They say that time flies, but for many fans of I See Stars, the wait from January till last night has been almost agonising, the show postponed for a few months to enable the band to have a much needed break after non-stop touring.
But after their epic show last night, it was worth the wait.
First up, Christchurch based Elidi enthralled all those in attendance with progressive Metal that was both engaging and heavy, with Dan Russell impressing all with his vocal dexterity.
The four-piece have some big names under their belt, having supported such acts as Northlane and The Ocean not to mention Villainy and the ever-endearing Head Like a Hole, so it was no wonder that their set last night was polished without forfeiting any integrity of their overall sound.
Having recently released their debut album Angor Animi, whose album cover alone makes it a must have for any collection, Elidi delivered solid tracks that locked in the audience for the full duration, not always an easy task for a support band.
This was unmistakably in part due to the skills of drummer Steve Howden.
Elidi loosely translates as Gift of the Sun, and attendees last night felt bathed in the light, the quartet taking them through a ceremony of sorts where the songs are composed with the intention of allowing you to find your own emotions within. Whether that be exultation or a lustral form of release.
Turnover was swift, the anticipation peaking as the lights dimmed and the minutes moved painstakingly closer to the scheduled start time.
The room almost imploded as I See Stars appeared, lead vocalist Devin Oliver appearing in a zipped up hooded jacket that was soon abandoned for a black tulle top, adorned with hundreds of shimmering diamantes that perfectly offset the ones framing the side of his face.
Are you alive Auckland? Oliver demanded to know, the cacophony of voices emphatically replying that yes, they indeed were, only spurring on the energy of the band members.
Appearing as a five piece for the start of this current leg of the tour, I See Stars are comprised of brothers Devin and Andrew Oliver, Brent Allen, Jeff Valentine, and current touring drummer Connor Allen (Taylor Acorn, Secrets, Dead American).
I See Stars have had some pretty impressive musos jump behind on sticks including Luke Holland and the incredible Dakota Kooter Sammons, but as Allen proved when needed, he can certainly hold his own. Particular credit goes to the man for playing in a balaclava during the first track.
Despite forming in 2006, the Detroit, Michigan locals have never managed to make it down to New Zealand, but it was clear that they were going to make the most of their time on stage and gift their followers with a concert they could only dream of.
With an impressive discography behind their name, there was a little something to appease the admirers of both the old and new. D4MAGE DONE again from The Wheel rubbing shoulders easily with Ten Thousand Feet (New Demons – 2013) and Calm Snow from the immense album Treehouse released back in 2016.
Yes, it has been a long nine year wait between records, but bearing witness to their new material live last night confirmed that good things do indeed take time.
Devin Oliver hasn’t exactly been sitting around either, when not touring he is continually writing, and for two years of his life he battled intracranial hypertension which caused such debilitating headaches he could barely function.
Proving that light can always be found in the darkness however, Oliver recovered, jumped cities to Los Angeles and created electronic project shYbeast.
But last night he was back where he belonged, heading I See Stars and unleashing vocals that at times silenced the front rows as they stared at him in awe, both clean and unclean pouring forth with ease, his upper octave range formidable live.
Barely pausing for more than a few moments, Oliver worked the stage as Brent Allen and Jeff Valentine continuously crossed over ensuring that everyone, including those at the back got a decent view, Andrew Oliver having to remain a little more static due to being on keys, but his long locks making it fairly easy to pinpoint him at any time.
I See Stars incorporate elements of Metalcore, emo, and post-Hardcore into their sounds, and are often referred to as Electronicore, of which they are regarded by many as the pioneers of.
But with the release of The Wheel, I See Stars have self-proclaimed a new genre for themselves – Crash Pop.
With a set last night, which had some of the hardest breakdowns going back-to-back with feelings laden choruses and compositions that had the room pogoing on the spot without being asked to, you can see why they have landed on this new label.
David Bendeth who produced the beloved Treehouse and returning for The Wheel, ensuring that this new record embraces the past, celebrates how far they have come and lays down a new path.
It is not often a band can keep your eyes glued to them for the duration of a show, but last night I See Stars did it with ease, their sheer ferocity that was seasoned and yet controlled, held the fans close, Devin only breaking the rollercoaster of a ride periodically to speak about his own personal journey or to ask the audience if they were alive. A question that each and every time provoked a wave of cheers and reminded you of just why live music is so cathartic.
As well as delivering a killer production overall, I See Stars also gifted Auckland the live debut of carry on for you, and a throwback to their 2009 album 3-D with What This Means to Me which sent the day ones into a frenzy.
I See Stars are a phenomenal band, and live they are even better, their tenure speaking for itself, the addition of Connor Allen who absolutely pummels the skins only taking their performance into the upper echelons of the live circuit.
Screw materialistic living, buy the damn concert tickets, and if you get the opportunity to attend an I See Stars show, do it without hesitation.
Sarah Kidd
Photos by Mark Derricutt
I see Stars
Elidi