Strangely Arousing have carved out a distinctive place in the New Zealand music scene by refusing to be confined to a single genre. Their sound draws on progressive reggae, ska, dub, hip-hop, jazz and funk, weaving together deep basslines, infectious rhythms, brass, keyboards and guitar. The result is a rich, groove-driven musical experience that can be laid-back one moment and bursting with energy the next. There is a playfulness and individuality to their sound that makes them difficult to pigeonhole — and all the more interesting to experience live.
There are some gigs where the music does more than fill a room — it brings everyone together. That was certainly the feeling at The Stables in Matakana last Friday night, when Rotorua-born five-piece Strangely Arousing took to the stage and delivered a set that had people dancing and enjoying every moment. With a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and a crowd ready to let loose, it was the kind of night that reminds you exactly why live music is so special.
That musical diversity was part of what made Friday night’s performance such a pleasure. Strangely Arousing know how to build a groove and keep it moving, creating the sort of atmosphere where standing still becomes increasingly difficult. The dance floor stayed lively throughout the set, with the audience clearly having a cracking time. There was a genuine sense of connection between the music and the crowd, making this feel less like a performance people were simply watching and more like a night everyone was sharing.
Formed in Rotorua in 2012, the band have spent more than a decade developing their own musical identity, earning recognition through competitions, chart success and performances both around New Zealand and internationally. Their line-up brings together Lukas Wharekura on vocals and lead guitar, Shaun Loper on bass, Oliver Prendergast on drums, Liam Rolfe on trombone, keyboard and vocals and Daniel Reshtan on saxophone. Those different musical elements give the band its unmistakable character, combining rhythmic depth with melodic colour and a lively brass-driven sound.
Friday night at The Stables was ultimately about good music, good people and a room full of energy. Strangely Arousing delivered a set that got people moving and left the crowd with plenty to smile about. In a music scene where so much attention is focused on the biggest stages and names, nights like this are a reminder that some of the most rewarding live experiences come from discovering bands with their own sound, their own personality and the ability to bring a crowd together. Matakana certainly got a taste of that on Friday.
Review and photography by Leonie Moreland
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