Gig Review: Napoleon Baby @ Ponsonby Social Club, Auckland – 1/03/2025

Ponsonby Social Club, known for its cobblestones, cocktails, good vibes, and superb location, hosted a stellar gig for Napoleon Baby’s new Blueprint EP. The night was a mini musical symphonia with performances by Melon Heart and Thinking Foxes. By 8:20pm, around 20 heads gathered under the pink-lit stage, ready for a night of it. Though the venue speaks luxury, its intimate size guaranteed a cozy crowd, proving that tonight’s success wasn’t about numbers!

Melon Heart, a magnetic four-piece band with a legendary drummer, bassist, lead guitarist, and vocalist, kicked off the night with For Future, a tasty blend of alt-rock and garage sounds. Their second track, Life, was a slowed-down number — perfect for swaying and soaking in the well-known echoes of indie-rock. The bassist brought real charm to the set, enchanting not just the reviewer!

Their third track, a “sister-song” to Joanna, featured a long yet soft intro and a compelling message of friendship. The vocalist’s skill and expressiveness, coupled with smooth layers, added to the gig’s atmosphere. The guitarist and bassist showcased their symbiotic Fender skills with effortless swag, while the drummer’s energy, in my opinion, drove the set. I might be simping, but it was the drummer’s hard hits and groove that truly brought the band to life. What a musician! The fifth track had an alt-pop feel, while the sixth, Mercy, inspired by the Cillian Murphy film On the Edge, was a personal favourite. The seventh track delivered massive vocal moments that electrified the room, with the drummer consistently slamming the emotion until the set’s end.

By 9pm, Thinking Foxes, another electrifying four-piece band, took the stage, bringing extra hype as the crowd swelled by about a third. The charismatic vocalist, also the guitarist, introduced the band as hailing from both Devonport and Hamilton. Bleach, their debut single, got everyone dancing, undoubtedly fueled by their infectious energy and dapper costumes. The slower drumming didn’t dampen the high-energy atmosphere. A standout moment was their rendition of Somebody Told Me by The Killers, which was an absolute crowd-pleaser. With stellar crowd control and a strong indie vibe, the room was buzzing with coolness that night.

By 9:50pm, anticipation had reached its peak as our main act, Napoleon Baby, took the stage! Hailing from Auckland, this dynamic trio had recently returned from their overseas escapades. Their sound — a solid fusion of old-school indie-rock mixed with their unique style of alternative, pop, and rock — drew in roughly 30 more eager faces, and the shimmying was on!

The EP’s album artwork and inspiration added a visually striking dimension to their aesthetic, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Napoleon Baby’s new 4-track EP is genre-defying gold, intricately fusing anthems that capture the raw pains of life’s misfortunes with biting sarcasm for the resolute and strong-minded. The atmosphere was buzzing, and the band’s swanky energy resonated with everyone, making it a night to remember.

The lead singer is a real talent, seamlessly blending vocals, guitar, and even keys throughout the set. Track two was memorable, with a surf-rock feel that was upbeat and fun. Track three, The Company, was unforgettable, especially with the lyrics, “it’s gotta be the worry with you,” sticking in my head. During track five, they announced it would be their last show in New Zealand for now. Ironically, the lead singer gained a headstrong confidence that captivated and engaged the mind.

They played Sailors from the new album, followed by Unworthy Boys, which I recognised immediately for its masterful lyricism. Unworthy Boys (my favourite song of the set) delivered a standout performance. The lyrics give a bold message to societal standards, including social experimentation and the concept of owning a home or unattainable assets in general. Are we really all that unworthy? It makes us the majority, at least… I love this track mainly for its rugged and raw message to the world about what really matters, and what shouldn’t… or doesn’t.

A few more tracks wrapped up the set. Honestly, this band exudes a lot of emotion, and let’s not forget the bassist’s cowboy hat, which turned into a running joke by the end. The seamless transitions from guitar to keys were pure wizardry, even though they feared messing up the song—they didn’t! Well, at least not to my ears (haha).

The band was consistent and had great individual moments like bass and guitar solos, and hard hits on the snare. I loved the track where they mention good friends taking time, and the many satisfying digs at modern society and culture — gotta love a mutual frustration played out in art form!

What a night! The lights were in perfect harmony with the set’s style, casting a glow on the sea of slicked-back hairstyles and stylish outfits, each echoing the era of this timeless music. I was a happy chap, and my plus one elevated the experience by capturing mid-level video footage that soared above the crowd — thanks to his height! A perfect night brimming with camaraderie and spirit. Heartfelt thanks to all who brought this gig to life; may New Zealand be lucky enough to be hit by these bands’ performances once again!