Write Said Paul

Live at The Domain

29 March 2025

Live Review by Music Journalist: Paul Marshall 

Synthony in the Domain: A Monumental Night of Beats and Bliss

Auckland’s Domain has seen its fair share of legendary events, but nothing quite like this. Synthony in the Domain wasn’t just a concert it was a celebration, a pulsating, electrified tribute to the marriage of classical and electronic music on an unprecedented scale. With a staggering 60,000 attendees, this was hands down New Zealand’s biggest music event of the year, a night where beats, bass, and breathtaking performances collided under the open sky.

The lineup for Synthony has been expertly curated, featuring a seamless blend of DJ sets followed by live band performances. This perfect combination ensures that all bases are covered for the diverse crowd in attendance, which is likely why it stands as New Zealand's largest music festival. Hats off to event organiser David Higgins, a true genius and maverick with an unwavering drive and passion for music, as demonstrated by today's incredible event.

Dick Johnson Ignites the Dance floor with Timeless House Grooves.

The day kicked off with house music stalwart Dick Johnson, setting the tone with his signature groove-heavy selections. It’s a sticky, bass-driven start, and the air crackles with anticipation as the crowd gears up to lose themselves in the rhythm. The man of the moment? New Zealand’s undisputed don of house music, a DJ who’s been igniting dance floors from Auckland to Ibiza for over two decades.

Johnson drops Kevin McKay’s remix of Tom’s Diner a track that’s seen more lifetimes than some of the crowd. Originally penned in 1981 by folk icon Suzanne Vega, the song has lived through countless reinventions, from the DNA remix that turned it into a ‘90s club staple to this latest deep-house refit.

McKay’s version keeps that unmistakable vocal hook Vega’s haunting, almost hypnotic acapella but injects it with rolling bass lines, crisp percussion. Johnson, ever the selector with a finger on the pulse, lets it breathe before unleashing it on the crowd, and the response is instant heads nod, hands raise, and a knowing smile from those who remember the track’s storied history.

From smoky Greenwich Village coffeehouses to global dance floors, Tom’s Diner refuses to die. And with McKay’s remix in the hands of DJs like Johnson, it’s clear it still belongs here, pulsing through the speakers of a world that just can’t stop listening.

From the second he steps behind the decks, Johnson commands the space with effortless confidence. No gimmicks, no overhyped intros just a seamless flow of beats locking in with the pulse of the day. He opened with a deep, rolling house cut, immediately setting the vibe: smooth, hypnotic, and utterly infectious. The crowd is still trickling in, but Johnson plays as if the place is packed, captivating a mix of seasoned clubbers and wide-eyed newcomers eager for the ride.

Ladi6 Reigns Supreme at Symphony.

Some artists command a stage. Others own it. And then there’s Ladi6 who doesn’t just own the stage but transforms it into something ethereal, something timeless. Dressed in an all-black ensemble, she drifted onto the Symphony stage like a queen reclaiming her throne.

New Zealand’s high priestess of neo-soul wasted no time mesmerising the crowd, launching into Like Water, her sultry, bass-heavy anthem. Her honeyed vocals wrapped around the audience like a warm embrace, every note steeped in raw authenticity. From the first beat, Ladi6 set the tone for a day of pure, unfiltered musical transcendence.

But Ladi6 isn’t just about sonic mastery she’s a storyteller, a vibe curator, a force. Between tracks, she engaged with effortless grace, making the massive festival setting feel as intimate as a late-night lounge.

Some performances entertain. Some impress. But Ladi6? She elevates. Symphony was blessed, and we were all left transformed.

Th’ Dudes Bring the Heat, with Peter Urlich Stepping Up in the Absence of Dobbyn.

It’s a rare kind of magic that happens when a band formed decades ago can still captivate a crowd in the present. The fact that Th' Dudes, a beloved Kiwi rock act born in 1975, were able to pull this off without one of their founding members says everything about their enduring legacy and the mastery of Peter Urlich.

As the first few bars of classic hits rang out, something was missing. The absence of Dave Dobbyn was immediately noticeable to anyone familiar with the band's lineup. But that was quickly forgotten as Urlich, the seasoned frontman, took centre stage, effortlessly commanding the crowd’s attention from the very first note.

