I saw The Cult perform in Wellington in 1993. I was four months pregnant at the time and spent the whole concert trying not to breathe in order to avoid brain damage to my unborn baby from the *ahem* herbal cigarette smoke that wreathed the venue; and the very drunk guy standing next to us took exception to the way my (now ex) husband looked at him and threatened violence.

I didn’t enjoy the concert much at all. Not because of herbal smoke or dickhead drunks, but because it was, quite frankly, lacklustre. Some musicians make their audience feel a part of something. Even if lines like “wow, this is the best audience we’ve played to” are hackneyed and trite, with the right delivery and some genuine emotion behind it the audience will believe. Other bands give off an “if it’s Wednesday then this must be New Zealand” vibe that leaves the audience with the impression that the band would rather be anywhere doing anything else than playing this particular song for the 157th time, and The Cult was one of those.

But hey, I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. I still love their music and wouldn’t mind seeing them again, so I’m quite tempted to book myself tickets for their concert at Trusts Stadium on Monday 3 May. The Love World Tour follows a different format from your standard concert, with The Cult performing in its entirety their seminal 1985 album “Love”, followed by a “best of” finale showcasing their biggest hits.

So, what do you think? Should I give them another chance? Tickets are available from Ticket Direct.

Ask any Kiwi to list New Zealand music acts who have made it big internationally and Crowded House is bound to be near the top of the list. Formed in 1985, Crowded House had a string of national and international hits before disbanding in 1996.

Of course it seems that no band ever breaks up permanently, and in 2007 Crowded House reformed, added new drummer Mark Sherrod and released the album Time On Earth. Another new album is due out shortly, and prior to its release they will be performing in the Great Hall of the Auckland Town Hall on April 8th, giving their fans a sample of the new material, as well as a smattering of old favourites.

Further information and tickets from The Edge.

Building on a series of summer shows, new Auckland band Rata & Sons is playing the Kings Arms on Friday 27 March with guest drummer Paul Roper (Mint Chicks) and country pyschadelic rockers Royal Falcon.

Rata & Sons describe themselves as “where Oasis and The Jam meet Cheap Trick and the Kings of Leon”, while Royal Falcon have “expansive lead guitar and dark narratives to create something pretty intense” so it sounds like a pretty interesting gig to check out.

According to a bio I found on the interwebs, “their sound moves from slowly evolving drones to noise prog rock, mixing in free jazz drum splatter and psych-noise.” (Yeah, remember what your gran said about free jazz drum splatter.)

And you know who likes The Stumps? Mr Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, that’s who.

Also on the bill is avant-rock due White Saucer, and playing some records will be DJ Tanner (OMG, best DJ name ever!), Seht and Wyatt Riot.

It $10 at the door. More details on the gig (and a live video) at Mukuna.

P.S. If you need something sweeter in your night, you can pop across to the adjoining Wine Cellar to see The Sami Sisters. That’s actress Madeleine Sami, her two sisters and a whole lotta lovely. Also $10 at the door.

The Managers do their well-loved ska-rock big band thing at The Gables in Herne Bay – rumour even has it that this could become a regular spot for their shows. Free as well!

Collapsing Cities farewell their hometown and celebrate their album release with a last show at the good ol’ Kings Arms tonight. $10 door charge.

DJs Manual Bundy, Stormin’ Norman, Lowman, DJ Style and Cold Hand Luke feature at the Pull Lounge Bar on K Rd. $5 door charge; 3 beers for $10.

If you’re a truly dedicated muso-about-town, you’ll make all three of course – but Aucklandista will settle for one. Support New Zealand music!