The Miltones, Auckland New Zealand, 2017

The Miltones

22nd July 2017
The Tuning Fork, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Bridget Herlihy. Photography by Doug Peters.

In a relatively short space of time The Miltones have become the hottest ticket in town. Having only released their debut self-titled album a matter of weeks ago, The Miltones embarked on a ten-date nationwide tour to mark the occasion, which concluded at Auckland’s The Tuning Fork on Saturday night. The gig was moved to the larger venue due to the overwhelming demand for tickets, which is unsurprising, given that The Miltones have earned a reputation far and wide for delivering stunning live performances, and the near capacity crowd that gathered at the Tuning Fork was a testament to the popularity of the band, which only continues to grow and grow.

After a formidable acoustic opening set from Auckland based singer-songwriter Miller Yule, it took little encouragement for the crowd to move forward to fill the remainder of free room at the front of the stage in anticipation of The Miltones set. And the crowd patiently waited. And as the temperature in the room started to rise and rise, their patience was rewarded as The Miltones emerged from the shadows and appeared on stage. Auckland was treated to the full five piece band, led by the divine Milly Tabak on vocals, lead guitarist Liam Pratt, Chris Marshall on bass, Guy Harrison on keys, and Tom Broome on drums. And as Pratt set the tone with a brief 70s blues infused solo, front woman Milly Tabak arrived on stage to a heroes welcome.

Opening with Firing Way from their debut album, the band’s enthusiasm and passion was evident from the get-go, and was on full display throughout their energetic performance. Tabak is a talent to behold; a young woman with an old blues soul, with vocals that are periodically reminiscent of a young and energetic Janis Joplin with a subtle Stevie Nicks influence, and is a joy to watch. Throughout the second song of the night, Glory, keyboardist Harrison was head banging like there was no tomorrow the best of them, while laying some fine piano solos. One of the quieter moments, and highlights of the evening was a heartfelt performance of the stunning track Carlos, written by Tabak for her late father, which was simply exquisite, showcasing the beauty of Tabak’s vocals and song writing talents. A rousing performance Pursed Lips, the first single from the album, was meet with ecstatic cheers of delight. Older track Agenda saw the Harrison play like a man possessed, belting out a trumpet solo that sounded like he had just stepped out of Cuba; an eclectic mix of 70s Americana and blues with a South American twist that was frankly jaw-dropping. A blues driven cover of Who Do You Love was another highlight, with lead guitarist and keyboardist delivering respective solos that Robbie Krueger and the late Ray Manczarek would be proud of.

This is a band that clearly thrives on playing live, and they do it damn well. Their enthusiasm and joy is infectious, sweeping over the crowd as smoothly as their sweet, soulful sounds. This was hands down the most enthusiastic crowd I have seen to date at The Tuning Fork. There is a saying that the West is best, and The Miltones have proved this to be true, with their own distinctive blend of nostalgic blues rock, with a hint of psychedelia. They have without a doubt earned the crown as one of West Auckland’s, and indeed New Zealand’s, finest acts, and their performances are second to none. If there is one band that should feature on your ‘must see’ list, it is The Miltones – they are certainly destined for great things!

The Miltones perform live at The Tuning Fork, Auckland New Zealand, 2017. Image by Doug Peters.

Were you there at The Tuning Fork for this magnificent country-tinged blues rock gig? Or have you seen The Miltones perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!