Arriving at Spark arena early, there was a decent line forming both at VIP and general doors. Though I could see it wasn’t going to be a huge show, I was excited at the intimate size it was going to be. I first saw Tash Sultana play Powerstation and I feel those intimate shows are truly a treasure. So I appreciate the smaller crowd tonight. The crowd grabbed merch, made their way into the venue, grabbed a drink then found their space on the floor or in a seat. Being free flow, it is always somewhat nice to have that option.
Jack Botts kicked off the night and he was clearly excited about it. Performing alongside him was Ben Camden who is also a musician in his own right. The first thing I noticed was the comfortable set up with rugs and guitars, so comfortable that Jack was in bare feet. Why not? Having jumped the ditch with Tash, though not a long way to travel, it was still a huge moment for him to be playing Spark Arena in New Zealand. I felt like Jack was a great choice to open for Tash. He had that laid back, vocally-focused vibe that is similar to Tash in a way. His vocals were spot on and his energy infectious. You just couldn’t help smile and vibe for him, whether you knew his music or not. I am sure we will hear more from him soon.
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Spark Arena was getting pretty packed in at this stage with the floor filling up very well. Tash’s set kicked off with a little intro video to show Tash’s journey from a small child to their busking days to now. I appreciated seeing that because I think with the way social media is these days, we get hooked on wanting things to happen so quickly, but it doesn’t.
They took the stage with a set up in the middle which seemed like a studio set up in a way. Surrounded by multiple instruments and the loop machine in the middle to blend it all together. What I loved about how Tash has changed up the show a bit is how there are two platforms either side and this allows them to engage with each side. But there is a loop system connected on each platform so they can actually spend time there and not feel rushed to get back to the middle area every song.
Different visuals played out across the screens whether the colours and snake from the ‘Terra Firma’ album or colour matched visuals to the recent ‘Sugar’ EP. I Have always appreciated how Tash builds each track as I think it allows you to experience each part of a track. Though this time around, Tash actually had a band join them on stage for a couple of tracks, which seemed to be bass, keys and drums. That band were having so much fun and I actually loved that there weren’t any synchronised movements etc. It was just them playing and vibing how they want too. It felt like Tash just had their friends on stage for a jam session. I was here for it.
Tash had a setlist that would please fans who have been with them since day one and fans who have just listened to them recently. My friend was hoping to hear jungle (which he did get) whereas I was hoping ‘Notion’ was still in the setlist – it was. Vocally Tash still has the incredible raw power they have always had and hearing that passion come through always just brings you back to the appreciation for the music and artist. With Tash I feel it is just very much about the music and I enjoy that so much.
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But I will say Tash’s banter was TOP NOTCH. Touching on how they will be taking a break from touring, they informed the crowd you can’t shit on a tour bus (on high end ones you can). But this is a very well-known rule in the touring industry. So they said they were excited to just go whenever they wanted. I loved that.
The only issue I had with my experience was the crowd. Where my friends and I were sat, a group of girls decided to sit down behind us. Clearly intoxicated, they were so loud and I am honestly surprised no one said anything (I didn’t as I had bought a M&G for after and didn’t want to risk getting kicked out haha). So while Tash would build instruments, they would be screaming out lyrics or just harmonising their own thing. Though I didn’t expect that to ruin my night, it somewhat did. Even though I had gone into it expecting the crowd to be pretty chatty and drinking quite a bit, which it was. That was just another level.
But Tash was grateful for us being there. An incredible show to wrap up Tash’s touring and I was so glad I got to witness it. An incredible show. I truly think people need to experience Tash live at least once in their life.
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