The Hellbent Tour reached its midway point last night, as the eager audience packed into Ding Dong Lounge’s upstairs venue, Dead Witch. It’s not often you see such a packed crowd from the outset, but with the lineup on the cards last night, it wasn’t a surprise.

Auckland two-piece The Ideas were a perfect way to kick things off, as the blues rock band took to the stage shortly after 9pm, blending garage rock elements with groovy, heavy blues riffs. Changing things up, My Civilian keep the eager crowd dancing with their unique psychedelic rock sound. It’s not often you see a violin player as a key member of the lineup, and it works. The chemistry of the band on stage is evident, as the band’s banter combined with tight musicianship quickly wins over those of us in the crowd who are hearing them for the first time.

Headline act Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie are fast establishing themselves as one of the most enigmatic live acts to watch. As they promote their upcoming album, the sound is heavier than their previous release, and it goes down a treat with the tightly packed crowd. Bassist Keith Parker steps in on vocals from time to time, including the band’s cover of Queens of the Stone Age No-one Knows. The band are clearly having fun, trading quips as Courtnay reveals a couple of stories from the road about guitarist Riley Smith and drummer James Mora – but you’ll have to get along to a live show to find out for yourself.

The album is due out later this year, with everyone purchasing a ticket soon to receive an email with exclusive presale access. It’s one we can’t wait to get our hands on!

All photos by Ginny Cocks.

Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie

MyCivilian

The Ideas