The Carnivorous Plant Society
19th May 2022
Waimarama Memorial Hall, Matapiro, New Zealand.
Review by Rob Harbers, photography by Andrew Caldwell.
Such is the depth of talent that graces the halls of Hawkes Bay through the workings of the Small Hall Sessions, that their unofficial theme song could be “We Don’t Know How Lucky We Are”! Tonight that was borne out all over again, as the Carnivorous Plant Society transported an audience (which made up in enthusiasm whatever it may have lacked in numbers) to their very own Misty Magic Land. A land whose soundscape channels mariachi, jazz, funk, psychedelia, Ennio Morricone, Hank Marvin, and a slew of other elements into a sonic melting pot, before being served up fresh and piping hot to those with ears to hear!
The society is akin to a travelling circus in it’s composition, with a fluid line-up of some of Aotearoa’s best musicians, albeit that their names may not be hugely well-known to more than the cognoscenti, given the supporting roles they often play. The ringmaster is Finn Scholes, who writes the songs, plays an array of instruments (trumpet, vibraphone, keyboards, tuba, gong, chimes, ocarina-sometimes more than one instrument at a time!), sings the occasional vocals, and creates the visuals which are continually projected on to the backing screen, adding an extra element to this extraordinary palette. Tam Scholes provides guitar, with the rock-solid underpinning courtesy of drummer Alistair Deverick and bassist Cass Basil. If you’re impressed by pedigree, do some quick searches on these names and who they’ve worked with!
From the outset, a strong and funky groove was laid down, with keyboard and guitar interplay reminiscent of 70s Santana, particularly the collaborations with John McLaughlin, while also throwing in some mariachi-esque trumpet. The journey of the next two hours covered a staggering array of territory, from interdimensional travel, verrucous reincarnation, psychopathic guitar players, maternal pride, consumerism,mythical monsters, Robert Zimmerman, through to the end of the world! (If the soundtrack to the end of the world is anything like this, you might well feel fine indeed).
Overall, the sound inspires many deja vu moments – Finn tries to create “songs that sound like they’ve already been written”, and this helps to bathe the audience in a warm familiarity, while simultaneously expanding horizons, opening up new sonic vistas and inviting us in.
I can feel my words beginning to fail me, given the sheer scale of what they’re trying to describe, so let me bullet point this for you:
- Incredibly talented musicians, of world-class ability
- A sound that won’t scare the horses (or your preconceptions)
- Visual elements adding a whole extra level of psychedelic enhancement
- A chance to experience all of this in intimate settings, in some venues that barely see much other live music, and I venture very little that could approach the calibre of this!
- The sheer magic that is a Small Hall Session
Combine all the above, do the sums, follow your heart and get to one of the 3 remaining shows – you will appreciate it!
Were you there at the Waimarama Memoria Hall for this intimate gig? Or have you seen The Carnivorous Plant Society perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Set List:
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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