FESTIVAL REVIEW: Kraken

 The kraken was well and truly released on Sunday in Helensville, as hundreds of punters descended upon the Original Kaipara Tavern to see Japanese jett rock n rollers GUITAR WOLF and Switzerland's psych-punk fuzz rockers THE JACKETS, along with a handful of Tāmaki Makaurau's finest local bands. The inaugural Kraken festival featured two stages, one outdoors behind the bar (lucky the weather was good) and another indoors. The indoor stage kicked off with INGRESS, a young cover band who got the crowd warmed up and ready for the day of punk rock chaos that awaited them. After them were THE BRIGHT IDEAS, who opened the outdoor stage with their mod-rock tunes. 


Then it was time for CAPRICORE, who laid down some glossy, glammy rock n roll, before heading back outside for CHEM CHAIN, easily the heaviest band on the bill. One of my highlights was the set by THE NERVOUS SYSTEMS, who featured Jimmy Christmas and Jake Harding from The D4. I'm a huge D4 fan, so it was awesome to hear what the fellas are doing now musically. It was also great to see the White Stripes-esque two-piece, THE IDEAS (not to be confused with the aforementioned BRIGHT IDEAS). 


One of the bands I was particularly interested in seeing was THE JACKETS, who were on their first visit to New Zealand from Switzerland. The garage psych-punk outfit were dressed to the nines in their black shirts and pants. The band had a real charisma to them with their unique moves, and finished their set by collapsing over their instruments. 


And then it was time for the big finale. Contrary to THE JACKETS, GUITAR WOLF were on their 15th trip to Aotearoa. The leather-donning, punk rock maniacs absolutely blew people's minds (and ears). Guitarist and frontman Seiji never fails to keep people both entertained and intrigued, while drummer, Takuro, bashes out the lightning-fast beats in perfect time. Resplendent in their sunnies, GUITAR WOLF finished off the day with a blast like no other. 


The first Kraken festival was a brilliant day for music fans, vinyl coĺlectors and thrifters of all ages, and I sure do hope it will not be the last.


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