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By now, almost everyone involved with Aotearoa’s local music scene will be familiar with 4 EPs–a currently physical-media-only compilation focusing on giving artists control over their own creative output and the ability to get their music heard beyond the boundaries of our own local scene. The two sold-out Dunedin gigs supporting the release–the 3rd of July at Pioneer Hall and then the 4th at the Crown–had these bands showcasing their new music in full force (material already familiar to regular gig-goers).
Pioneer Hall opened with a short acoustic set by Grace Gemmell, a young singer-songwriter, and then kicked off in full force with U-No Juno–right into the jangling lead single from their EP, Skyscrapers–a lighter, poppier version of the band on record than listeners may be used to but no less musically ingenious. A set ranging from alt-tuning ‘post-post-post-post-hardcore' to delicate lilting vocals, the band demonstrating their complex songwriting that is just, in general, a lot of fun. Easy to see why they are scene favourites for many.
Next up was Vagina Dry, their name a good indicator of what they are all about–unapologetic and straight-to-the-point riot grrrl, now with a new line up, with lyrics so literal as to be almost brutal to listen to and an energetic but locked-in set. A vocal delivery from guttural screaming right back into sweetly-sardonic singing on topics ranging from misogynist creeps and police violence, to the atrocities in Palestine, let you know exactly where they stand, all presented to an enthusiastic mosh.
Then the blunt-force post-punk of Sivle Talk (everyone is post-post-punk but it takes nerve to just be post-punk) combining densely clever lyrics with a captivating high octane stage presence. This is truly passionate music, presenting you with full force harsh truths about the state of the world over bold guitar parts and barely contained drumming. Not to mention there’s something immensely satisfying about a whole crowd shouting ‘WHAT THE FUCK?’ when faced with the bleak reality of today’s political climate.
Closing the show was the blistering waves of teenage noise rock from Sogg–songs about ‘five billion fucking ferrets!’ delivered in scathing monotone–some of the most inventive guitar playing you'll ever see combined with brutal bass and drumming that can only be described as explosive–by far the heaviest set of the line up and also the most musically unique. Darkly expressive and expansive, atmospheric and in-your-face by turn, Sogg is one of those bands that you experience rather than watch.
The next night at the Crown the bands played in reverse order–no one is opening for anyone–with soft, brief interludes forming a beautiful palate[1.1][2.1] cleanser from Keira Wallace and Neive Strang, together and separately. A show just as skillful and exciting–ending the night with the crowd ecstatically moshing to U-No Juno, a testament to how much love the community has for this music. A scene that feels like a friend group, all making music on the new edge of Aotearoa’s creative fringe, given the backing and recognition to put out something that will make a lasting impact on the way music from this city is seen–4EPs is far from just being purely a self-referential 'new Dunedin Double', the two gigs and the compilation itself showing some of the genuine best of alternative music being made today.
Credit: Ethan Montañer
Credit: Ethan Montañer
Credit: Ethan Montañer
Credit: Ethan Montañer
