Synthony
2nd April 2023
The Domain, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Doug Peters.
Like a butterfly emerging from the chrysalis, Synthony displayed its newly formed wings in all their glorious radiance yesterday, transforming Auckland Domain into a bona fide paradise of sights and sounds.
From their humble beginnings in Auckland Town Hall several years ago, Synthony took on more of a festival vibe yesterday, towering vibrant flags welcoming attendees at the entrance and leading them down into the different zones which were filled with chill out spaces, delicious food, and drink options and even a couple of amusement rides for those that wanted to get their adrenaline pumping before the main acts of the day.
But of course, it was the music that everyone was there for and what a smorgasbord of both local and Australasian talent there was on offer!
Kicking off the afternoon, local legends Dick Johnson and P-Money reminded Tāmaki Makaurau of why their names are still synonymous with lazy afternoons cocooned amongst the lush greens of the surrounding tree lines; a fantastic way to start the day.
Sir Dave Dobbyn of course received a rousing round of applause upon arrival, not only an absolute icon of the local music industry, and the writer of some incomparable kiwi anthems, Dobbyn is just an all-round lovely guy. Sing-a-longs abounded throughout the ever-growing masses, as hits such as ‘Slice of Heaven’, ‘Bliss’ and ‘Whaling’ were delivered with aplomb by Dobbyn and co, his effortless ability to hold a stage always a delight to behold. But really who would expect anything less from a gentleman who has for decades provided us music from Th’ Dudes, DD Smash and of course his own illustrious solo career.
So that no one was left twiddling their thumbs or staring blankly at their feet between sets, the engaging Clint Roberts from ZM spun well known hits from a DJ desk throughout the day, ensuring that those who were there to dance had no excuse to be standing still. The arrival of Kimbra however soon pulling everyone in closer.
Flanked by a live drummer and band member on decks, Kimbra was the personification of female power as she strode onto the catwalk in an intriguing ‘cut-out’ custom design of angled silhouettes. Instantly wowing fans with her vocal prowess, it was evident that Kimbra (who spends the majority of their time touring overseas) was going to make the most of being back home and leave Auckland with a performance they wouldn’t soon forget.
From the decidedly Grimes feel of ‘Top of the World’, to ‘The Way We Were’ off her new album The Reckoning, Kimbra showed one and all that not only can she deliver on vocals but on guitar too, her infectious enthusiasm clearly evident. Finishing with ‘Cameo Lover’, a song that really kickstarted her career back in 2011, and Kimbra was over all too soon; fingers crossed she returns to the fold of next year’s Synthony.
A few more hits spun by Roberts and the crowd were well settled in for the evening, the first muted colours of twilight painted across the sky above them.
Sachi have come a long way since their humble beginnings of throwing USB sticks at icons such as Skrillex, Bauer and Diplo. In fact, theirs is a story that most would aspire to; let’s be fair, there are very few New Zealand artists that can claim to have released a debut EP and then in seven short years be the first Aotearoa artist to play Tomorrowland Festival in Belgium.
Last night, in a set that had everyone eating out of the palm of their hand, Sachi proved just why they have come so far. Wearing their traditional white boiler suits, the duo kicked off with ‘Worst Behaviour’ following it up quickly with ‘You (à la)’; pyrotechnics and CO2 cannons eliciting excited yelps from the fans (nothing thrills concert goers more than the combination of fire and good tunes!)
Moving expertly between synths, guitar, vocals, and drums (both electronic and traditional), Sachi – often joined by the wonderful Ella Monnery on vocals – served up a show worth salivating over. ‘Shelter’, ‘Enchantè’ and a little new music kept the crowd on their toes, as did their cover of ‘Watermelon Sugar’ by Harry Styles. Proving they could also get down and dirty, black and white visuals imploded across the stage as samples of Kanye West’s ‘Stronger’ and Daft Punks epic ‘Around the World’ were cleverly folded into the beats. Embracing their kiwi roots, the duo even paid homage to Lorde, with a tasty remix of ‘Green Light’.
At this point any doubts that Synthony had become too big for its own boots were soon being dismissed, the lighting, mind blowing graphics, lasers, effects, and perfectly crystal clear and clean sound leaving many in awe. But Auckland hadn’t seen anything yet.
