Marlins Dreaming rendered a marvelous atmosphere of soundwaves on Thursday evening at The Hollywood Theatre, Avondale. Joined by rising band Awning, the musicians delivered artistically authentic performances sure to resonate and echo in the minds of those who attended.
Hailing from Aotearoa’s chilly Dunedin, Marlins Dreaming formed in 2017 and quickly attracted listeners after releasing their debut body of work Lizard Tears.
Following their formation, the band has reached worldwide popularity and toured internationally with sold out Australian shows. Four-piece Marlins Dreaming is composed of Semisi Ma’ia’i (vocals, guitar), Oscar Johns (bass), Hamish Morgan (drums) and De Stevens (guitar).
When a band plays at The Hollywood, it’s almost a guarantee that the experience is going to be unique.
From 1910s architecture to the cinematic history and acoustics of the venue. The interior is adorned with sculpted beams, red curtains and an elevated stage with distinctly immersive lighting. Being in the venue feels like a portal to a different moment in time.
Opening the night was Awning, a Te Whanganui-a Tara based band originating as a bedroom project by Christian Dimick.
Upon their debut EP release in 2023, the band played their first show and since have become a rising marvel to witness.
Lead vocalist and composer Dimick is joined by Riley Noonan (drums), Baxter Perry (Bass) and Eli Superfly (guitar/vocals).
Awning held an utterly captivating presence from their first touch of the stage. A grounded yet fascinating allure cast throughout the space as they played. Whilst some of the audience stood upon the wooden floor to watch and others were seated in the cinema’s chairs, one thing in common was that all eyes were locked with the band performing for nearly their entire set.
Bodies were swaying and a thick mist dispersed from fog machines, entwined with hazed light that interchanged between magenta pink, poppy red and electric blue.
A splendid number of songs were performed including Gold Star, My Friend Dog and unreleased track Punching a Bruise which resonated in an emotionally moving yet satisfying way.
Grungy with a dash of sophistication was the bands’ dress code. 80s style trousers to 90s jeans and plain shirts.
The lead singer’s guitar strings hung punchily in the air whilst he wore a sweater with ripped elbows which became rolled up by the end of the set.
Everything about the Awning’s performance was captivating, and from every angle of the venue. The second floor of the cinema was open where concertgoers filled rows of the seats and watched from above.
Awning finished their performance with the atmosphere of a state of bliss.
During changeover I had the chance to notice the unique merch table with a grungy Marlins Dreaming shirts, and selection of CD’s with DIY covers made from cardboard and handmade visuals.
Upon the stage was a piece of hung fabric operating as a backdrop for the band that was also handmade using spray paints and tape stencils. A sky-blue background with an angular green form referencing the star on Lucky Star and its simplified form from their new album cover HIRL.
Then, lights dimmed as 5 bodies emerged on stage and moved towards their instruments.
Something in the way they held themselves filled the atmosphere with allure. All eyes in the venue connected with the band on stage with every ear tuned in to the sound waves as they harmonised.
The intro to Sink or Swim began to play, and bodies moved to the rhythm of lead singer Semisi Mai’a’i’s voice.
Aotearoa’s Tiara Kelly joined the band as the 5th member for the evening, beginning on keyboard. Drums added an uplifting energy to this number as Hamish Morgan beat the sticks with splendour.
Hello My Dear was the second track of the set, a personal favourite of mine and from the crowds reception, perhaps a personal favourite of theirs too. All eyes were either locked on the band with enchantment, shoulders and heads were swaying to the melody.
A cinematic atmosphere of emotive human experience felt like a theme for the evening.
Both bands’ performances were soulful and authentic. Lyrics about heartbreak, hurt, love and healing were sung in a way that was consoling and therapeutic for those who might resonate with such experiences.
Outwards Crying, Stick by You, Every Single Time, Cabbage Tree, and Country Plaines were played before a brief pause and guitar tuning.
One single chord was strung in F major 7 and the crowd cheered, knowing exactly what was about to play.
Earnestly featuring Erny Belle on the studio version. This song was released as part of Marlins Dreaming’s newest album HIRL that’s been out for just over a month. To enchanting cheer Tiara Kelly sung duet vocals to the song in angelic harmony with lead singer Semisi.
As the night progressed, the voice of the crowd rose as they sang back lyrics to the band
Cheeky Kids was one of these, a more well-known song released in 2017 with over 10,000,000 Spotify plays and climbing. Cheeky Kids and Japanese Georges/ Flying cap that’s light as a ghost echoed with an upbeat groovy tempo.
A delectable number of 14 songs were played during the set, finishing with Trophies and Lucky Star.
The audience bellowed kudos as the music faded and lights brightened, signalling the evening’s close.
Marlins Dreaming will continue their HIRL album release tour with two shows in Aotearoa’s South Island this weekend before flying overseas to Australia to play in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Tonight was my first time seeing Marlins Dreaming live after years of streaming their artistry on Spotify. I’ll be playing their songs now with a newfound love as well as saving Awnings tracks to my playlist, keeping an eager lookout for what’s next for them both.
Isabella Rose Young
Marlin’s Dreaming Setlist:
Sink Or Swim
Hello My Dear
Outwards Crying
Stick By You
Every Single Time
Cabbage Tree
Country Plaines
Earnestly
Cheeky Kids
Samoa
Wallpaper
Mixed Up and Confused
Trophies
Lucky Star
Discover more from Red Raven News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.