Gig Review: Devilskin & Halestorm @ Great Lakes, Taupo – 8/01/17

<![CDATA[ ]]>

Taupo is a funny wee place, being smack dab in the centre of the North Island you might think a few bands would come through but the reality is that it’s the polar opposite. The only real exception is UB40, Icehouse, Bonnie Tyler and The Alan Parsons Project….. ok so what about those of us that enjoy their music with a bit more edge? A little bit louder? A little bit more “in your face” attitude?

One problem the metal and rock community in Taupo face is the lack of available venues, they go from far too small to far too big or they only want covers bands. That was a bit of a sad discovery but I think that it can change with the right approach as clearly their is an audience for rock and metal in Taupo.

Being an international billing it felt good finally have a reason for some pre show drinks with friends, there’s a special feeling when you are getting ready to go out to metal/hard rock show that doesn’t come with say…. going to see UB40. The experience is a little more unpredictable, slightly chaotic and no doubt there is more alcohol, but who wants to play it safe ALL the time anyway?

Apologetically I missed the City of Souls set, though my partner was photographing the show and told me they were tight, everyone was on point and the performance was high energy and professional, so I’ll stick with that.

Halestorm have been getting a lot of hype lately though I was genuinely confused at first listen because for some reason I thought she was a guitar virtuoso but yeah, either way the crowd was really into it, Lizzy was a really energetic front woman and she didn’t miss a note even though she had just cancelled a show due to throat problems.
A random memory stands out… I was standing in line at the bar while the drum solo was happening then I turned around to see the drummer using bizarre 4 foot drum sticks, I wondered if someone had slipped some acid into my drink, it was such an out of it thing to turn around and see!

After Halestorm’s polished pop/rock set I was ready for some slightly heavier guitars and as anyone would know that has been to a Devilskin show, they always give a strong performance.

Being the last of a string of NZ shows before a short Australian tour I would have thought perhaps Jennie’s voice might be strained but she was on point, the sound was massive over all and everyone in the band seemed to be genuinely having a great time which in turn pushed the audience.

The band smashed through an impressive set including the singles Fade, Little Pills, Mountains and their latest, Pray.
There really isn’t much I can say that hasn’t already been said so when I say they were tight I mean it in every sense of the word, the amount of shows they have played has really paid off!

I loved seeing the locals coming out and supporting NZ bands that are taking their music to the world. The professionalism in the shows production is a definite selling point, big cheers to the promoters for bringing heavier bands to Taupo!