Connan Mockasin Monte Cristo Room Auckland

Connan Mockasin Album Release Show
Sat 27th March
Monte Cristo Room, Auckland

First off, in my opinion, Connan Mockasins’ debut album ‘Please Turn me into the Snat’ is outstanding, a delicate psychedelic pop record that subtly nods to Syd Barret and Can, showcasing exceptional musicality without taking itself too seriously. I’d been listening to this record on repeat since it came out so naturally, attended the album release show at Monetchristo on Saturday night with high expectations in tow.

From album and set opener ‘Megumi the Milkyway Above’ it’s almost alarming how talented this bunch of musicians are, Brothers Liam and Elroy Finn are ridiculous in the rhythm section and with ‘Wild’ Bill Rickets (Phoenix Foundation) on percussion and Sam Eastgate (Late of the Pier) on synths, bv’s and other noises, the group seamlessly translates the sounds of the album into the live setting. Such musicianship could be a little distracting if it weren’t for the charmingly charismatic front figure of Connan himself. Parading on a self built ‘ego-walk’ in a Japanese waste-coat and one piece long-johns, Connan is somehow simultaneously mysteriously frontman-like, - ogled and screamed at in adoration by the entirely female front row- yet refreshingly relaxed. He looks like he’s enjoying himself, it’s humourous and fun without slipping into cheesey jokey parody. The highlight of the set ‘Forever Dolphin Love’ is already a crowd favourite, and perhaps equally matched by the encore, Connans’ cover of Michael Jacksons’ ‘Remember The Time’ (listen to on his myspace) which banters it’s segue to the night closer, the only remnant of earlier recorded material ‘Sneaky Dog Friend’.

It’s hard to imagine this is the same guy who would shyly perform kneeling before packed out Edens Bar crowds half a decade ago. He was an exciting prospect then, but now, with an album of fully realised material he seems unstoppable. It was an impressive performance, which certainly lived up to and exceeded my super high expectations. I can’t wait to see how this release goes when it comes out on Erol Alkans label in the UK later this year.