Urlich, true to form, didn’t just play the songs he became part of them, living and breathing each track with a contagious energy that drew even the most indifferent concertgoer into his orbit. A few songs in, after easing into the set with the smooth groove of "Be Mine Tonight", he pulled off a move that only a seasoned performer could execute with such finesse: he broke the fourth wall.

"It's wonderful to be here," Urlich announced, oozing charisma as he soaked in the crowd’s energy. But then he delivered the twist, "There's been a change of plan. Everybody here, come to the front so you can read what this card says," he added, holding up an Ace of Spades playing card.

It was a stroke of genius. The crowd, eager to please, surged forward, instantly filling the front barrier and igniting the atmosphere. That simple act turned the show from a gig into an experience. It was a masterclass in crowd interaction, the kind of touch that separates the pros from the amateurs. As the audience leaned in, they hung on every word captivated by the band’s undeniable chemistry.

Despite the years and a lineup that looked slightly “battle-scarred,” the performance was tight, controlled, and electric. The band, now in their 50s and some, still had that magic from their heyday. Urlich, along with Peter Coleman and Rikki Morris, delivered an impressive performance one that proved the old rockers still had plenty of fire left.

And it wasn’t just the hits that resonated it was the way they made them feel fresh, the urgency and relevance of their music on full display. Urlich’s energy was the driving force behind it all, whether he was belting out lines with a grin on his face or commanding the stage like a true rock ‘n’ roll general. You could tell this wasn’t just another gig for him. This was personal.

By the time the set reached the thumping "Bliss," and the crowd was singing along with the kind of joy only an anthem like that could invoke, it was clear that the essence of Th’ Dudes hadn’t faded if anything, it had evolved, resonating with a whole new generation of fans.

In the end, this wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. Urlich and Th’ Dudes proved that they have something new to offer while honouring their roots. With Urlich at the helm, they reminded us all why they’ve remained a staple in the Kiwi rock scene for so long. It's clear: Th’ Dudes aren't just a band from the past they’re a band with a future, and the stage is still theirs for the taking.

DJ Example Turns the Party Inside Out with a Genre-Smashing Set.

At 4:50 PM, just as Example hit the stage, the skies opened with a light drizzle, and a full double rainbow arched over the domain. It was a stunning contrast—both magnificent and menacing. But the rain was a welcome relief, cooling down the crowd as they geared up to dance to the electrifying sounds of the UK legend.

If there’s one thing Example knows, it’s how to command a crowd. From the moment he stepped up, he didn’t just read the energy he seized it, flipped it inside out, and hurled it back in a relentless, genre-smashing assault.

Elliot John Gleave, better known as Example, has been a force in electronic music for over a decade. Since breaking through with Won’t Go Quietly in 2010, he’s dominated the UK dance scene with chart-topping anthems like “Kickstarts” and “Changed The Way You Kiss Me.” But this afternoon, it wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about innovation.

Layering elements of EDM, UK garage, grime, and classic house, Example mixed like a scientist brewing the perfect sonic storm. Sure, the crowd went wild for the big hits, but it was the unexpected twists deep cuts, drum & bass detours, and early 2000s hip-hop flips that kept the energy electric.

“Let’s see if you’re really ready for this,” he teased mid-set, hovering over the decks as he built up to a drop that could have cracked the domain in half. The response was instant arms in the air, bodies moving in sync with the bass, completely possessed by the beat.

Example isn’t just a DJ he’s a frontman, a hype man, a master conductor of chaos. He doesn’t just play tracks; he lives them, jumping, shouting, and feeding off the crowd’s energy, only to throw it back tenfold.

By the time the final track soared through the speakers an all-out, hands-in-the-air anthem the crowd was dripping in sweat and rain, faces lit up with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Example had just delivered a knockout set.

Kora Ignites the Fire at Synthony in The Domain: A Perfect Fusion of Sound and Soul.

When Kora took the stage at Synthony in Auckland's Domain, they did more than just perform they set the crowd ablaze, creating an electrifying fusion of raw energy and musical brilliance. Known for their seamless blend of reggae, rock, and electronic beats, the Kiwi legends were a perfect match for the event’s genre-defying lineup.

