Concert Review - The Black Seeds, Auckland New Zealand, 2017

The Black Seeds

22nd September 2017
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Mike Thornton.

It’s Friday night in Auckland City and the air is thick with anticipation; it is the eve of the elections and the possible chance of a change in government. But outside the historic Powerstation, it is a different form of anticipation that can be felt in the air; it’s one of fans excitedly awaiting the arrival of one of New Zealand’s most iconic bands.

Formed in 1998 in the capital city, The Black Seeds are a staple of any decent music collection; their fusion of reggae, funk and dub capturing the ears and hearts of thousands across the country with their 2001 Keep On Pushing LP. September 2017 sees the band release their sixth studio album – their first since the beautiful Dust and Dirt released just over five years ago – and to celebrate the boys are performing several dates throughout New Zealand, the second being tonight in Auckland.

Fans, filling every available space were feeling the love this evening as the drinks flowed and support acts Sunshine Soundsystem and L.A.B warmed them up with their infectious grooves. As The Black Seeds walked out onto the stage, raucous applause filled the air, the entire band beaming as the crowd cheered. All eight members in place (an impressive sight indeed) the opening notes of the classic ‘Come Down’ echoed out across the room, collective whoops of joy pouring forth from the fans; with more than a few couples towards the back of the venue taking advantage of the small pockets of space available to break out some rather impressive dance moves.

“Hello Auckland, so good to be here!” Barnaby Weir with a grin wider than the pacific ocean itself called out to the crowd; “second show of the tour for our new album Fabric, so here’s a new one for you called ‘Better Days’” It was immediately obvious that many in the crowd tonight already have a copy of the brilliant new album by The Black Seeds in their collections as people began to sing the words to one of the stand out tracks of their latest release.

“Great vibe here tonight, we love this venue and we appreciate our fans so much – love you guys” Weir again taking to the microphone straight after the second track to vocalize his and the entire bands love and gratitude towards their audience tonight who were so obviously invested in fully supporting their fellow Kiwi’s. The evening was already off to a stellar start, but as those recognisable bass beats of their track ‘Fire’, arguably one of The Black Seeds most recognisable tracks (next to ‘So True’ of course) came stomping through the speakers, the energy levels of both the band and crowd combined climbed a few more notches.

While Weir took the lion’s share of the vocal duties tonight, no one could ignore the sweet voice and on stage presence of the enigmatic Daniel Weetman as he crooned into the microphone, often juggling a tambourine and drumstick in either hand as he sung. There is something about The Black Seeds that is so honest and genuine, each and every time they address the audience, whether it’s to thank them or to speak of how proud they are of their latest album, it is as if an old friend is conversing with you; the Seeds at one point even sending out a couple of Birthday shout outs to fans Byron and Sharleen.

There are many elements to a good night out at any show, the band (of course), a well-run venue, sound desk professionals and of course stage lighting; the crew members behind the stage lighting tonight absolutely outdoing themselves with an array of stunning effects including half mirror balls that sprang into life half way through the set; a collective “Oooo” rising from the fans as the room was bathed in tiny crystal like rays of light. The Black Seeds themselves even pointing out once again that tonight was extra special due to the fact that they were playing in one of their all-time favourite venues.

As the evening wore on, the good vibes continued to flow, The Seeds seemingly continuing to ramp it up with each and every song, giving the audience more and more of their heart and soul. With many years of touring overseas festivals under their belt, The Black Seeds are more than well versed in how to provide a world class performance, but tonight was on a completely different level altogether. This was unquestionably New Zealand music at its finest.

‘Turn It Around’ provided core members Francis Harawira on bass and Jarney Murphy on drums the chance to really shine, their work on their respective instruments a sight to behold, as well placed ambient synth notes danced through the rhythmical bass lines; Weir leading the fans in a massive round of applause for Harawira and Murphy upon the songs conclusion, referring to them both as “the backbone of The Black Seeds” Finishing their lengthy set on ‘Take Your Chances’, the fans demanded an encore, the collective stamping of people’s feet reverberating through the floorboards and no doubt delighting the band themselves.

Upon arriving back on the stage, things got serious for just a moment as everyone in attendance was reminded that Saturday would be their last day to vote. “I want to see everyone scribble on a piece of paper tomorrow!” With that very important message out of the way it was back to the music, ‘So True’ bringing the house down with it’s cool reggae overtones, reminding one and all that Summer and those delicious lingering evenings are indeed just around the corner.

“Thanks for supporting us over the years!” Weetman called out as the band launched into their final track of the night, the aptly titled ‘Good People (Get Together)’; Ned Ngatae delivering a performance on lead guitar that was absolutely second to none, a cheeky smile playing across his face the entire time as the song was lifted to the heavens themselves on the back of the outstanding brass section.

The Black Seeds aren’t back – they never went away. Tonight’s performance proving that without a shadow of a doubt.

The Black Seeds:

L.A.B:

L.A.B performing live at Auckland's Powerstation, New Zealand 2017. Image by Mike Thornton.

Were you there at the Powerstation for this fantastic NZ dub/reggae gig? Or have you seen The Black Seeds perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!