Midnight Youth – The Meteor Theatre

The Fuel Festival in Hamilton seems to get bigger and brighter every year, and this time round its played host to some of New Zealand’s most popular acts such as Minuit and Little Bushman, along with Saturday night favourites – Midnight Youth and Autozamm.

Being an all ages gig, there were kids a plenty, all out to see their beloved hotties on stage with the obvious hope to impress the musicians so much that they might choose to ‘hang’ with them after the show. To be honest, I was pretty embarrassed as Midnight Youth hopped on stage to an array of teenage girls screaming and ogling them with their over dressed eyes – but then, I guess that’s all part of the business…must please the fans, and let me tell you, they certainly succeeded in that quest.

Opening their set with Cavalry, it was made pretty clear that the lads were playing to a bunch that not only own their debut album, but have been thrashing it since the day it was bought. It was wicked to see such enthusiasm from the crowd and it quickly became apparent that the guys were more than happy to strut their stuff for the much deserved attention they were receiving. Getting into the third track off The Brave Don’t Run titled Dead Flowers the guys got the crowd jumping which saw all of the little fan boys up the front practically squeal with delight. Did I say cringe?

Pockets, Lonely Homes and Learning To Fall were performed delightfully well by each member and I must say I was well impressed with front-man Jeremy Redmore’s ability to sing with such spice while batting off the girls below. I’m sure they would have ripped his pants off given half the chance. Bassist Matt Warman also received his spot of attention from the ladies due to his quietly sexual nature whose style reminded me a little of local rockers, The Datsuns.

Radio hit, The Letter was next on the bill which gained more hyped up activity, instantly putting smiles on the lads’ faces who were now playing off the energy of the crowd. Their first release, Supernatural came next before a particularly devilish rendition of a favourite of mine, Benjamin. Seems I’m not alone as everyone sung along before the song turned into another favourite – Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta’ Love. Tijuana is a true standout off the album, so it’s fair to say I was pretty excited to see this one live. It’s a lot different to their other stuff and takes on a Mars Volta feel. Can you say rock n’ roll?

If that doesn’t do it for you, just add guitarist Simon Oscroft climbing onto a damn high speaker and you should be right. Finishing up with another of their popular tracks All On Our Own I can say in all honesty that these lads as a whole are massive. Not one of them over powers the next – they’re just a tight combination of genius in its purest form and definitely an act that you need to experience for yourself.

Overall, it’s safe to say that in spite of the mental goings on, I had myself a bloody good night and really look forward to seeing them perform minus the kiddies in the future. Personally I think they’re way too talented and sophisticated to be putting up with that kind of behaviour. Obviously.

Amanda Ratcliffe