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Located at the new Spark Cauldron – a COVID-sized version of the usual Spark Arena venue – this was a triumphant return for Fat Freddy’s Drop, the electro-dub-reggae-roots unit that continues to expand its size and sound. As a delayed promo gig for latest album Special Edition Vol 1, the gig had a bit of everything for Freddy’s fans, as well as the same same, but different.

We caught a bit of openers Avantdale Bowling Club, who released a bold, beautiful self-titled album in 2018. With a sound inspired by Coltrane, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and other free jazz heroes, filtered through the UK’s new jazz movement, the Tom Scott led group are an ambitious choice to kick things off, but they get over the line through a slightly muddy mix, probably not helped by the room. The immortal ‘Years Gone By’, their closing number, was an instant classic upon release, and it sounded even more vital, heavier, looser, and bigger on stage, aided by virtuoso musicians Guy Harrison and Julien Dyne.

I’ve seen Freddy’s at least 15 times since 2005, and despite incorporating more electro and house elements into their sound, they’ve never really strayed from their core show. Their mix was much clearer this time – a big, bright sound, Mu’s MPC thwacking through the Cauldron. Joe Dukie was in fine vocal form, always improving his Withers croon with age, while the spotlight was on dancing trombone extraordinaire Joe ‘Hopepa’ Lindsay, who steals the show nearly every time.

The new material sounds great, but Special Edition really just sounds like a continuation of what they started with the Bays album – a mix of dance-hall inspired bangers and long-and-winding jams that are buoyed by huge live horn arrangements that quote the JBs. But including songs that they hardly ever play – the Shuggieness of ‘Bones’ or the perennial favourite ‘Hope’ – they got major points, making this one of my top five performances from them. ‘Shiverman’ will always be a high point in any gig situation, and I was jealous of my mate experiencing it for the first time. All up, this was a bloody good show.

I look forward to seeing what this Kiwi dub institution do next in the studio – presumably Special Edition Vol 2 – but catch them this summer at Rhythm & Alps on December 30th, as well as next March at Outerfields in Auckland.