Borderline and supporting acts Fan Club, Frankie Venter and Spencer Coyle packed out the Tuning Fork this Thursday with stellar energy and music to transcend beyond the walls of the venue.
From childhood mates to established band, Borderline consists of Ben Glanfield vocals, Matthew McFadden lead guitar, Jackson Boswell drums/BVs, and newcomer Max Harries on bass.
Their genre bending melodies are not only unique but incredibly catchy highlighted in their songs Spinning and Cinderella which feature on the most recent EP Perfect Movie Scene.
Borderline’s diverse sound holds an indie Pop core with groovy Funk Rock air.
Just days before the show, special guests Frankie Venter and Spencer Coyle were announced as surprise performers on the night, popping each on stage to feature each in a song with Borderline.
Kicking off the night was Fan Club, a four-piece Tāmaki Makaurau based band composed of Emma vocals, Caleb lead guitar, Tom drums and Tilly bass.
The band describe their sound as indie rock with tight rhythm, edgy guitar, and soulful, belting vocals.
Fan Club shared an impressive amount of unreleased music that not only set the crowd dancing but also ignited eagerness in anticipation for their release.
Rough was one of the songs performed that was released
later that evening at midnight NZST. The track embraces a slower pace with contemplative lyrics and emotive, heartfelt vocals.
Lead singer Emma got closer with the audience in this track, sitting upon the drum platform as well as moving around the stage in rhythm to the melody.
Energy heightened with their Radiohead cover High and Dry, sending the crowd into rhythmic bliss.
Borderline’s set began with an intro to So This is Love from Disney’s Cinderella, a fitting choice that led to their own hit track Cinderella and then This is Not Love.
Their stage presence was undeniably enchanting just as it was groovy.
I must take a moment to note their charming attire from collared shirts with oaty sleeves to trousers and dress shoes. It very much added to the fairy tale meets contemporary alt-rock vibe.
As Borderline sang their tunes, the audience sang their lyrics back to them whilst moving to the melodies.
The front row of the venue was the most energetic and their dancing never paused.
Toward the end of the evening, Borderline welcomed special guest Frankie Venter onto the stage to sing New Romance with the band. Frankie’s beautiful vocals added even more enchantment to the atmosphere.
Frankie Venter is a seventeen-year-old Kiwi musician who has swiftly risen in Aotearoa’s music scene with sold out shows and her breakout singles Move With IT, Fine and Leyla.
Her alt-pop rock air is undeniably captivating as are her emotive and vibrant lyrics.
Borderline then sang a couple more songs before welcoming their second guest onto the stage, Spencer Coyle.
Coyle is another multi-talented Kiwi musician who sings, writes, produces as well as playing the guitar, drums, bass and piano.
Spencer sang along to Mi Amor whilst looking very much part of the band on stage.
The evening ended with Going Home Bitter that sent the room chanting for an encore.
One more song boomed throughout the venue demanding Borderline return to the stage where they sang Jealous. Lights strobed and energy soared, with the band in synergy and the crowd dancing to match.
An entrancing night, Borderline were filled with surprises, enthralling music both unreleased and well played. I’m very much looking forward to keeping up with what each musician has planned next.
Isabella Rose Young
Photography by Isabella Rose Young
Borderline
Fan Club
Frankie Venter with Borderline and Spencer Coyle