Concert Review: Be Present With Goodspace

Friday night I popped into The Dog’s Bollix along Auckland's K Road. Haven’t been there in donkey’s let alone dog’s years, and though it’s looking a little tired, tonight it’s quite vibrant with about 40 people seated or standing around the small stage on the right as you walk in. Last week’s birthday party decorations are still up, indicating that the Bollix has maybe seen better times, but hey, it’s a free venue for aspiring artists and maybe we’ve forgotten it a bit. Bollix.

Lloyd Thomason, Nick Annear and Jeff Chen in a good space

Tonight the chaps from Goodspace have organised a little gig for friends, family and Stefan from Roumania, and it’s an entertaining little night of indie-pop.

Brayden Jeffrey was just finishing his set as I arrived, so not a lot to say. Then Citrus Dreams have their turn, and it’s their second gig, and everyone has to have their second gig, so even though it shows, it can’t be easy. If you don’t do your second gig boys, you won’t get to the 22nd, so keep on going! Dreamy, soulful, a touch of Yo La Tengo. But there are patchy sound issues, and all I can give is encouragement. There are some nice songs in there, and the better it will get... 
Citrus Dreams are Greg on vocals, guitar and door sales, Charles on Bass, and Paora on drums.

Goodspace with Lhasa on the Bad Monkey Music Show

I met Jeff Chen and Lloyd Thomason from Goodspace on the Bad Monkey’s weekly radio show on Planet FM a few weeks ago and they impressed with their jazzy indie-pop which brings up references to any number of British bands of the late 80s and early 90s. And my impressions are only enhanced with the addition of drummer Nick Annear in a live setting and a fuller sound.

More modern, poppy, but still jazzy as they take us through their 11 song set. All the EP songs and a cover of a Brian Jonestown Massacre which also anchors the “sounds like” list which now extends to Kula Shaker, Soup Dragons and Mansun.

These guys are good and will only get better. Excellent drummer. Jeff taking most of the vocals but Lloyd chipping in adding texture and tone, and maybe his own songs?

Check these guys out. They’re in a good space.

Goodspace's setlist:

1. Don't Want No One to Know
2. Same Old Trap
3. Somehow I Feel on Track
4. Brush
5. Underneath
6. Anemone (Cover-The Brian Jonestown Massacre)
7. This Song's About You
8. Before
9. Time Chasing
10. Leaves
11. Weave