Ddub w/ Thomas Oliver Band, Bar Bodega – Gig Review

Stamped: October 4th, 2008 | Toggle Similar
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dDub Last night Bar Bodega in Wellington was host to the third to last leg of Ddub’s Early Early Summer Tour, which kicked of in Tauranga last month. The Thomas Oliver Band opened proceedings, and were an ideal start to the night. They got the crowd going early with their unique brand of guitar driven blues rock, with both guitarists displaying their talent right from the get go. The first few tracks were littered with impressive guitar solos from lead singer Thomas Oliver and supporting guitarist Andrew Moore, and from there the band continued to dazzle the crowd with an extensive range of musical styles, ranging from songs driven by Ben Harper-esque slide guitar, to softer folk rock songs added to by the addition of a baritone sax and double bass. Musically, the band was very tight, which was both good and bad, as sometimes they seemed to lack the energy that makes live gigs worth paying for, but overall, they were an excellent opening act.

Then came the band that everyone in the crowd was really there to see, Ddub. They started out nice and slow with that distinctive dub/ roots sound that has become so popular in New Zealand and Wellington in particular. But the crowd knew that they were just warming up, and the gig really got started a few tracks in with Good Life. That distinctive ska sound they have become so popular for seemed to lift the energy of both the band and the crowd to a level The Thomas Oliver Band, and for that matter most other bands, couldnt quite acheive. They continued to treat fans with all the tracks off their latest album, Medicine Man, and it was well extremely received, with everyone dancing long into the night. They saved one of their earliest singles, Give Up Your Love, for the oncore, which evolved into a ten minute jam session, each band member displaying the musicianship that has made the band a success. The star of the night was sax player Andrew Hall, who switched from sax to trumpet to flute to vocals with impressive ease. He, along with all the other band members, made the event a very memorable one for all who attended. Ddub are fast making a name for themselves as a band who play some of the best live gigs New Zealand music has to offer, and last night was testament to that.
Check out dDub on NZ Beats Show #7
Reviewed by Luke
You can purchase dDubs albums at Amplifer or check out their myspace page for furture tour dates!

2 Responses

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  • Anonymous says so:
    April 13th, 2010 | Quote

    Good review Luke. I look forward to reading more in the future!

    I heard u guys today (14-4-10)on the rock, cool stuff, so I googled you. When does the new album come out?

  • Greg says so:
    October 5th, 2008 | Quote

    Good review Luke. I look forward to reading more in the future!

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