King Woman
19th June 2023
Neck of the Woods, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Doug Peters.
That, was a life changing experience…
The words tumbled from the fan’s mouth as they emerged from inside one of Tāmaki Makarau’s most sought after music venues (thanks to the Ghost Soundsystem and incredible sound and lighting techs), Neck of the Woods; the act that they saw that caused them to utter these words? None other than King Woman.
Having recently completed a short tour of Australia which included a performance at the prestigious Dark Mofo festival, it was many a New Zealand fans fever dream to actually witness this band live in Aotearoa, some attendees having travelled from as far away as Christchurch to be there. And who could blame them?
To make the evening even sweeter, Earth Tongue opened proceedings with yet another killer set. The duo comprised of Gussie Larkin (Mermaidens) on guitar and vocals and Ezra Simons (Red Sky Blues) on drums and backing vocals are a force to be reckoned with.
Formed in Wellington seven years ago, Earth Tongue are a band that are a must see for anyone who wants to truly lose themselves in music that transcends the normal boundaries of what one would expect of psych rock. Dipped in fuzz, their tracks often have an off-kilter element to them, a point of interest that the duo relish, and one that they are extremely gifted at creating.
Combine that with unearthly lyricism and vocals that send shivers down the spine, and it is easy to see why Earth Tongue received such praise overseas when touring Europe and the UK.
Treating the captivated audience to a set that deliciously reverberated throughout the room (and included songs never before performed live!), the duo laid down huge dirty riffs; the combined vocals of both Larkin and Simons giving anyone walking past the impression that there were several musicians performing, such is their phenomenal stage presence. Known to relish their live performances, the two piece bring everything to the table and more.
If you haven’t already, check out their latest single ‘Miraculous Death’ which was released late last year and the accompanying music video that is an absolute must see. Earth Tongue will be performing live again much later in the year, ensure it is scheduled into your calendar.
Following a short changeover, the patrons gathered closely in anticipation of what was about to be bestowed upon them, the room momentarily plunged into darkness, before being bathed in a drapery of midnight blue, Kris Esfandiari stepping forth from the shadows, her four-piece band flanking her under soft lighting reminiscent of a harvest moon.
Rousing appreciation poured forth from those present before they fell into reverent silence as Celestial Blues filled the air. Written about a near death experience that Esfandiari experienced as a child, the title track of King Woman’s latest album builds into a crescendo of guitars and powerful percussion thanks to drummer Joey Raygoza; Esfandiari’s arms outspread as she observes those looking up at her.
Born of Iranian and Serbian parents, Kris Esfandiari is a musical genius, her art form reflected in her many musical personas from Whirr through to Miserable, Sugar High and NGHTCRWLR.
Creating King Woman as a solo project in 2009, it soon grew into a band that was fast becoming a must-see live act, Esfandiari’s intensely dramatic performances capturing the adoration of all, King Woman emotionally eviscerating themselves before their disciples.
While their EP ‘Doubt’ put them on the map, it was their debut ‘Created in the Image of Suffering’ that brought them to the attention of those that like their music dark and heavy. Their sophomore offering ‘Celestial Blues’ continuing this theme but turning it into a journey of cathartic healing (If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and immerse yourself in the album, but listen to it in the order that it is produced; as King Woman intend it to be listened to).
Moving into ‘Utopia’ – one of only two tracks to feature in the set from the album ‘Created in the Image of Suffering’, the venue was soon drowned in unapologetic lyrics, and stoner doom heavy laden riffs that see those present sway back and forth as they ecstatically let it wash over them and cleanse them of the day.
Before anyone has time to draw breath, the band move straight back into material from ‘Celestial Blues’, and the evening only ramps up in intensity; while devoid of her usual striking make-up, Esfandiari instead sporting a simple black leather jacket, she still has a potency that stops people in their tracks, her voice one that is almost otherworldly as it rises from the undergrowth and permeates those around it.
‘Golgotha’, and ‘Burn’ fill the room with a sound bigger than the universe itself, by now those down front having abandoned themselves completely to the music; Boghz soon seeing hair flying as those solid riffs once again rain down upon their heads.
But it was undoubtedly ‘Psychic Wounds’ that saw the crowd implode, Kris standing on the very edge of the stage holding her mic out to those in front of her so that they too could release that which was pent up inside of them, the collective “ah, ah, ah’s” that flowed forth bringing a smile to her face.
Declarations of “I love you” from audience members were returned, Esfandiari having earlier in the evening taken the time to speak with those patiently waiting in line for the venue to open, her public appreciation for one fan by the name of Aaron who had informed her that he had driven five hours to be able to see them, speaking volumes as to who Kris is, not only as a musician but as a person, the band themselves also graciously taking the time after the show to meet with those who wanted a moment. Unsurprising really; in order to create music this raw and visceral, one needs to understand what it is to be human, as there is no room here for pretentiousness or false deities.
‘Coil’ upped the tempo, Esfandiari closely gathering those present around her as she threw herself into the lyrics, her delivery of the chorus, guttural and all encompassing, King Woman finishing their set with the gorgeous ‘Morning Star’, a track that is so fervent in nature that it threatens to crush your very bones, while remaining melodically beautiful simultaneously.
Thanking all for coming, King Woman had one last track up their sleeve, those in the crowd who have been following them for a while, cheering as Meghan O began to play the bass line of ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, a Stone Roses cover that King Woman have very much turned into a track of their own. Once again standing on the edge of the stage, Kris held her phone aloft and stared into as she bellowed the words “I Wanna be Adored”, the cover itself a nod to Esfandiari’s desire to not adhere to genre norms.
Delivering an incredible live performance that those who were present will undoubtedly be talking about for days to come, King Woman were indeed, life changing.
King Woman:
Earth Tongue:
Were you there at Neck of the Woods for this shoegaze laced doom metal gig? Or have you seen King Woman perform somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
King Woman Setlist:
- Celestial Blues
- Utopia
- Golgotha
- Burn
- Boghz
- Psychic Wound
- Manna
- Entwined
- Coil
- Morning Star
- I Wanna Be Adored [The Stone Roses cover]
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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