Gig Review: Goodnight My Darling w/ Ersha Island @ Whammy Bar, Auckland – 10/11/2022

Goodnight My Darling played at Whammy Bar along with Ersha Island last night. Ersha Island are a sister-duo, playing a classic (but not often seen in their genres) accompaniment of violin and piano. Siblings Dani and Tee embrace a way of making music that’s rare: a natural profound harmony. This likely comes from a shared upbringing and everything that goes with that.

Dani and Tee also talked a little about their background including growing up in China, mixed race and developing music together through the Jazz genre. Some techniques learnt there continue to influence their output as they added that the violin performances were improvised. Ersha Island complement one another well through their music. I particularly enjoyed the solo violin and both Dani and Tee’s voices have a really high impact which is wonderful to listen to. Their lyrics came across as being theatrical, honest and unpretentious.

Goodnight My Darling were premiering the release of their upcoming album with a release date of 22 November, and the vinyl available to buy at the door. I loved everything about this band. They had a great rapport along with a special guest cello, and there was amazing high energy dancing and obviously a skilled artist behind the lyrics.

Goodnight My Darling is fronted by Maxine Macauley. I’m not sure if the new album is best kept a secret but the lyrical quality of what I heard and the performance of the band was fun and the music was thoughtful. I could hear a vast array of influences many of 90’s shoegaze bands that I come back to have a similar playful edge. Macauley’s vocals are striking and the songs needed little introduction, because it didn’t take long to feel the meaning. I enjoyed hearing Until I Return live and I’ll look forward to hearing the album in full, later in the month.

Photo Credit: Chris Zwaagdyk / ZED Pics
Ersha Island Photo Gallery
Goodnight My Darling Photo Gallery