An artist of rare calibre, Aldous Harding does more than sing; she conjures a singular intensity. Her body and face a weapon of theatre, Harding dances with steeled fervor, baring her teeth like a Bunraku puppets gnashing grin. New Zealand will see Aldous back home for two very special shows at Aucklands Pah Homestead in a few months time. With very limited capacity available at this historic art gallery, these tickets will sell fast.
Having garnered worldwide attention with her eponymous debut album, Aldous Harding has quickly became known for her charismatic combination of talent, tenacity and shrewd wit. A quick favourite of reviewers in the most illustrious corners of the music industry, Aldous Harding’s recent SXSW shows and recent single ‘Imagining My Man’ have courted high praise from the harshest of critics. “Harding’s voice conveys an acute sense of intimacy over a gentle guitar strum and simple, steady piano chords”, waxed Pitchfork.
Gorilla vs. Bear claimed her SXSW set as being “unforgettable”; while NPR praised her steely elegance: Hardings haunting folk music moves delicately, but never stops baring its teeth.”
Her second album Party (produced with the award-winning John Parish; PJ Harvey, Sparklehorse) will be unveiled worldwide on 19 May, released on Flying Nun in New Zealand and elsewhere on global indie super-label 4AD (Grimes, Deerhunter). The Guardian noted her as “a folk artist whose performances strike that rare balance between fragility and full-blown possession”.
Embarking on a worldwide tour certain to see her lights grow brighter still, Aldous Harding is returning back home to perform two very intimate shows in the Drawing Room of Auckland’s historic Pah Homestead. These shows are a rare chance to catch an artist at the height of her powers, before she departs once more to tour through North America and Europe. Aldous and her full band will take to the stage on Friday 30 June and Saturday 1 July 2017, bringing her album Party to full live fruition in one of Auckland’s most spectacular and unique spaces.
The Pah Homestead, owned by Auckland Council, built between 1877-79, is a situated on a picturesque farm landscape, including a series of gardens and tree lined driveways. The Council extensively restored and adapted the Homestead prior to its opening as the home of the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre in August 2010. Featuring work shown by the The Wallace Arts Trust; at the time of Aldous Harding’s shows the the Homestead will feature (among others) a diverse and wide-ranging photographic exhibition Here, Now, Then, Always. Important works are shown alongside possible ‘curiosities’ and recent acquisitions.
Pre-sales are available via undertheradar.co.nz from 9am on Tuesday 9 May. Limited tickets are available; with light food and drinks on offer from Homestead. These shows will sell out - be sure to get in quick to these very special shows, as it will be the last chance to witness Aldous Harding’s spellbinding set on home turf for some time.
Aldous Harding (with full band)
Live in The Drawing Room at the Pah Homestead
Light food & drinks from Homestead
Friday 30 June & Saturday 1 July 2017
Tickets are $47 +BF and will be on sale via undertheradar.co.nz from 9am on Tuesday 9 May
