Live Review: Katchafire

Kiwi eight-piece Katchafire appropriately start the first show of their Australian tour with On The Road Again. Immediately, the entire venue, from front stage all the way to the bar queue and on the top balcony, begin easy skanking as one, and the dancing continues uninterrupted as they move seamlessly into Love Letter. Lead vocalist Logan Bell introduces lead guitarist Grenville Bell and saxophonist Jamey Ferguson after their killer solos which continue through the night. The romantic songs and floating harmonies keep rolling as the audience smilingly sing back the choruses of Got Your Back and One Stop Shop. There are no frills or trimmings tonight, the band simply and naturally alternate lead vocals and ease into each song with such infectious joy, it's like a casual jam session and everyone is included. Logan gives a humbling shout out to local opening band Paua, “It's a pleasure and honour to share this stage with you guys tonight”. He then asks for spotlight as he paces through the intro of Who You With which has the crowd roaring. The reverb is switched on as they take the show to “the next level” bringing back the funk for Collie Herbsman and Groove Again. By this time, drummer Jordan's wife-beater is off his back, before Logan gives thanks again this time to the audience for selling out the show. He then starts off some Uncle Bob which has Paua jamming back onstage and the entire venue taking over to the very last word of Three Little Words. They finish the set in full party mode for Ultra Music and return after a stomping encore for the powerful Sensimilia. Katchafire end the festivities with the upbeat Bounce, in the process ensuring that everyone stays uplifted for the rest of weekend.