KEY POINTS:
POP/DANCE
There is a unique opportunity for Aucklanders to see two much-hyped international acts this Friday. British band Metronomy mix indie cred and swagger with dancefloor-friendly beats and riffs, and mischievous French band The Teenagers are sure to get the crowd chuckling, blushing and dancing with
their often risque songs. Catch them both at that good old favourite, the King's Arms.
Metronomy and The Teenagers - Kings Arms, 59 France St, Newton, January 9, 8pm
FOLK/ROCK
Seattle band Fleet Foxes drew many favourable reviews last year. Their self-titled album scored a 9/10 review from www.pitchforkmedia.com, (they also named it album of the year), four stars from Rolling Stone magazine, and we named it best album of 2008. The band describe their music as "baroque harmonic pop jams". If all this fervour has piqued your interest, the bad news is their gig in Takapuna tonight has sold out.
Fleet Foxes - Bruce Mason Centre, Cnr Hurstmere Rd & The Promenade, Takapuna, January 8
DUBSTEP
Visiting Californian producer and DJ Flying Lotus had a hit with his critically acclaimed album last year. His textured, intriguing and often dark soundscapes drew comparisons with the likes of DJ Shadow, and saw him work with some big names, including Lil Wayne. The gig will be a celebration of hip-hop, dubstep, downtempo and more, with a large line-up of local DJs set to play alongside Flying Lotus.
Flying Lotus - Seba, 63 Fort St, Auckland, 9pm, January 8
FESTIVAL
The small township of Pungarehu on Surf Highway 45 near Taranaki is poised for an injection of music and aroha this weekend. The Parihaka International Peace Festival runs from Friday until Monday. Bands such as Kora, Little Bushman, SJD and Katchafire will be spreading the word of peace, with this year's theme of "Peace, Justice and Eco Responsibility".
The Parihaka International Peace Festival - Parihaka Papakainga, Mid Parihaka Rd, Pungarehu, January 9-12
DJ/DANCE
One of the most exciting dance music line-ups in New Zealand of late hits the Vector Arena at full speed this Saturday. The Summadayze Festival features indie hipster DJ and fashion icon Steve Aoki, the ever-so-funky Calvin Harris, Australian act The Potbellez and, reborn in 2009, legendary dance act Utah Saints - you know something good is going to happen.
Summadayze - Vector Arena, January 10, tickets from Ticketmaster
DJ/DANCE
Those lucky enough to still be holidaying in the Coromandel this weekend will be treated to a feast of drum and bass. Stalwarts of the scene Concord Dawn are joined by international achievers State Of Mind and Bulletproof. Throw in two of the country's best MCs - Twincam and Tiki - and you've got yourself a dancefloor.
Concord Dawn, State of Mind, Bulletproof, TwinCam and Tiki - Coroglen Tavern, 1937 State Highway 25, Whitianga, January 10, 7pm
ROCK/POP
With his scruffy My Name Is Earl-style facial hair and super relaxed attitude, visiting singer-songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter slots into the Kiwi summer with ease. He's the kind of guy you want around the bonfire, a classic beach bum, surfer dude figure. Fans can stroll up from the beach to see him perform at Mangawhai and Waihi this weekend.
Donavon Frankenreiter - Mangawhai Tavern, Moir St, Mangawhai, January 10; Waihi Beach Hotel, January 11
ROCK/POP
The Dodos, a band yet to go the way of their namesake bird, have been on the rise since forming in San Francisco in 2005. Singer-songwriter Meric Long and drummer Logan Kroeber form the heart of this group, with newcomer Joe Haener on vibraphone, toy piano, and whatever else he can lay his hands on. Catch them in Auckland this Saturday or enjoy them in Leigh on Sunday.
The Dodos - King's Arms, 59 France St, Newton, 7:30pm, January 10; Leigh Sawmill Cafe, January 11