As the rain drizzled down, Kora’s powerful rhythms and deep bass lines cut through the elements with unstoppable force. There was an undeniable tension in the air as the audience braced for what promised to be a high-octane performance. Kora delivered on that promise and more, turning their set into a defining moment of the evening.

Fran Kora, dressed head-to-toe in white, moved with infectious energy, swaying and bobbing to the grooves that his brothers and fellow bandmates crafted. His wide grin and the way he engaged with the crowd made him seem like a kid in a candy store, feeding off the atmosphere as the audience swelled and danced in sync with the beats.

The band's signature sound a thrilling mix of dub-heavy rhythms and pulsating electronic beats took control of the space, transforming the crowd into a unified body of ecstatic movement. But it wasn’t just their musicianship that set Kora apart; it was their innate ability to connect with the crowd. They fed off the audience’s energy, seamlessly interacting with fans who were clearly there for the high-energy, electronic-driven experience. The intensity reached a fever pitch when they performed their standout track, “The Delivery Man.” Live, the song sounded even bigger and more visceral, with the band’s energy amplifying every beat and sending shockwaves through The Domain.

The crowd responded with a frenzy head-banging, hands raised high in the air, fully immersed in the cathartic power of the music. Kora’s seamless blend of soulful rock and electrifying electronic elements created a musical release that felt both exhilarating and transformative, embodying the band’s genre-bending essence.

As the evening culminated, Kora’s performance reached an unforgettable crescendo. It was a moment of pure electricity, one that sent chills through the audience and proved, once again, Kora’s unparalleled ability to merge multiple genres while maintaining their signature sound.

If there was any doubt that Kora is at the pinnacle of their craft, this performance eradicated it. From their potent rock influences to the thumping electronic vibes, their set at Synthony was a masterclass in musical fusion. As the final notes echoed and the crowd erupted into cheers, one thing was clear: Kora isn’t just a part of New Zealand’s music scene — they’re shaping it.

Darude Ignites The Domain: An evening of Euphoria, Fire, and Pure Dance floor Magic.

A wave of anticipation pulsed through the crowd at Synthony in The Domain. Next up the evening’s true star? None other than Darude, whose masterful, heart-thumping set had the audience dancing like they’d been injected with pure adrenaline.

From the moment the first notes of Sandstorm reverberated through the lush green expanse of the Domain, the crowd was on its feet, their arms raised in a collective wave of anticipation. You knew it was coming. The build-up, the tension, the moment of absolute euphoria. And yet, when the Finnish DJ finally unleashed the legendary anthem, it hit like an electric jolt, an eruption of energy that sent the audience into a frenzy. The haunting synths and the addictive, undying beat transported the crowd back to the early 2000s, reigniting that feeling of musical nostalgia that only Sandstorm can provoke.

But it wasn’t just Darude’s iconic banger that made the evening unforgettable. No, the magic lay in the way he commanded the stage a maestro at the helm of an electronic odyssey. From track to track, he built a relentless momentum, blending deep house, progressive trance, and techno into an immersive soundscape. It was evident that Darude is no stranger to the art of creating an experience, not just a performance.

As the set progressed, the crowd was enveloped in an ever-evolving sequence of beats, each drop landing with precision. There were moments of calm, where the music took a reflective turn, before plunging straight into the pulsing energy that only a true dance floor anthem can provide. Darude’s seamless transitions were a testament to his mastery—every move calculated, every change in tempo hitting the sweet spot between anticipation and release.

The light show was nonexistent, as it was still daylight, but that didn’t stop the production team from unleashing massive flames shooting from the stage like a wild, possessed dragon. This fiery spectacle was a vital part of the performance. Pulsating fireballs soared majestically into the sky, perfectly synchronised with every thundering bass line and melodic shift. The blast was so intense, it hit you like stepping suddenly onto the surface of the sun. It wasn’t just a concert; it was an immersive journey, a visceral experience that engaged all the senses.

