The Yot Club has some pretty heavy hitters playing this weekend with Dubarray kicking off the weekend early on Thursday night, followed by Kiwi rock band The D4 playing on Friday, Dubsonic, Tux and guests on Saturday and then something a little different on Sunday with Splore headliners Omar v Mark de Clive Lowe.
The D4 are one of New Zealand’s top rock bands that toured during the 2000s, releasing two albums and relentlessly touring the globe while establishing a reputation as one of the most exciting bands to see live. The D4 have reformed to headline Auckland City Limits and have put together a warm up tour that kicks off with its first gig in Raglan. Lead singer Jimmy Christmas warns this isn’t a nostalgia exercise rather full unhinged rock ‘n’ roll from the best in the business. Tickets available from undertheradar, there will also be door sales, the D4 will be on after 11:30pm with free pickup (text 0211034156) and will be supported by local band the Illicit Wah Wahz and Auckland band the Echo Ohs.
For Sunday Sessions we have secured Splore headliners Omar and Mark de Clive Lowe for an exclusive appearance. Omar is an English legend credited as the forefather of the neo soul movement and cited as a major influence by such artists as Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu and The Roots. Mark de Clive Lowe is one of NZs foremost musical exports, a virtuoso keyboardist now LA based with a history of working with artists such as Goldie, Sheila E Bugz in the Attic and many more. Their show is completely live with Omar’s instantly recognizable vocals while MdCL builds and layers dance beats live on the fly juggling drum machine, keys and samples. It’s a mind boggling sight to see and bliss to hear. Once again tickets for this are on sale at undertheradar for a crazy $15. They will be on at 8pm outside weather permitting. The night will start with Cian at 5pm, while Auckland hip hop DJ Hudge will play inside from 10 till one. The price will reduce to 10$ after 10pm.
Continuing the international flavour Oz act Dubarray will perform on Thursday. Having shared the stage with such acts as Tiki, Dub FX and the Black Seeds they are an act worth catching. Support on the night from Dubsonic and Lost Tribe Aotearoa.
Speaking of Dubsonic, this multi-talented producer/DJ will be running the show on Saturday. Expect vocals from Tux and others. These guys have been a highlight of the last two Sounsplash festivals with Dubsonic recently touring with Dub FX.
Another huge gig we have coming up is on Friday, February 23, the King Brothers and Vottones (both Japan) and the DHDFDs. These guys have bought us three legendary gigs in the past with The King Brothers (twice) and the Vottones absolutely bringing the heat.
Other upcoming gigs include Dutch/Kiwi trio My Baby on Thursday, February 22; The Lost Tribe of Aotearoa on February 24; local funk band Mighty Mighty on March 3; Sunshine Sound System on March 10; Mad Tones and Die Rude from Oz on March 17; German techno star Ian Pooley returns March 18; Easter Saturday has Sola Rosa while April 7 brings Oz sensations Hockey Dad. Expect bass heavy stars Truth and The Upbeats late April as well.
Andy Meek
