Live at Whammy
30 November 2024
Live Music Review by Music Journalist: Paul Marshall
Mystery Waitress at The Others Way Music Festival
Having attended more live shows than Gordon Ramsay has recipes, I’ve seen it all—from the painstakingly meticulous to the gloriously chaotic. As a songwriter and musician with an ear for just about every genre under the sun, it was no surprise that tonight’s lineup at The Other Way festival served up something for everyone. In fact, it was nothing short of a sonic smorgasbord, a carefully curated feast of aural sculpting that tantalised every sense.
Mystery Waitress
Wellington's Mystery Waitress, signed to the iconic Flying Nun label, took to the stage with an undeniable sense of ease and swagger that immediately captured the audience. The mostly female quartet, consisting of songwriter and vocalist Tessa Dillon, lead guitarist James Morgan, bassist Xanthe Rook, and drummer Olivia Campion, blended alternative indie pop with subtle jazz influences to craft a sound as fluid as it is captivating.
Opening with "In A Shell," the band swiftly transitioned into "Console," their second most popular track, showcasing their musical chemistry. Their sound is like the ebb and flow of the sea—gentle yet powerful, with rhythmic nuances and textured layers that draw you in. There’s an undeniable swing to their music, which adds a richness that sets them apart from the typical indie fare.
Campion, drumming in Doc Martens, commands the kit with the precision and professionalism of a seasoned jazz player. Her slick stick work, particularly the use of the side of the floor tom rim to create an overbeat, demonstrated her technical prowess. After the show, I had a brief chat with her, and it turns out she’s a jazz school alum—no surprise, given her world-class drumming technique.
Dillon, on guitar, oozed confidence as she finger-picked her electric guitar, her laid-back style perfectly complementing Rook’s steady bass lines. Rook, sporting a pinstriped suit and her own pair of Doc Martens, anchored the sound with a grounded yet fluid rhythm. Dillon’s casual singing style, effortless yet striking, wrapped around the melody with ease, creating a comforting and intimate atmosphere. It’s clear this band is incredibly tight, a well-oiled machine with an undeniable sense of musicality.
The band’s sound onstage was pristine, resonating beautifully through the house PA system and delighting the crowd. Despite playing to a relatively sparse room of around 100, the audience was clearly hooked—Mystery Waitress is a band that deserves much more attention. I couldn’t help but feel they were on the verge of something bigger, and they certainly have the chops to carry them there.
Morgan’s guitar work during the set was also noteworthy, delivering some well-timed, intricate solos that added an extra layer of depth to their already rich sound.
As the set drew to a close, Dillon announced, “Thanks guys, so nice to be here. This is our last song,” before launching into "Night Bug," their most popular track to date. With its strong, catchy opening line—"Think I’m gonna make the same mistake twice"—the crowd couldn’t help but be swept up in the infectious energy of the song.
If you haven’t yet seen Mystery Waitress live, don’t make the mistake of missing them next time they’re near you. This is a band with serious potential, and their performance tonight was a testament to their undeniable talent.
Reviewer: Paul Marshall
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