Gig Review: Park Rd at Space Academy, 21/10/2022
Leo Crawshaw-Bond and Tom Chamberlain, 2/5 of Park Rd, performing at Space Academy, 21/10/2022. Shot on the Sony A6000.
Auckland locals, Park Rd, cast aside a night away from touring with Muroki to bring Christchurch an epic night of their presence at the happening spot of Space Academy on Friday just gone, kicking off the long weekend in the most upbeat and energetic way that they have to offer.
First and foremost, Park Rd bring the most wholesome vibes to any room that they walk into. Their positive energy banishes anything that is not purely a bundle of joy and for that reason, I find myself undoubtedly enthralled with what the Park Rd lads have to offer each and every time I see them up on that stage, thriving.
For anyone who has not had the opportunity to attend a Park Rd gig, this is your sign to do so. If you are in desperate need of a night of dancing, then look no further as they will not disappoint and will have your whole body grooving the entire time. You know a band is magical when they keep you on your toes all night long. Literally.
Te Kapua Pene (TK) - background, Angus Hampton-Carr and Carlos Martin doing their thing on stage at Space Academy. Shot on the Sony A6000.
A smashing start to the evening was Park Rd’s own absolute banger, Golden, which everyone knows the lyrics to. An incredibly catchy song that is the best way to engage the audience to bring out the pumping moments that were about to be thrust upon us.
Park Rd have this spot-on way of performing with such professionality while keeping their sparkling personalities on top with their concentration on high. They ensure that their shows are going to be a highlight for not only the people attending them, but also themselves. A lot of hard work is poured into making sure everything is accurate and comes across as a fun time which is quite evident.
Set list number one! Handed to me by TK.
Park Rd create this intimate experience which is rather indulgent and exceptionally delightful for every single person that is in attendance, something not all can do with ease, yet Park Rd do.
A mix of new and old music was played - everything from Surfer Boy Paradise which was their second single, to Outta My Hands where Leo takes the reigns and performs on the vocals, tearing the roof off the place.
For me, I was thoroughly impressed with TK bringing it home on the drums in the back. While a lot of people tend to miss out on seeing the drummers from bands performing as they are mainly hidden away, TK made the evening a highlight with how crazy good he is on the drums, delivering these outer space, energetic moments that captured my attention through and through.
Leo taking it over! Shot on the Sony A6000.
Tom introduced a couple of new songs that are yet to be released which included a soft track, Ride, which I feel is going to take off when this is officially out in the universe for rotation - it has this velvety, mild rock vigour to it, making it an extraordinarily fine tune. Another track that is yet to be out is called Secrets and definitely has the classic Park Rd feeling to it.
The special sound set list that Tom went and got for me with all the details you don’t usually get to see on a regular set list. So interesting!
All in all, Park Rd put on this massively fantastic show for us here in Christchurch and always give more than 100 percent, enjoying every second of the ride that they are on. I respect that they had already been in different cities for the past few nights performing, they still are always happy to be where they currently are, the passion coming across tenfold.
Park Rd are delightful and thoughtful humans with talent beyond their young years. I would absolutely get on board with their music if you haven’t already - you too, will fall in love with what they have to offer.
Chilling with the Park Rd guys post gig! Shoutout to Gus from There’s A Tuesday for taking this one.
You can follow along with Park Rd at all of the below links -