Review: Church & AP 'Teeth' Album Release Party

Church & AP’s album release party was last Friday, on the same day they released their debut album Teeth. The young rap duo brought together a crazy line-up full of Auckland talent that I knew before even going that it was gonna be a night of unbeatable energy. If you weren’t there, then I’m sorry that you missed out ‘cause that energy is hard to find in Auckland.

Neko was the first opener for what I think was her debut live performance. I have to say, her beauty is mesmerizing, she was sitting in the middle of the stage with a guitar in her hands and with the lighting fixated on her, she was simply radiant! Then when you add her singing into the mix - WOW. She reminds me of Willow Smith, just oozing natural beauty that was felt on a spiritual level through her melodic voice. The crowd was small but intimate as people were still making their way in. It almost felt like a crime hearing people in the back talking loudly as Neko sung but despite that, she remained unhinged and super professional. She brought on some guitarists and sang some covers. I’m looking forward to seeing her perform again.

KOME was next and call me biased but they’re my favourite group in New Zealand. They are a hip hop/rap group who are strong in numbers! If you know, you know. As Church Leon said, the energy they bring is unmatched. humbleboy and J$E started the show-off, dancing on beat and just not giving a f*ck. KOME’s got a loyal fan base so at the very front of the stage people were excited, jumping, moshing. Their songs are just the type that makes you wanna go crazy and when you see the members on stage going dumby you wanna do the same. So when I tell you I’m sorry if you missed out, I really mean it because you can’t find this anywhere else in Auckland. They brought a few other local artists out on stage who are legends in the scene and it was just a vibe, seeing Auckland talent go crazy in their own city.

Church & AP finally came out and the crowd was PACKED. They had the album cover, a picture of Teeth right on top of the stage in a glowing purple and pink, as well as a drinks menu by the bar that had drinks named Dandelion, Roulette and more of Church & AP’s songs which I thought was wicked. To see in the flesh the impact these 2 young dudes from West Auckland has made on New Zealand is… just... amazing. The whole crowd was bumping and vibing to their music, some of which was made like 2 years ago - that a lot of the audience knew. To see them going from night clubs, being guests on small line-ups to filling up Galatos with hundreds of fans is such a credit to their hard work and talent. They also brought out heaps of guests like Jess B, deadforest (Jinzo) and highlace, all of who are their friends and incredibly talented artists. I think it’s awesome they still involve a lot of Auckland artists in their work and it was just a room full of New Zealanders appreciating good music made by other New Zealanders. One big, beautiful community, which I think is very important as musicians in New Zealand should uplift and support each other instead of being in competition with one another. Church & AP shows the results of teamwork and I know it inspired a lot of people in that crowd. I’ve never seen so many hands up and vibing to live music in such a small space. Church & AP are great performers live and sound exactly the same as they do in their music. People were also congregating outside, chatting to everyone and just having a good time. It was an intimate but great experience. If you’re reading this, go to their next show!!!!

Oh, and go stream Teeth.

Reviewed: Breanna Tugaga-Rogers