Filter, Auckland NZ, 2024

Filter

3rd April 2024
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand

Review by Sarah Kidd with photography by Doug Peters.

For many fans last night, there may have been a rather strange feeling of déjà vu walking into Tāmaki Makaurau’s beloved Powerstation, for there on that very same stage was where Filter had made their New Zealand debut twenty-four years ago.

To begin the night however with their own brand of sophisticated yet dirty rock n roll was the fantastic Black Smoke Trigger hailing from Napier. However, don’t be fooled by the fact they come from a smaller town, these boys already have US Representation, and have supported some big names including (just recently) Halestorm. Throw in collaborations with heavyweights such as David Draiman (Disturbed) and Keith Wallen (Breaking Benjamin) and you have a recipe for a band that demands you stand up and pay attention.

Fronted by Baldrick who knows how to work a crowd and has the chops with which to do so, Black Smoke Trigger hit the ground running opening with ‘The Way I’m Wired’. Working every inch of the stage it was hard to peel your eyes from Baldrick, however when you did you were greeted by three musicians who were delivering a stadium worthy performance despite it being a Wednesday night in a small venue.

Josh Te Maro on drums threw down backing vocals, while simultaneously delivering that big hard rock sound, Dan Fulton on bass ensuring that that aforementioned sound was thickened in all the right places. But it was Charlie Wallace on guitar that often threatened to steal the show with solos that would give Slash a run for his money, his confident stance as he ran his fingers fearlessly along the fretboard having many in the audience nod their heads in deep satisfaction.

Latest track ‘Proof of Life’ gave fans a taste of the influences that are behind the sound of Black Smoke Trigger, bands such as Guns n Roses, and the legendary Alice In Chains certainly playing a part in their formulation. Yet Black Smoke Trigger have turned it into something of their own. A sound that has that nostalgic feel of hard rock from back in the day but translated into something unique that certainly has a place right here in 2024.

Barely giving the audience a chance to catch their breath, ‘Blindfolds & Rattlesnakes’ saw Baldrick quickly whip the Powerstation into a sing a long, and who doesn’t love one of those? The momentum organically continuing on its own which is a testament to Baldricks stage presence.

And a hard rock set wouldn’t be complete without a ballad, ‘Perfect Torture’ a track about loving someone who doesn’t make it easy worthy of a lighter or two held high in the air.

Bringing the set to a close, ‘Caught in the Undertow’ was a definitive stand out as it swaggered about the room, it’s heavy undulating riffs making even those at the bar perk up their ears before latest offering KMTL took the set out in style.

Black Smoke Trigger are going places, and fast – if you get the chance to catch them live. Do so.

Lights down, the crowd roared as hues of blue and red illuminated the darkness, hailing the arrival of Filter. Formed in 1993 this is a band that have seen many a line-up change, however one thing that hasn’t is the sheer ferocity with which front man Richard Patrick commands the stage.

Having recently released the brilliant album The Algorithm – their first in seven years – in 2023, Filter proved to fans and critics alike that they are not some heritage band from the nineties doing the obligatory tour circuit for shits and giggles.

Filter has something to say, and with The Algorithm they do so with tracks that have been described by some as almost ‘mathematical’, the overall sound of the album one that is refined yet satisfyingly heavy. Blending together songs that are not stuck in one particular genre, The Algorithm magnificently brings together innovation in sound and composite techniques that make for a magnificent listening experience.

But of course, Filter are also very conscious of the fact that despite Patrick’s adoration for the people of New Zealand it has been a long time between shows, so their lovingly curated set list had something to ensure that each and every fan left with a grin a mile wide.

Kicking off proceedings with ‘You Walk Away’ from 2002’s The Amalgamut, and it was evident that Patrick is still easily at the top of his game, his vocals powerful, his familiar stance behind the microphone stand bringing back cherished memories for those that had hugged the front line back in the year 2000.