Even beyond the heady euphoria of Sandstorm, there were moments where Darude revealed the full breadth of his artistry. Tracks from his album My Game brought the crowd into deeper, more atmospheric territory, with swirling synths and unpredictable drops. These songs provided a stark contrast to the hits that had everyone jumping, but they still commanded attention, proving that Darude is far from a one-hit wonder. The DJ was able to balance the old with the new, delivering fan favourites while showcasing his ever-evolving sound.

Of course, no review of a Darude show would be complete without mentioning the crowd. The mix of familiar faces, all ages, and a palpable sense of unity made the set feel like more than just a live show. The crowd wasn’t just here to hear Sandstorm they were here to celebrate an era, a shared history of dance music that connects them all. With each track, Darude brought that history to life, giving the crowd a chance to relive those golden moments of early 2000s raving.

As the final moments of the set approached, the anticipation for Sandstorm returned. The atmosphere was electric, but Darude, ever the tease, kept the anthem at bay for just a few more minutes. And when it came, it was as if the entire audience collectively inhaled before letting out a roar of pure, unrestrained joy. The crowd’s energy hit a fever pitch as the iconic track erupted, a wave of sound that brought everyone together for one last euphoric moment.

The set ended, but the feeling lingered long after the last note faded away. Darude reminded us why his music has stood the test of time because it’s not just about the beats, but the experience of being swept away by the rhythm, the melody, and the pure adrenaline of the dance floor. The DJ had left his mark, and for those in the crowd, it was a evening that would live on in their memory as a celebration of sound, nostalgia, and a shared love for the music that transcends time.

Cyril: Australia’s Rising Star Electrifies with Hypnotic Set.

Cyril Riley, better known as Cyril the Australian DJ, has been making waves in the underground electronic scene, and after witnessing his hypnotic performance, it’s clear why. From the moment he stepped behind the decks, there was no escaping the infectious groove, and every beat felt like an invitation to lose yourself in the music.

The set began with a deep, atmospheric intro, setting the tone for his set. As the crowd swelled to near capacity, Cyril pulled them into his world, hypnotised by his flawless mix of house, techno, and subtle hints of disco. His track selection was nothing short of masterful, seamlessly transitioning from euphoric highs to dark, moody lows.

What truly set Cyril apart wasn’t just his technical skill, but his ability to read and respond to the audience. His set felt like a conversation with the crowd, delivering soul-soaked, floor-filling beats when the domain demanded it and teasing with atmospheric breaks to draw the audience deeper into the experience. The collective energy of the crowd was palpable, pulsing in sync with the beat.

The visuals behind Cyril complemented his sound perfectly—a surreal blend of neon-coloured patterns and strobe lights that mirrored the shifting textures of his set. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way, with the lights cutting through the haze like an electric pulse.

One of the standout moments came during a mid-set transition when Cyril dropped a remix of a classic track, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was that rare ability to make a familiar song feel fresh, yet still grounded in the event’s vibe, that sets Cyril apart from his peers.

Cyril’s live mix of Don't You Worry Child, the anthem famously crafted by Swedish House Mafia, was nothing short of an electrifying experience. As the beat dropped, the crowd—already buzzing with anticipation—erupted in a wave of collective euphoria. Familiar with every note, they sang along, their voices merging with the pulsing bass that seemed to reverberate through the very air. It was the kind of moment that transcended just music—it became a communal celebration.

The atmosphere, amplified by lasers slicing through the smoke, was a visual and sonic assault. As daylight melted into night, the lights took shape, orchestrating a stunning dance between sound and vision. Cyril didn’t just play a track; he unleashed a full-throttle, soul-stirring experience that perfectly matched the vibe of the event. Every second felt as though it had been built for that exact moment, capturing the essence of a crowd hungry for connection, for energy, for the pure rush only music like this can provide.

Cyril’s set was more than just a mix of beats and bass lines; it was a journey. There were moments of pure euphoria when the crowd became one, hands in the air, eyes closed, completely immersed in the music. But Cyril also knew when to slow things down, creating space for those brief, breathless pauses that made the next rush of sound hit even harder.

As his set drew to a close, Cyril surprised the crowd with a soft, ambient outro that left the domain swaying in a dreamier haze. It was a sharp contrast to the relentless energy of the set, leaving everyone with that rare post-set feeling of having experienced something unforgettable.

