Zionhill Live with Ashley Knox and the Kryptonites
Sat 2 Jun, 8:00pm–1:00am
Raglan Club, 22 Bow St, Raglan
R18, $10.00
It would be unfair (some would even say brazen) to state that in the last five years Zionhill have eclipsed all previous counterparts. Like a conscious force of nature they have stepped over the competition with musical miles to spare, always pushing forward with their effortlessly powerful fusion of rock and reggae, leaving audiences wanting more across Aotearoa. It is only once you have stepped away from the hypnotic flame that is Zionhill’s exciting live sound, that one can reflect on the connection that was made. A connection not only between the musicians and their audience, but also between the musicians themselves. A deep-rooted and conscious vibe that has made Zionhill one of the most exciting and forward-thinking bands in the country…
…brazen commentary indeed, but sometimes truth just sounds better than fiction.
Forming back in 2007, through a shared drive to create a distinct homegrown sound, Zionhill have pulled no punches ever since, pulling together their love for rock, soul, blues, roots reggae and even drum and bass; creating a sound that is distinctly their own. Fuelled by a passion to explore creative horizons in their live and musical approach, they have stepped forward alongside The Black Seeds and Kora, as one of Aotearoa’s most sought after groups in their field.
Not saying that the brighter glare of popularity has altered things, they are still humble by disposition and honest in their goals. “Zionhill” stands for a Utopian place of unity, peace and freedom; a safe spiritual homeland, like in heaven, or a kind of peace of mind in one’s present life. It’s fitting then, that a band hailing from Raglan on the majestic west coast of the North Isle, should adopt such sensibilities.
Guitarist and lead vocalist Gavin Dempsey delivers strong soulful vocals, that are undeniably passionate and heartfelt by all who hear them. Alongside Gavin is the ‘gentle giant’ guitarist Shailah Rudolph, deftly intensifying every lyric and drum lick, ever focussed and always performing with an amazing ahua. The final ingredients to this soulful brew are championed by bass player, backing vocalist and founder Damian Hepi-Te Huia, the soulful vocals of Ardre Foote, along with drummer/percussionist Jesse Bates completing the infectious Zionhill groove.
With an EP already out there and their debut album titled ‘Inside of You’ released in the summer of 2011, the Zionhill sound grows in both depth and fortitude. A must see live show experience, their growing audiences across the country remaining a true testament to the bands passion and talent. They have uniquely carved themselves a distinctive homegrown sound, one that NZ audiences can relate to and proudly call their own. Whether their influential style be known as ‘Conscious Dub Fusion’ or ‘Roots Rock’, it becomes very clear, very quickly that Zionhill firmly belong in their own classification… file under ‘Exhilarate’!
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