5/30/2023 0 Comments Encore energy number![]() The first encore number, a cover of The Rescues’ My Heart With You, was lovely, with an American-folksy vibe and the group dropping all the beatboxing and background (virtual) bells and whistles for incredibly pure harmonies. Standouts were Shallow, with Kirstin Maldonado and Mitch Grassi taking the lead, opening tune Sing, featuring Matt Sallee’s bass and an impressive light show, and the much-loved and oh-so-familiar Hallelujah. Pitch perfect throughout the night, the group showcased original songs (including a fair few and a medley from last year’s album The Lucky Ones) alongside covers ranging from Imogen Heap to Queen. The audience didn’t care, and Pentatonix definitely redeemed themselves with operatic prowess and soaring harmonies. It was always going to veer on being cheesy, given their choice of song covers, especially evident in the singalong medleys – from the Vengaboys to Journey. ![]() But without even a tambourine to rattle, Pentatonix managed to convey a full-band experience with their accomplished acapella presentation. I suspect there are few acts who have attempted a gig at Spark Arena with only one instrument on show (in this case, Kevin Olusola’s cello – utilised in an amazing classical crossover of simultaneous solo Bach and beatbox). More intimate solo gigs soon, please! Pentatonix While she confidently copes with the crowds, she’s too good to be pigeonholed as an international visitor warm-up act. I last saw Georgia as support for George Ezra, again at Spark Arena. She certainly took her warm-up duties seriously, chatting effortlessly and engagingly between songs, encouraging a singalong to a Billie Eilish cover “that you might know” (I suspect 90% didn’t) and valiantly instigating a sing-off between the two halves of the arena in Made for Loving. New Zealand’s answer to Lady Gaga accompanied herself on the keyboard, through a set list starting with Falling and Never Had Love, with its impressive ascending runs and pounding piano. ![]() ![]() Georgia seemed surprised but appreciative, thanking them and running through her recent offerings with a rich, soaring voice. The by now familiar half-format arena was filled with an audience leaning toward Gold Card status – why? Is acapella particularly attractive to an older crowd, who get to hear the lyrics without those pesky guitars and drums getting in the way? Whatever, they were seated and ready for the 8.15pm start. The quintet, ably supported by Kiwi singer Georgia Lines, put together a pretty decent showcase of their admirable vocal dexterity. Pentatonix wowed the crowd at the Spark Arena with a high-energy romp through their back catalogue and a fair number of covers. ![]()
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