City Of Souls
21st November 2020
The Tuning Fork, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review and photography by Mark Derricutt.
“Love will tear us apart – but the City of Souls cries out in healing.”
Let’s face it, the year has been a write off for many more reasons than I wish to dwell upon, but there’s one thing for certain – 2020 has been a hell of a year for music releases.
As a card-carrying progressive rock/metal guy I’ve often lamented the genres apparent lacking in New Zealand music scene – but the past few years have seen a marked increase in bands appreciating, and performing the more melodic and technical genres.
Both Outside In and City of Souls released albums this year, showcasing some of most creative and sonically beautiful songs I’ve heard in a long while – it’s no wonder that City of Souls took out Best Rock Artist at the recent Aotearoa Music Awards.
Outside In started the night off, squashed onto a cramped stage yet delivering a sonically and mind bendingly expansive set – it wasn’t the full Karmatrain experience but speaking to front man Michael Brown, a full trip to the garden is being planned with details to come.
Winners of the 2017 Smokefree Rockquest Cherry Blind were up next, whose solid punky/grungy rock riffs and killer drumming added an interesting vibe hit to the evenings line up. I’m not entirely sure the genre shift really matched but the performance was excellent, and the crowd was into it – definitely a band to watch.
After a few last minute sound checks due to techadjustmentwinnings City Of Souls hit the stage…
*takes a deep breath*
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen the band perform, having unfortunately missed their recent shows with Blindspot. So catching them in a headlining spot, for the album launch show was extra special special.
Every so often there’s a band whose songs that just connect with you on a deeper level – songs that allow you to lose yourself inside, letting cares and worries just fade away, locking you in a moment where everything is, or will be… ok.
I had this feeling last night – drifting, or more transcending to a higher place, eyes closed, hands raised, welcoming in an uplifting spirit of song reminiscent of Sunday worship.
This was my church.
This was the City of Souls.
These were my people.
This is how my 2020 ends – love, music, friends.
Family.
…and then I took photos.
Were you there at the Tuning Fork for this epic prog-metal gig? Or have you seen City Of Souls perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Note: [AD] City Of Souls provided passes to Ambient Light to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only.
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