In the end, Cyril proved once again why he’s one of Australia’s rising stars in the electronic world. His ability to connect with the crowd and craft an emotional rollercoaster through his tracks was something truly special. Cyril is more than just a DJ—he’s an artist, a master of his craft, and the kind of performer who makes you feel like you’ve been part of something bigger than just a night out. If you haven’t caught him yet, do yourself a favour—this is just the beginning.

Synthony: A Celestial Fusion of EDM and Orchestra at Auckland’s Domain.

Under a crisp Auckland sky, with the iconic Domain providing the perfect backdrop, Synthony delivered an unforgettable night of sonic bliss, seamlessly blending the power of electronic dance music with the grandeur of a full orchestra. From the moment the first notes hit, it was clear this wasn’t just a concert—it was an immersive experience, where two seemingly disparate worlds merged into something extraordinary.

The crowd, a vibrant mix of festival-goers, casual concert lovers, and diehard EDM fans, gathered in eager anticipation as the stage was set for a grand spectacle. As the first strains of synthesiser melodies filled the air, time seemed to slow, and the vast Domain field became one with the music. The orchestra, led by a maestro perfectly in tune with the crowd’s pulse, effortlessly combined intricate symphonic arrangements with pounding bass lines and uplifting melodies. The result was nothing short of musical transcendence.

The evening unfolded as a journey through EDM’s greatest hits, reimagined in orchestral splendour. A standout moment was the reimagined rendition of Robert Miles’ Children, which felt fresh and larger-than-life. The strings pounded with orchestrated force, sending chills down your spine. But it wasn’t only the crowd-pleasers that stole the show—deep cuts emerged as unexpected gems, with strings elevating their emotional depth, adding layers of weight and poignancy to every note.

Visually, Synthony went all out. A dazzling display of lights, lasers, and projections painted the night sky, forming an electrifying backdrop to the orchestra’s performance. With every beat drop, the crowd was immersed in vibrant waves of colour, amplifying the sense of unity between the music and its listeners. It was a powerful reminder that live performance can be a multi-sensory experience—sight, sound, and emotion intertwined in the most visceral way.

The evening's undeniable highlight came when Tiki Tane performed Basement Jaxx’s global hit Where’s Your Head At, accompanied by the massive orchestral sound. Tane’s passionate, immersive performance, coupled with the thunderous orchestration, had the crowd roaring and singing along with euphoric intensity. The atmosphere was electric; every face glowed with joy, and it felt as though even the ancient gods of the land would have awakened to witness such a spectacular event.

The orchestra’s soaring strings and powerful melody had the crowd captivated, swaying and singing along to an electronic classic transformed into a true masterpiece. It was one of those rare moments in a concert when everything aligns—the audience, the performers, and the space making it clear why events like Synthony are so special.

The synergy between classical and contemporary, traditional and modern, was palpable. This was no gimmick, nor a novelty mashup. It was a genuine, thoughtful collaboration, curated with precision and care. Synthony’s ability to elevate each track through seamless genre fusion proved that dance music and classical instrumentation can coexist naturally and exhilaratingly.

As the orchestrated set drew to a close, the crowd's applause was deafening, punctuated by a few fireworks that illuminated the sky. However, the display felt slightly underwhelming, perhaps due to technical difficulties—one might have expected a grander finale. Still, it was impossible not to be moved. Synthony had delivered on every promise, offering an unforgettable fusion of music and performance, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement.

In a world where live shows often rely heavily on spectacle, Synthony at The Domain reminded us that at the heart of every great performance is the music itself—elevated by sound, light, and the undeniable magic of a united crowd. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Basement Jaxx (DJ Set) Review: High Expectations, Mixed Results.

It’s 10 PM on a Saturday night, and the air hums with electric anticipation. The crowd is buzzing as Basement Jaxx (DJ Set) prepares to take the stage. Renowned for their house-infused, bass-heavy sound, they were poised to transform the final hours into a euphoric, hands-in-the-air dance party. But as the night unfolded, what should have been the showstopper fell flat.

