Kings Arms May 10th Gig

Stainless Heart were 5th of a 6 part programme of acts.

I had agreed to film them and not being able to contact the promoter before the gig meant that I took a sound desk fully realizing that I may not be able to use it and it would sit in the back of the car.

But everyone was happy. All good. Got to thank the sound man at the Kings Arms who was busy stage setting one band after another flawlessly, seemlessly and quickly.

Before Stainless Heart went on, there was a solo artist replacing a band that could not make it, a feisty Mexican Kiwi band that did a finely honed rendition of Revolution with just a hint of chilli. And an experimental band that played, well, experimental music.

Stainless Heart opened with an extraordinary 10 minute jam breaking rules as usual. Then launched into a ripping short set including the habit forming My Friends are All Addicted to Crack, their gutsy protest anthem against America, and World Domination plus suitably energised covers.

Videos shortly.

Stainless Heart

First saw them playing on queen street civic corner listened and then after walking half way home, came back to listen again. There was something compelling happening here. It is not the first time a street side CD sale has resulted in finding something worth listening to, but this one lives in Auckland and I have agreed to video them. So this blog will be a place to find them.

Bought their CD - Stainless Heart LIVE - a not too perfect recording of a highly energetic performance by a rock survivor who may get through the night if only her throat holds up - and when you listen to how she uses her voice you wonder if this is not a chronic feature. Some live lives like there is no tomorrow, and Sunny stretches songs to their limits hovering between hard rock and punk and folk with her unique brand of edginess. Her voice is multifaceted and her drumming cohesion with the thrashing lead by the slightly less aggressive but equally talented guitar by Caleb. Together they are Stainless Heart. And they are playing at:

The Kings Arms
59 France Street
Sunday May 10th

supported by Tomorrow Day, The Kiwi & The Chillies & Guests.

Shows start at 7:15pm (R18 venue, there is alcohol).

The genre seems to wind between hard rock, punk, with sharp bits. They sound drunker than the B52s and there is an element of a New York punk nightmarish take on the tested White Stripe two piece format. These are warriors with a musical purpose. It requires great drumming and strong playing to make a great sound - and these two melt the air with their extended jams orchestrating complex riffs and rhythms.

On her CD, her voice lights up in Perfectly Ugly, a lyrically raw protest is followed by a generous 20 minute jam - A Stainless Heart