Since releasing their debut full-length album Based on a True Story in 2005, New Zealand’s Fat Freddys Drop have established themselves as true international stars. However, while tours have been plentiful, new music has not. Now, with the release of their follow-up album imminent (no really – it’s got a name and everything), Fitchie, Dallas and co. came to give us a sneak peek at what we can expect, and show off a few new strings that’ve been added to their bow as well.

Rio Humuki Hemopo, recently added to the Fat Freddys lineup as back-up singer and occasional bass player was accompanied by guitarist Justin “Firefly” Clarke (who aficionados of Kiwi music may recognise from his work with Jess Chambers as part of the Firefly Orchestra) as the opening act. Hemopo played MPC, and while his vocals and music were agreeable enough, I think he probably needs to do ‘Stage Presence 101’ again. The somewhat sprawling compositions left plenty of room for Clarke to show off his ample skills on guitar, but it was the duo’s cover of Bill Withers’ Who Is He (And What Is He To You that was the stand out track of their set.

Melbourne’s DJ Thief was next up, providing a much more energetic vibe. He tends to get quite a few of these gigs, and it’s mainly because he’s pretty damn good. Not content simply to mix records, he also uses an MPC, resulting in warm, almost organic sets. As an aside, Thief is also a producer who’s work is worthy of the effort it takes to track down.

The largely Kiwi crowd were here for one reason though – the Freddys. I counted only three songs from B.O.A.T.S, the rest of the set was made up of new stuff, including the sublime Pull The Catch, and much older stuff for the true fans. The addition of Hemopo and Riki Gooch on drums means that the band has the ability to rock the fuck out – an ability they made full use of throughout their set. Not to be left out, the brass section, whose tightness and weight is so integral to the Fat Freddys sound, showed why they’re so highly regarded. The trombone player’s signature tight white shorts made an appearance, as did his inimitable dancing. By the time the encore of This Room drew to a close, the Enmore was filled with satisfied punters, and this reviewer was left with no doubt that Big BW will be just as impressive as their debut album. A cracking show from a world-class band.