SAMP08: Performers shine at southern gathering (Festival Review)

10th November 2008 - By Vicki Anderson, The Press
More than 6500 people were treated to a stellar cast of international and local sounds at Southern Amp, home to live music in the South this weekend. (Pictured - Amp it up: the crowd reels to Pitch Black's sound at Southern Amp yesterday, Photo Kirk Hargreaves)

On the Main Stage, Weta reunited for the first time in many years and performed a fun, upbeat set which saw such passionate guitar playing that the guitarist's glasses went flying off his face. The Jordan Luck Band gathered everyone together for a group shoutalong. British group the Charlatans were on top form, providing a gorgeous set of subtle hits from both their back catalogue and latest album You Cross My Path. Frontman Tim Burgess told The Press that he was thrilled to finally be in Christchurch.

The Dandy Warhols had us all swaying and shouting along to such timeless hits as Bohemian Like You, Godless et al and proved once more that it is the international acts who lead the way in filling the tin-can that is the Westpac with great sounds.

Aussie live legends The Living End crackled like the lyrical firecrackers they are. Their new album White Noise recently scored them an Aria for best Rock Album. They rocked live.

South African group Seether are on stage now and I can feel the walls shaking as I type this.

The Ministry of Sound stage was well attended throughout the day, although I find listening to this sort of music in daylight vaguely wrong on some level. Highlights were Concord Dawn, Tiki and The Potbelleez.

However, where Southern Amp really shines is when it highlights our local talent and there was much to choose from this year - standouts being Christchurch's Cairo Knife Fight (drummers who sing are cool),Tiger Tones as well as fresh faces Midnight Youth, and seasoned pros Die! Die! Die!, Little Bushman and Dimmer.

At home on the Christchurch stage, cowboy MC Dirt startled his horse and a good segment of the crowd with his potty mouth and quick-witted lyrics.

The Eastern wowed, Lindon Puffin was on fire and The L.E.Ds and Minisnap earnt themselves more than a few new fans.