Shakey Graves
24th April 2019
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Adam Jones. Photography by Chris Zwaagdyk.
Marking his first return to the City of Sails since performing at Auckland City Limits in March 2016, the indie Americana hero Alejandro Rose-Garcia better known by his moniker Shakey Graves slid into Auckland Powerstation to perform on an autumnal Wednesday evening. The past year has been a whirlwind for the artist, famed for his one-man-band approach to country music as he has showcased his newest album Can’t Wake Up to sold out crowds across the globe and last night it was finally our chance to witness some of that magic.
With Can’t Wake Up, Shakey Graves has expanded beyond his previous status as that one-man singing, song writing marvel into an artist who cannot be contained by genre or expectations. The stripped back, raw tones of ‘Roll the Bones’ and ‘And the War Came’ have been bolstered by a more developed sound, signalling an artistic metamorphosis for the Austin native. The album goes on a journey which is at times psychedelic and grungy whilst still wearing that Americana / folk overcoat and its even more prevalent now he’s joined on the road by his three piece backing band, comprising of Chris Boosahda on drums, Patrick O’Connor on guitar and Jon Shaw completing the mix on bass.
With the stage all set it looked like a musical toybox, guitars strewn about and an eye-catching red suitcase fashioned into a bass drum and tambourine combination quickly drawing everyone’s gaze. As the lights dimmed, Graves came out alone to a wall of applause from those eager to see him and as the cheers gave way to introductions, he picked up his white Fender Jazzmaster and opened with ‘Word of Mouth’, inspired by all the bad advice given and received in every day life. Contrary to the song’s topic, those advised to come tonight were in for a huge treat.
The first four songs are a throwback to the Shakey Graves that first grabbed our attention and hearts a decade ago, a sole man standing on a stage armed with just his guitar and providing percussive backing with his distinctive suitcase and tambourine. The rarely performed ‘Stereotypes of a Blue Collar Male’ was a real treat to hear live and was the perfect display of his raw acoustic talents as was ‘Cops & Robbers’, an upbeat fast paced track off the latest album which was also given the acoustic treatment; the slower tempo benefited the song greatly, the chorus “Crime, it’s a young mans game” delivered with passion and meaning. ‘Roll the Bones’ came next, evidently one of his most popular songs judging by the sheer volume of those singing along. It was played surprisingly early in the set, but it perfectly mirrored the transition that Rose-Garcia has had throughout his career, starting out as an acoustic solo artist and blooming in to the genre – defying, band driven musical phenomenon he is now.
The night shifted a gear when the artist was joined on stage by his backing band through the wall of reverb from ‘The Perfect Parts’, Graves looking like a man possessed as the rhythm quickened, the heavy sound tricking you into thinking you were at the wrong show; the new live sound projecting all the varied influences that have gone in to Can’t Wake Up. This was closely followed up by fan favourite ‘Pansy Waltz’ and the beautiful ‘Mansion Door’ from the new album, its intricately haunting guitar beginnings interrupted by thudding drum hits before his trademark raspy voice surrounded you like a thick duvet. At its crescendo, it hit you like a freight train, the guitars ramped up to a sonic assault. The definitive highlight of the night for me as was their unique cover of Nirvanas ‘Something in the Way’, melodic yet aggressive, grungy and full of angst as was originally captured by Kurt Cobain on Nevermind.
One thing that was rather noticeable tonight was the fact that this was one of those rare performances where the stage production was kept basic, all that mattered was the audience, the band and the music filling the venue. The magic continued with ‘Counting Sheep’ and ‘Family & Genus’ before an interesting rendition of ‘Dearly Departed’ signalled that the end was drawing near. Esmé Patterson wasn’t here to perform her sections, so the audience provided a beautiful substitute as the spotlights went up, everybody emphatically singing along.
The night concluded the way it began, the band departing leaving only Shakey Graves to give his thanks to those who came. It is a mark of the man’s sheer presence that somehow, the dismissal of three other band members did little to curb the energy in the room; the evening perfectly capped off with a raucous, high energy recital of ‘Late July’.
Last night was proof that Shakey Graves is a spearhead of the Americana genre, someone who can command thousands with only the bare essentials while pushing the boundaries with a dissonant display of rock prowess. Long may he continue to explore different avenues for his sound, as I for one cannot wait to see what he produces.
Were you there at the Powerstation to witness this amazing alternative blues gig? Or have you seen Shakey Graves perform live some other time? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Setlist:
- Word of Mouth
- Stereotypes Of A Blue Collar Male
- Cops and Robbers
- Roll the Bones
- The Perfect Parts
- Pansy Waltz
- Mansion Door
- Big Bad Wolf
- Something in the Way [Nirvana cover]
- Counting Sheep
- Dining Alone
- Family and Genus
- Dearly Departed
- Late July
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