Plini delivers memorable performance in Auckland

Auckland’s Double Whammy hosted an enthusiastic crowd on a chilly Friday night, featuring UK acts Delta Sleep and Plini, both delivering memorable and dynamic performances. Review and live photos by Mark Derricutt.

August 15, 2026

It was a chilly Friday night as an overly excited crowd gathered outside the entrance to Auckland’s Double Whammy venue; from various discussions, it seemed there was a larger audience more excited for UK’s Delta Sleep, who were opening up this tour as a guest artist.

Once everyone was inside, it wasn’t long until UK math rock act Delta Sleep hit the somewhat crowded stage; this worked out well for me as I had a great view of drummer Blake Mostyn, who largely stole the show for me – a powerhouse of rhythmic tension, both driving songs forward and following in tandem as needed.

Following a short cutover, Plini graced the stage and the room just simultaneously fell silent and exploded in awe and excitement.

I commented to another attendee earlier that sometimes I don’t like live shows from artists I know are at the top of their game, often utilising a lot of novel guitar effects for tones, that often the show can be “just like the album”, but what that thought often overlooks is the band, the audience, and the occasional technical fault that drives home that live music is still very much LIVE.

All words and photographs by Mark Derricutt / Chalice of Blood Photography