New Zealand's alternative rock scene continues to export some stellar talent, and leading the charge into the Australian spring is Auckland-based outfit Frank On Tap. Following the September launch of their highly anticipated debut album, ‘At Sixes and Sevens’, the four-piece are set to cross the Tasman for a run of East Coast dates this October. Joining them are fellow Kiwi rockers No Cigar, marking Frank On Tap’s first chance to bring their renowned, high-energy live show to Australian shores. For those craving thoughtful lyricism and a compelling alt-rock soundscape, this tour is one you won't want to miss.
Recorded over twelve months at the famed Roundhead Studios, ‘At Sixes and Sevens’ is a meticulously crafted statement piece that cements the band's identity. The record artfully marries a gritty, driving rock energy with moments of real tenderness, offering a balance that feels authentic and compelling. It’s an album that navigates turbulence and conflict, yet consistently guides the listener towards moments of reflection and eventual release.
As the band themselves explain, “Although it might suggest a ballad ripe with grief and error, this record feels like a genuine chance at moving forward. There is a hopeful optimism and sincerity that underlies the record. Making sense of the world around you as you attempt to become a better person. An honest, raw expression of the beauty in struggle.”
That sincerity is palpable across the debut’s tracks, demonstrating why Frank On Tap’s stage presence has earned such widespread acclaim back home. Their knack for combining powerful instrumentals with soaring, memorable choruses gives their music an immediate and exhilarating quality.
Standout tracks from the album, such as the emotionally charged ‘Stars’, the introspective 'Mary & Me', and the hard-hitting ‘Surrender’, provide a perfect indication of the band's versatility. Previous live reviews praise the group’s undeniable synergy and the adrenaline-packed atmosphere they create, often described as a vibrant pop-rock spectacle that hooks the audience instantly. Fans across Australia can finally realise what the buzz is about as they perform material from their fresh release.
The excitement surrounding this trans-Tasman jaunt is clear, with multiple venues having already sold out, including Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on the Gold Coast, The Brightside Outdoors in Brisbane, and the initial Sydney stop at The Lansdowne. If you want to witness this raw, emotion-fuelled performance, you’ll need to act fast.
An additional Sydney date has been announced to meet demand. The tour schedule also includes stops at Newcastle’s Stag & Hunter on Sunday, 26th October, the Torquay Hotel on Friday, 3rd October, and The Night Cat in Melbourne on Saturday, 1st November. Catching Frank On Tap supporting No Cigar is a superb double-header that showcases the depth of New Zealand's contemporary rock music.
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