Gramsci, Auckland NZ, 2020

Gramsci

16th October 2020
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Charlotte Lightbody. Photography by Matt Henry Mendonca.

Held at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, it was an absolute honour to witness Gramsci live. After a long hiatus the band returned to give us their fourth studio album, Inheritance which was released in June 2020. The smaller audience was entranced from the moment the show started, as a semi-transparent projection screen in front of the band began showing abstract visuals to compliment the performance. Gramsci has always reminded me of a mix between Pink Floyd and David Bowie – so if you are a fan of either of these greats… check our Gramsci.

Their new album features ten tracks, alternating upbeat, punchy, drum-heavy rock numbers, with more mellow prog-rock instrumentals. It is perfectly engaging but easy listening.

As vocalist/guitarist/bandleader Paul Mclany appeared on stage the first instrumental track ‘Inheritance’ started, paving the way for the entrancing experience that was to follow. In between, I found some tracks that became instant favourites, like ‘Icarus’. Paul – who despite his ghostly wails and deep echoing vocals, gave us some of his dry cheeky humour and made a couple of jokes, well received by the audience. All were uttered in his softly spoken, New Zealand/British hybrid accent.

For me, top tracks from the night included ‘Like a Scar’, ‘Icarus’, ‘Hitting my stride’ and ‘Achilles heel’ with its saxophone solo. The crowd were loving Gramsci, these tracks also seemed to be the ones that most brought the crowd to life too. While there were only three band members on stage, and synth supporting tracks aside – the sound Gramsci gave, was a lot more complex than the sum of its parts, producing a really engaging listen. The visuals on screen for Ancient History, a constructivist collage cartoon, saw cut figures comedically dancing around the screen. The visual highlight of the evening’s multisensory journey.

Once ‘Atlas’, the last Inheritance track, had come to an end, fellow bandmates Greg Haver (drums) and Jol Mulholland (rhythm guitarist) fled the stage, allowing Paul to shed his electric guitar for an acoustic. Three acoustic guitar songs from previous albums were played with an amazing raw honesty to them, noted by Paul himself, briefly pausing before each, to remind himself how they used to go. But 15 long years only deepened the emotion they convey. Then the band returned to play a few of their previous hits like the political track – ‘Complicated’. It was a reminder (not that we really needed any) of the current state of the United States. The projection featured looping video of an American flag with moving images, symbols, and US landmarks.

While no encore was given, Paul apologised and sheepishly joked: “more rehearsals would be needed before we can belt them out”. Hilarious.

The ethereal sound mixed with visuals made for a memorable trance-like experience and one I will not forget. Every track washed over you, and the entire performance was an immersive, sensory journey. Gramsci has perfected the balance between an equally mellow sound and a prog-rock journey through space.

It was so nice to be at a gig in person, experiencing a show again despite the tumultuous way 2020 has panned out. Highlighted by Paul with the sense of being “blessed” he was feeling to be living in NZ. In his own words, “the business of entertaining crowds requires crowds, so I’m glad we can have crowds again”. Personally, I cannot wait for Gramsci to bring out their next album. Something we have been promised to be listenable by 2021. That said, hopefully, the wait in between will not be as long this time!

Gramsci performing live in 2020. Image by Matt Henry Mendonca.

Were you there at the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Auckland for this brilliant rock gig? Or have you seen Gramsci perform live some other time? Have you heard their latest album Inheritance? Drop us a comment below and let us talk Gramsci!

PAID CONTENT: Gramsci & Blackout Music Management LTD 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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