RATSO
9th June 2023
Big Fan, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Doug Peters.
Friday nights are made for rock n roll and frankly what better band for that could there be in Tāmaki Makaurau than RATSO.
But before a retelling of any of the wonderful shenanigans of last night, a shout out first to the wonderful little venue that is Big Fan. How refreshing it is to not only have another great venue in Auckland who are open to hosting all manner of genres of music, but one that is well designed, has amazingly helpful and friendly staff and who most importantly welcome hosting all ages shows. Nothing warms the cockles of a long-term music fan than seeing those not quite old enough yet to hit the bar scene absolutely abandoning themselves to the music that us veterans grew up on.
Add to that that Big Fan is located in a nice little central spot, close to all forms of public transport (because drink driving is lame), has not one but three recording studios on site and has already hosted some notable internationals and this has got to be up there in venues you must catch a show at (check out their website – they have some pretty nice ones coming up – hint hint – Xile and Vana just to name a couple).
On to the line-up, first out of the gate was Neon Serpent, who have already played support to some very impressive internationals, such as The Schizophonics and Guitar Wolf. Arriving on stage and the four piece immediately gave off Steel Panther vibes, which was a drawcard in itself.
But then they began to play.
As listed on their Insta, everyone is a lead, lead drums, lead guitar, lead bass, you get the picture, and by god they aren’t kidding. Not only do they have some pretty kick ass originals up their sleeves – such as the recently released single ‘Witch’s Prey’ and the oh so tongue in cheek ‘Spicy Mayonnaise’, but these guys turned ABBA’s ‘Vu Le Vous’ into a stonking track that had heads nodding and feet tapping throughout the venue.
All highly component musicians, they had stage presence by the bucketload, from the cool calm sunglass toting demeanour of drummer Danni Phux, through to the spine-tingling vocals of Blair Mӧrningwood, and the sultry bass lines of Davo.
But when they launched into their cover of Van Halen’s ‘Hot for Teacher’ it was the fret work of Chad Dousháy that really had the hairs standing up on the back of the neck, he absolutely nailed that opening solo like a pro. This is definitely a band that you need to check out live and as soon as possible.
From the new to the more established, The Situations were up next, performing as a three piece it was great to see these legends of the Aotearoa music scene up on stage and delivering tracks (that at one point they politely gave a trigger warning for as they love to address confronting topics in their lyrics) to such a welcoming audience.
Bassist and lead vocalist Samuel Kett was in fine form, in some parts reminiscent of a young Mark Hoppus but without the twang, while Stu Kett on drums would also jump in on vocals with the occasional additional banter. Said banter included thanking the attendees for choosing to spend their evening with them rather than at the rugby game down the road…
Playing a range of tracks the south Auckland trio even threw in a tune written ‘yesterday in their garage’, a statement so quintessentially kiwi it brought a grin to the faces of many.
While ‘Family Ties’ (released in 2021) was a definitive highlight amongst their originals, it was their cover of Dead Moon’s ‘Down to the Dogs’ off the 1999 album Destination X that was like a bolt of electricity through the room, those who knew the track well, throwing themselves into it, those who didn’t obviously enjoying it nonetheless (it’s Dead Moon – how could you not!)
By now Big Fan was comfortably packed, as excited fans awaited the arrival of the one and the only RATSO; the show itself a celebration of the release of their debut album ‘Live in Otautahi’.
Following in the footsteps of such bands as MC5 and The Yardbirds whose debuts were also live albums; the album was recorded live in October last year at the sold-out Christchurch Town Hall show where RATSO supported the glorious enigma that is Jack White.
RATSO are a band that feature musical alumni, including Jake Harding of the UK band the Milk Monitors and of course The D4, and John Baker who by now needs no introduction to anyone with any kind of familiarity of the NZ Music scene. Bringing serious glam to the stage, RATSO hit the ground running with opening track ‘Live for Nothing’. Baker immediately capturing the eye with his stunning Alice Cooper style make-up and manic tambourine shaking.
RATSO brought everything they had to the night and more, glam, serious rock n roll, and a good dollop of punk to boot. At times it is hard to choose where to look as each member brings their own infectious energy to the set; from the octopus arms of drummer Alex through to the high-flying jumps of bassist Bruno in a spandex suit and cape combo that could rival most 80’s legends.
Tomi on guitar delivers not only killer shreds but a sense of enviable style, the band tearing through tracks such as ‘Shut Your Face’ and ‘Arseholes and Bullshit’. By now the whole room is shaking, smiles miles wide plastered across the faces of many, even some of the attendees’ youngest members losing themselves in the moment. This is what music is all about!
RATSO’s set flew by in a blur, and in all honestly, they could have easily played for another hour and not a complaint would have been had. But all good things have to come to an end, however RATSO always bring an ending to be remembered.
Hand made signs handed out to the audience (always a favourite with the fans) and the entire band and instruments on the floor in the middle of the crowd and the finale was delivered in one magnificent cacophony of noise, love, and community.
And isn’t that what it has always been about?
RATSO:
The Situations:
Neon Serpent:
Were you there at Big Fan for this high energy rock n roll gig? Or have you seen RATSO perform somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Setlist:
Note: The reviewer purchased their own ticket at full price, but Ambient Light was provided a pass to 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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