Transvision Vamp @ Meow Nui, Wellington
Wendy James still has the attitude, but a thin mix left Transvision Vamp short of nasty
Baby I Don't Care and I Want Your Love were two huge songs as I was coming of age, and I have adored them both ever since. So this first ever chance to see Transvision Vamp had to be taken.
Jo and I went along with VIP section tickets, which I wouldn't bother with again unless I particularly wanted a seat with a view and easy access to a private bar. Good for a date night, overpriced for an experience though.
The crowd was largely original era, couples reliving their heyday, and popular with groups of ladies in leopard print.
Dropper
Dropper are a local four piece I'd never heard of before. I doubt Transvision Vamp had either, but they did OK, and I'm pretty sure their parents were down the front cheering them on every step of the way. Heartwarming, but unremarkable.
Transvision Vamp
The sound initially disappointed. The mix was out for the first couple of songs, the single guitar was too thin and too jangly, with no phat or riff, and the keyboard setup was barely audible, so at times songs were just bass, drums and Wendy. It got a bit better after four or so songs, but it never impressed and the band's overall impact was definitely reduced. Transvision Vamp need a snarly rock core, but tonight's version was too nice, not enough nasty.
Wendy James however still has most of her range and all of her attitude. Transvision Vamp were an early pop-punk mashup kind of thing - bubblegum vocals over a pop song with teeth. Part of the appeal was Wendy herself - doe eyed and demure, yet glam but dangerous, with a sweet sounding snarkiness underpinning most tracks. Wendy alone was worth the price of admission.
They pumped through the same setlist they play every night, and it did feel by the numbers in places. But Wendy took the time to say she remembered us, and it felt authentic. I'd read before the show that New Zealand was one of the countries they did best in and toured frequently back in the day, and some of those fans were in the house tonight too. Nice for them to get a shout out.
Of the two songs I cared about, I Want Your Love fell foul of the bad mix and a wimpy melody section early in the set. It was good, but thin - a low carb diet snack instead of a tune you should chew on. But Baby I Don't Care brought the house down, or the hands up, and even though I can't get anywhere near the high notes in the chorus, I damn well tried. Four minutes of bliss.
Other than that - competent, professional. They won't be back, and that's OK. Once was enough. Glad to add them to the scrapbook, and it was a lovely date night out down memory lane.
Photos from the gig
