For nearly a quarter-century The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion have been sweating, freezing, eating, drinking, fighting, winning, and losing in New York City, perpetrating some of the most timeless moments of musical mayhem in the history of Manhattan and beyond. As ever, Jon Spencer tells the tales, Judah Bauer plays the blues, and Russell Simins smashes things to bits... delivering the real deal — rock’n’roll that is unapologetically nasty and strong.
On the back of their new record, Freedom Tower – No Wave Dance Party 2015 the Blues Explosion are bringing their savage funkacide to New Zealand, locked and loaded with the deadliest, predatory guitar riffs that primitive magnetic tape can handle.
Rehearsed and polished in a string of secret gigs and unannounced opening slots in theaters, hotel bars, and dives (often under assumed names), Freedom Tower was recorded at the legendary Daptone House Of Soul in Bushwick and mixed with hip-hop cult legend Alap Momin at the cutting edge of Harlem; the record is a document of New York City, a chronicle of grit and terror and love.
Joining the Blues Explosion at Powerstation will be two-man blues/roots duo Swamp Thing. A former member of The John Butler Trio & the touring drummer with Kiwi legends Split Enz, Michael Barker formed the two-man blues/roots duo Swamp Thing with Grant Haua in 2010. These two unique musicians share a wealth of experience to craft blues- flavoured music with a deep groove and soulful spook.
Swamp Thing’s energetic live performances are re-known for inspiring concert goers to dance and have fun while showcasing a wealth of musical experience and engaging their audience at all times.
