Culture

Re:fuel, February 24 2011
After an energetic and engaging performance in the foreign environment of the OUSA balcony during lunch, one-man party machine Luke Rowell, aka Disasteradio, seemed sufficiently excited for the small but passionate Re:fuel audience.
 
Preceded by current Dunedin royalty Thundercub, and with proceeds being charitably donated to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, almost nothing on this night could be faulted. More than an opening act, with a flawless fusion of proto-dance and electronica Thundercub sounded without peer. Playing through a set of newer material, the synchronisation of guitarist Lee Nicolson’s almost god-like command of his instrument and drummer Samdrub Dawa’s impossibly relaxed drumming means there is almost no question that Thundercub are destined for great things (should they choose to chase them).
 
With his almost exploitive use of the 4/4 and racing synth, its virtually impossible not to start dancing as Disasteradio jumped into his first number. Constantly moving (and with the calve muscles to prove it) Disasteradio comes to entertain. With his arsenal of clever and intense pop songs, and armed with a musically endowed laser gun, D-rad blasted through a typical (read: fantastic) set in little over an hour.
 
Sadly as the gig neared its end, two extremely intoxicated young ladies made the ill-timed move of climbing onstage to dance. While such an action would usually be encouraged, the manner in which those girls attempted to take over the stage was both frustrating and depressing. Probably freshers eh.  
 
 
CORRECTION: Last week, we neglected to credit the Melvins photo to the talented Roger Grauwmeijer (Roger@RokPx.com). We apologise.