of genres, it was positively resplendent, joyful and radiated across the sweaty crowd who bounced and danced in exuberant unison. What an act they were, the crowd was positively buzzing.

We eagerly awaited the arrival of Dr.Reknaw, one by one they filtered on, until the orchestral-like-ensemble had filled the small stage. All dressed in lab coats, we were immediately reassured. It seemed like musicians with authority were ready to hold our hands and ‘rektify’ all that might be wrong. It was an almighty noise, clattering, jostling notes, transcending genres we were in the safe hands of Dr.Reknaw.

Poor puns aside, the band stand out for their solos, particularly their guitarist, who stood in the back corner but who absolutely stood out when given the spotlight. The lyricists were sultry, seductive and added to the performative punch of a multifaceted musical endeavour that hopefully will go for strength to strength. I’m definitely an advocate for Dr.Reknaw after this performance.