Fat Freddy’s Drop: Wairunga
Directed by Fat Freddy’s Drop + TRANSMIT
Review by Kate Taylor.
Fred heads, better get Freddy – the boys are back! The iconic and quintessential cornerstone of modern New Zealand music, Fat Freddy’s Drop, as joined by family, friends and fans; proudly debuted their new performance film Wairunga last night in Auckland at the World Premiere for this little gem of a concert movie with a difference. A companion album and concert film, Wairunga celebrates the band’s connection to the land of the release’s namesake; a spot that is deeply crucial to the fabric of Fat Freddy’s Drop as a place of inspiration, celebration, and regeneration.
Presenting a slab of all new songs that Fat Freddy’s Drop have crafted in a two-week vacuum, Wairunga displays: Coffee Black, Shady, Bush Telegraph (with Mark Williams), Leave Your Window Open and Dig Deep; alongside two refreshed reworks of beloved Freddy’s favourites, Bones and Wairunga Blues. Never ones to be pigeonholed into a genre, the new tracks have an expansive, globe hopping feel to them that gives pleasing escapism to lands we’re no longer permitted to explore, in our current pandemic malaise. With tastes of psychedelic blues, afro-acid funk, swirling reggae trances and free-form propulsive jamming; that fans will relish in these new soundscapes to ease their worried minds.
Wairunga as a cinematic work is also, truly reviving and cleansing. Gorgeous, crisp HD images of Waimarama Beach at sunrise with its undulating waves sets the tone; as the establishing shots pull back over the rolling pastural hills of the estate, that is so beloved to this group of ragtag troubadours. Cleverly, this initial view and the intro strains of Fat Freddy’s Drop pull us into the film, like sirens pulling the weary to shore. Making for an important piece of work that can be enjoyed by Fat Freddy’s Drop fans and Kiwi ex-pats around the world, that crave the ability to visit home or to see Fat Freddy’s in the flesh. A conscious effort and offering from a band that are so known for their touring and live performance connection with their crowds, this serves as the perfect way to pivot on what they do and provide new music and experiences to those that need it.
This was certainly evidenced by the response from the audience at the world premiere screening where attendees clapped, whooped, sang along, cheered, and danced in the aisles in cathartic musical appreciation. Beautifully lit and superbly edited, there’s a very organic feeling to this film as your eyes drift around the band and the elements of their performance space; as if you’re there yourself choosing what you settle your eyes on, rather than an abrasive, forced perspective by choppy, stylised cuts. As the performance intensifies, as does the rain pelting down on the boys, which captured in this ultra-high-definition beauty, turns the rain into diamond like missives that fall around the band as they surge on, imbued with magical bush energy. As the illuminated mist causes halo like effects around our performers; the relaxing, wistful, and natural flow of the film allows pauses for applause as Fat Freddy’s Drop discuss the next track or rate their performance on a recently played piece of new material, which truly gives the viewer the feeling of ‘being there’.
This extremely accomplished album and film offering from Fat Freddy’s Drop will become solid favourites for fans for years to come. Wairunga the album will be available for digital release from Friday, 20th August on the FFD website, Spotify, Apple, Bandcamp, YouTube and with a vinyl release to follow. Wairunga the concert film will be available to experience on a free stream on Saturday, 31st July at 9:00pm NZST, with a repeat on Sunday, 1st August at 8:00am NZST via Premiere Broadcast – Fat Freddy’s Drop YouTube and Facebook.
Delightfully, Fat Freddy’s will be taking these new songs on the road in NZ from September 10th through 25th visiting: Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton to bring the vibes to the nation.
Note: Fat Freddy’s Drop provided passes to Ambient Light to review this movie. 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 penalty to you.
If you enjoyed this content, please consider donating towards the running of Ambient Light, covering expenses and allowing us to expand the coverage you love by visiting our PressPatron page.