Ghost Wave – Basement Theatre March 31, 2018

It is an uncertain time for small music venues in Auckland. A lack of support for the arts by Auckland Council, venues closing, and gentrification driving rent prices up have kept owners and fans alike nervous as to what the future holds for live music. This is why it is important to support venues like Basement Theatre by going to see local bands play live at every opportunity. And with that lingering in the back of my mind, I ventured down to see Auckland indie psych duo Ghost Wave play at the Basement last night.

I had been meaning to check out Ghost Wave for a while since having missed them at the Others Way in 2016. Word on the street is they are great live so I was full of intrigue at seeing how they would measure up in a live setting with their experimental brand of psychedelic house fusion.

After forming in 2010, Ghost Wave have quickly grown to become one of the leading lights in Auckland’s alternative scene. Currently, the line-up consists of Dr. Billy and Malcolm S, and their Basement show has come on the back of a new remix EP Reputation. This falls in a gap between albums for the band with their last full release coming in the form of 2016’s Radio Norfolk, although they are currently working on a new album.

The duo took to the stage in front of a small intimate crowd and then proceeded to turn the Basement Theatre into a mini rave. Relying on pre-recorded loops, the duos ability to bring their music to life without a full band was extraordinary. The music conjured up similarities to the likes of Primal Scream, the Beatles, and underground psychedelic garage house and the crowd were very much into it booging away and responding warmly to the duo’s energy.

It was my first time at the Basement Theatre for music having only previously seen comedy at this venue and I must say how impressive this small boutique venue is for music. The performance area is in the back corner of the bar and it feels like you could be watching a band in your lounge. There is no stage and the audience is right up close with the performer and on the same level as them. This intimacy lends itself to a very comfortable and warm atmosphere for the audience and also allows for fan-performer interaction as well.

My only problem with Ghost Wave’s performance from last night would be that I am not sure if their dance-heavy ravey sound was well suited to a venue of this size. No doubt acid house music goes better in a club or bigger venue and at times I felt that the music laboured for a bit too long in what was a small setting with a small audience. With this in mind, it would be interesting to see how they go in a bigger venue with a bigger crowd as the Basement Theatre has the feeling of a jazz club more than a dance hall.

Despite this, overall, the music was good and the vibe was friendly from both performer and audience reinforcing why more shows should be played at smaller venues like the Basement Theatre and why Aucklander’s should get out and support local artists whenever they can.

Sam Smith

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