Gig Review: Head Like A Hole @ Galatos, Auckland – 6/08/2015

The last time I saw Head Like A Hole I was a teenager and I was in no state to form any kind of opinion on what I had just seen, other than knowing that once again I had loved it. Fast forward 20 or so years and I was completely amped to be making my way to Galatos in Auckland to see and photograph Head Like a Hole playing with 8 Foot Sativa.

8 Foot Sativa performed to their usual standard, rarking up the audience with their vicious and slamming style. They were such a coherent unit when they played; there was this certain interaction they had with each other that kept them tight but ruthless. Being in an 8 Foot Sativa crowds always see me bracing extra hard, those guys are mean.

Head Like A Hole took to the stage and it was just how I remembered their sets to be – frenetic, hyperactive, intense and unpredictable. There is something intangibly magical about seeing them live. The band as a whole have an utterly unique charisma and this was echoed through their entire set. I feel like I should tell you all the facts like how long they played for and what happened when, but after photographing four songs I chucked myself into the crowd and just enjoyed the gig. From that perspective though I can tell you just how good it sounded hearing songs like Cornbag, Hootenanny and Fish Across Face close up. 

The crowd (one of which was at his 14th HLAH show!) were very receptive to having a good time thrown at them in the form of raw energy, and with very little distance between the band and the crowd, it was an intimate gig.  

Head Like A Hole has kept their artistic spirit undiluted and it’s the most uncomfortably beautiful thing.