Synthony is all about the melding of culture, orchestras too often seen as only having the ability to provide classical music to politely seated older audiences. Proving unequivocally that they can indeed turn their collective hands to anything (just look at Metallica’s S&M album) our own APO, who are experts in this field, gave a performance last night worthy of the highest accolades.
Conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, who arrived in a chic white jacket, mouths were left gaping as a powerful Karakia was performed, the spiritual goodwill of the event instantly lifted and embraced by kiwi pride. From then on in, this was one musical event that will not soon be forgotten.
From Fatboy Slim’s ‘Right Here, Right Now’ to ‘I’m not Alone’ by Calvin Harris, the APO and assorted guest singers rained hit after hit upon the crowd over nearly two hours of pure ecstasy. Familiar faces such as Nate Dousand and Bella Kalolo – who gave a stonking version of Basement Jaxx ‘Good Luck’ – were joined by relative newcomers to the Synthony scene such as Midnight Youth’s Jeremey Redmore and The Potbelleez, Ilan Kidron.
While it cannot be emphasized enough that every single song was an unadulterated piece of mastery, there were of course those moments that were indescribable with just how good they were. Savage, without doubt, being one of the biggest highlights of the night, his swaggering delivery of both ‘Swing’ and ‘Freaks’ bringing the house down.
Tributes to fallen heroes such as Faithless (Maxi Jazz) and Avicii were embraced with reverence, dance tracks executed solely by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (Robert Miles – ‘Children’) were celebrated, sax solos by none other than Lewis McCallum, worshipped.
But just when it seemed that there was nothing that could make this night any better, the phenomenon that is Tiki Taane was introduced. Dressed in an oversized white fur coat, Taane laid down a trio of back-to-back Prodigy songs that left Tāmaki Makaurau astounded. ‘Breathe’ seamlessly transitioned into ‘Omen’, Taane shedding the coat for a simple black and red combo, before ‘Firestarter’ threatened to actually burn the venue to the ground. These are the kind of performances that create memories that will live rent free in people’s minds for years to come.
Finishing on an oddly more reserved note, Sir Dave Dobbyn once again took the stage to perform a version of ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ by The Verve, before the classic ‘Sandstorm’ by Darude closed proceedings out to riotous applause.
Sadly being a Sunday, many people did start to make their way home, but those who knew better, readied themselves for the superstars that are the one and only Shapeshifter.
With Tiki Taane on sound desk duties, Shapeshifter got straight down to business with ‘Dutchies’, the premiere live drum and bass act (who have played everything from Glastonbury to The Big Day Out) are so quintessentially kiwi, that they remind one and all of why Aotearoa is home to some of the best artists in the world.
As P Diggs, jaunted about in shorts, tee and a flat cap, one could almost believe it was still summer, despite the cold nipping at everyone’s ankles.
‘Stars’, ‘Lightspeed’ (from their latest album, Rituals) and ‘Electric Dream’ swirled around the domain; something about Diggs’s laid-back demeanour, one which was filled with sheer joy, only drawing the fans in tighter. These boys know how to lay down a show worthy of the praise they so richly deserve.
Paying his respects to the backbone of Synthony, Diggs gave a shout out to all those on sound, lights, and crew without whom, the night would not have been possible. It is always lovely to witness an artist give thanks to those behind the scenes, but last night it was appreciated more than ever, as what was gifted to Auckland was a world class event.
Seeing the night out on a high, the anthemic ‘In Colour’ was followed by Shapeshifters love song to Aotearoa; ‘Monarch’, P Diggs sending attendees out into the night with aroha in their hearts as he reminded one and all to be kind, and to lift one another up. A sentiment that is needed so much more in this day and age.
How Synthony can top 2023 remains to be witnessed, but one thing is for sure, Tāmaki Makaurau, Synthony is only just warming up – and I for one wait with bated breath for next years edition!
Synthony:
Shapeshifter:
Sachi:
Kimbra:
Dave Dobbyn:
Were you there at the Auckland Domain for this magnificent crossover dance festival? Or have you seen Synthony somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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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