Live at Whammy
30 November 2024
Live Music Review by Music Journalist: Paul Marshall
Skilaa 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.
Skilaa
Last night, Auckland got a taste of Skilaa’s genre-defying brilliance, and let me tell you—it was a sonic journey. This isn’t just a band; it’s an experiment in sound that refuses to stay boxed in. Skilaa seamlessly blends jazz with rock, injects it with the raw energy of rap, and punctuates it all with beats so unpredictable they might as well come with a warning label. The result? A musical concoction that’s as daring as it is addictive.
Front and centre of this musical chaos was their drummer—a powerhouse presence who seemed less like a bandmate and more like a co-conductor of their orchestrated madness. Every fill, roll, and rimshot felt purposeful, driving the band’s sprawling soundscapes with precision and passion. If jazz drumming is a science, this drummer has clearly mastered the formula and then some.
The crowd was refreshingly mature—a mix of seasoned music lovers who’ve likely seen their fair share of gigs. Yet, their enthusiasm rivalled that of any mosh pit of twenty-somethings. Heads nodded, feet tapped, and a palpable sense of admiration filled the air. This wasn’t just passive appreciation; it was the kind of energy that only comes from a crowd that knows they’re witnessing something special.
Skilaa’s ability to merge complex musicianship with raw, unfiltered energy sets them apart. They’re not just performing—they’re pushing boundaries, and last night, Auckland was more than ready to follow them into the unknown. This is the future of fusion, and Skilaa is leading the charge. If they roll through your town, don’t just see them—experience them.
Reviewer: Paul Marshall
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