While the crowd stayed energised, the beats relentless, and the vibe alive, the set surprisingly lacked the punch expected from such an iconic duo. Though solid, their performance didn’t quite meet the high expectations that come with a Basement Jaxx show. The absence of some of their most iconic tracks created a noticeable void, and without those anthems, the energy dipped and never fully recovered.

It was evident that, in this DJ set, Basement Jaxx’s magic had been somewhat muted. Lacking the full band and immersive stage production that usually accompany their performances, the set felt like a shadow of the vibrant live shows fans know and love.

Despite these shortcomings, there were still flashes of brilliance. The duo navigated between anthemic hits and more experimental sounds, proving their ability to inject new life into familiar tracks. Moments like “Jump n’ Shout” sent the crowd into a frenzy, reminding us that Basement Jaxx still knows how to get people moving.

Visually, the set was a mixed bag. While the psychedelic and futuristic visuals added to the experience, they didn’t quite hit the visual highs typically expected from Basement Jaxx. Without the grand stage setup and additional performers, the show felt less dazzling, though the music itself kept the energy going.

One standout quality of Basement Jaxx is their ability to evolve. Instead of relying solely on nostalgia, they explored new sounds, blending them seamlessly with their signature style. This kept the crowd engaged, though at times, the transitions between tracks caused slight lapses in momentum.

When “Where’s Your Head At?” was finally dropped as the closing track, the crowd erupted in pure ecstasy.

If there’s one track that encapsulates the brilliance of Basement Jaxx, it’s “Where’s Your Head At?” A blistering slice of electronic magic that defies the laws of dance floor physics, this track stands as a quintessential moment in the duo’s illustrious career. Built on a sample from Gary Numan’s 1979 track “M.E.,” “Where’s Your Head At?” channels the eerie, dystopian pulse of Numan's original, transforming it into an anthemic, bass-heavy juggernaut that still sounds as fresh and thrilling today as it did upon release.

It’s a masterclass in musical reinvention—taking a cold, mechanical synth-line and injecting it with soul, funk, and the unmistakable energy that defines Basement Jaxx. From the moment the beat drops, it’s clear that this isn’t just a sample—it’s a reimagining, a fusion of past and future electronic music. The interplay between Numan's haunting, robotic vocals and the pounding rhythms creates a perfect balance between the mechanical and the human, the synthetic and the visceral.

Where most tracks might settle for a simple loop, Basement Jaxx transforms it into an irresistible, body-moving anthem that has fuelled countless dance floors. They don’t just sample a track; they breathe new life into it, warping its atmosphere and making it their own while still honouring the original. It’s a bold, audacious move that showcases the duo’s talent for blending influences from house, techno, funk, and industrial into something unmistakably Basement Jaxx.

“Where’s Your Head At?” is more than just a song; it’s a defining moment, a snapshot of electronic music at its absolute peak. Its importance can’t be overstated. In an era when many were still learning to make samples their own, Basement Jaxx perfected the art—infusing it with raw energy, emotion, and the signature euphoric rush. This track isn’t just a classic; it’s an electronic masterpiece.

As the track hit its peak, the energy surged. The crowd danced and sang along in pure bliss. It was the perfect finale—a legendary track that brought the house down and reminded everyone why Basement Jaxx remains a powerhouse in the electronic music world.

Ultimately, while Basement Jaxx (DJ Set) provided some fun moments, the absence of their most iconic tracks left the night feeling more like a missed opportunity than the grand finale it could have been. A legendary DJ set isn’t just about the beats and drops—it’s about meeting the crowd’s expectations, and in this case, Basement Jaxx fell just short. Still, their legacy in electronic music is undeniable. If you were there, despite the flaws, you were part of a night that was, in its own way, unforgettable.

As the final notes echoed through the Domain and the crowd began to disperse, Synthony in the Domain stood as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries. It was a night that fused genres, cultures, and generations, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. From the electric energy of Darude to the haunting beauty of the orchestra, every moment was a reminder of why live music festivals like this remain unparalleled. An extraordinary celebration of sound, light, and connection. Synthony’s monumental success proves that when different worlds collide, the result can be nothing short of magical.

Reviewer: Paul Marshall

Photography by Paul Marshall

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