Following it up with ‘The Drowning’ and then ‘For the Beaten’ from their aforementioned latest offering The Algorithm and within the first three songs, Filter not only demonstrated their evolution in sound, but their tenacity to deliver a live show that would make your toes curl with ecstasy.

Recently recruiting Tosh Peterson on drums is certainly a big part of this, at only twenty-two, the Californian drummer has already added acts such as Fall Out Boy, Lil Nas X, Young Thug and Royal and the Serpent to his ever-growing portfolio. Brandishing his sticks like weapons of destruction, Peterson was a certified beast behind the kit, embellishing each and every track with perfection.

Flanking Patrick, bassist Bobby Miller laid down lines that rounded out the heavier songs with ease, often stepping up to the edge to give attendees a better view of his finger work; to his right, Jonathan Radtke (Kill Hannah) ensured that signature and at many times blistering riffs were handled with the expertise required for the more complex Filter compositions.

‘(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do’ was an early entry into the mosh pit stakes, the track written for the Spawn soundtrack that saw Filter collaborate with the one and only Crystal Method quickly seeing the crowd bounce in unison, Patrick visibly enjoying their interaction as he pushed them to go harder, strobe lights taking the live experience to the next level.

‘Obliteration’ a formidable track from their latest album (check out the official music video) was a welcome addition to the set list, as was fan favourite ‘Jurassitol’. Patrick showing absolutely no signs of fatigue as he belted out the lyrics.

‘Take a Picture’ gave everyone a chance to rest up for a moment as they swayed to the ballad, a choir of voices filling the air as everyone sang along to the chorus, Patrick singing the line “Hey Dad, what do you think about your son now?” before sweetly reversing it at the end to sing “Hey Son, what do you think about your Dad now?“, a beautiful nod to how time both touches and changes us all.

From this point on however, it was back to the in-your-face alternative, industrial rock show as tracks such as ‘Dose’ from their debut album ‘Short Bus’ (a must have record for any discerning music lover) threw the mosh pit into overdrive, Patrick becoming larger than life as he howled into the mic, sunglasses firmly in place.

‘American Cliché’ and ‘Drug Boy’ were also exhilarating additions to the already stellar set list, Patrick making his thoughts about a certain politician by the name of Trump clear, before ‘Welcome to the Fold’ from Title of Record led into the final and undoubtedly biggest track of the night ‘Hey Man, Nice Shot’.

Inspired by the public on camera suicide of state treasurer of Pennsylvania R. Budd Dwyer who was convicted of bribery, the video that Patrick stumbled upon accidently back in 1991 was in his own words “insanely graphic and horrifying to see”. Yet it inspired a song that was and still remains defining of both Filter’s sound and career.

Hunching over the microphone, Patrick summoned from his gut vocals that sent shivers down the spine, the thunderous bass overlaid with that signature and instantly recognisable chord-powered riff churning the mosh pit into a flurry of bodies and limbs.

There was no encore, Filter not buying into the sometimes cliché game, instead they laid everything out and left their fans sated with a set that was inimitable. Just like Filter themselves.

Filter:

Black Smoke Trigger:

Were you there at Powerstation for this industrial rock gig? Or have you seen Filter perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Filter Setlist:

1. You Walk Away
2. The Drowning
3. For The Beaten
4. What Do You Say
5. Face Down
6. (Can’t You) Trip Like I Do
7. Obliteration
8. The Take
9. Jurassitol
10. Take A Picture
11. Captain Bligh
12. Thoughts And Prayers
13. Dose
14. It’s Gonna Kill Me
15. American Cliché
16. Drug Boy
17. Welcome To The Fold
18. Hey Man Nice Shot

Black Smoke Trigger Setlist:

1. The Way I’m Wired
2. You Can Have It All
3. Proof Of Life
4. Blindfolds & Rattlesnakes
5. Perfect Torture
6. The Way Down
7. Caught In The Undertow
8. KMTL

_{Note: Ambient Light was provided passes 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. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.}

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