There’s nothing like an actual real life show to celebrate coming out of another lockdown. The much awaited Mermgrown, hosted by Mermaidens, finally graced the stages of Karangahape Rd after the band toured their way up from the festival in Pōneke. There was a long list of acts crammed into Whammy, with a great variation in sound and mood. The main room was home to the hosts, as well as Kane Strang and Wax Chattels, making it a good spot for a dance as well as a headbang. The Backroom was also perfect for a bit of a boogie throughout the night, as there were some 80/90s motifs playing pretty much all night with the likes of Leaping Tiger and Party Dad. Samara Alofa opened the night in the Backroom with their debut album Earth Punk, a pretty transcendent, earthy, electronic experience that launched into the line up beautifully. Moving next door, into the Wine Cellar, we found the likes of Charlie OPI, K M T P and Phoebe Rings, who all took advantage of the intimate setting. The tones in Wine Cellar remained pretty dreamy and light all night, making it a perfect place for sway and a smile. Nothing quite beats being back in a bar, with live music ringing in your ears, and Mermgrown toured through so many sounds that lockdown had left me craving.
“Left me absolutely buzzing and excited for more.”