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REVIEW BY HELENA BARNETT / PHOTOS BY GABRIEL HAILTREE
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Friday the 28th of April was a transcendent night as Broods shared their latest album, Space Island with Tāmaki Makaurau at The Powerstation. They were supported by local artist, Rita Mae for the last few shows of their tour. The opener couldn’t have been a better fit as both artists share the stage with whanau and share similar themes in their latest releases.
Blue neon lights lit the stage for Rita Mae and her backing vocalist/sister, Bridie Laing. The duo were joined by a guitarist, bassist and drummer. Rita Mae opened with ‘Superfeeling’, from their upcoming EP. The bittersweet love song had an upbeat melody with contrasting lyrics that spoke of escapism. It was great to see the crowd full of smiles and swaying to the melodies. Songs ‘Someday’ and ‘Real Love’ slowed the set down with raspy vocals, melodic guitar and soft backing vocals. The set picked up midway through ‘Real Love’ as the lyrics navigated the ups and downs of love. Rita introduced the next song, ‘Sunny Afternoon’ as their “Summer depression song”. This song was originally recorded and performed with musician, skinnyandsoft but was played solo in this show. The crowd quietened down as Rita explained how the next track was the very first song she released, it was titled ‘The Secrets Out’. The sisters pulled at the heartstrings of the crowd with ‘The Secrets Out’ so it was great to have an indie pop hit, ‘Night Drive’, lift the mood next. A crowd favourite, ‘Candy’s House’ followed and kept the energy high. Rita Mae’s authenticity and energy was so hypnotic and made this set one to remember. If you enjoy Julia Jacklin, Haley Blais, or Phoebe Bridges, definitely give Rita Mae a listen or you can catch them live on Friday the 5th of May at Whammy Bar for the Superfeeling EP release show.
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After a short break, the lights dimmed as Nelson duo, Broods, welcomed Tāmaki Makaurau back for an exploration of Space Island. The crowd cheered over the atmospheric sounds of ‘Goodbye World, Hello Space Island’. Singer, Georgia Nott, was joined on stage by multi instrumentalists Caleb (Brother) and Jono Nott (Cousin) who navigated the crowd as the drums kicked in for ‘Piece Of My Mind’. This synth soundscape was the first stop on the journey and was complemented by sci-fi inspired sounds and lighting. The heavy baseline of ‘Heartbreak’ led the crowd to the second stop. The bass hit like a heavy heart beat and was paired with lyrics of heartache and grief. Georgia took a break in between songs to say “It’s so nice to be here at The Powerstation, we love this place! It’s such a privilege to be up on this stage. It’s been a long time waiting to bring this show to you guys, here’s Distance and Drugs”. Their latest release, ‘Fuck My Money’ was played next and was followed by a few older songs including, ‘L.A.F’, ‘Free’ and ‘Bridges’. ‘Bridges’ is a setlist staple for Broods but it was great to hear an updated rendition.
We were transported back to the dreamy sounds of Space Island with ‘Like A Woman’ which ended with a wholesome hug from Georgia to her friend who was in the crowd. Georgia chatted with the crowd about touring, making music for more than a decade and sharing her love for Rita Mae. “I don’t think I’ve been obsessed with someone for so long, give it up for Rita Mae!” Slower songs ‘Alien’ and ‘Gaslight’ played back to back before a cover of Robyn’s ‘Every Heartbeat’ echoed throughout the venue. The tranquil synth pop tune, ‘I keep’ (featuring Tove Lo) played next and had Georgia pirouetting around the stage in her cowboy boots. Sadly, Tove Lo was not a surprise guest but we did get a Jono appreciation speech as Georgia expressed how Jono was their tour manager, supported Rita Mae and Broods as their drummer, and printed setlists for the show. “Give it up for Jono! Jono’s like a Swiss Army Knife!” The night wrapped up with ‘Sucker’ and ‘Hospitalized’ before Georgia shared her gratitude with the crowd and walked off stage. “Thank you for having us! It’s been a crazy few years and it’s really nice to be back together. I feel like this is what we’re supposed to give the world”. The encore was a powerhouse performance of ‘Peach’ before ending the night with a shorter version of ‘Goodbye World, Hello Space Island’.
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The creative decisions with sound, lighting, pacing and performance made this show very immersive and inspiring. I especially appreciated the overlap of lyrical content and emotion throughout Broods and Rita Mae’s work. The honesty in both acts was so fresh to hear. Be sure to give Broods a follow on their social media so you can keep up to date on their new releases and any upcoming tour dates.