Swamp Thing bring southern blues to Napier

Swamp Thing will be performing at Napier's Cabana on Saturday from 9pm. Photo / Supplied

They're called Swamp Thing, but this duo has octopus-esque multi-tasking skills and moves like Elvis.

This two-piece juggernaut comprising Michael Barker and Grant Haua have a big sound steeped in traditional blues roots - with their own distinctive flavour.

"I play the drums and keyboards simultaneously and sing at the same time - a bit like an octopus," Barker says. "Grant is an amazing singer - he's got one of those voices that reach back in time and summons spirits, he's great on the guitar."

Hailing from the Bay of Plenty they're no strangers to Louisiana swamp tunes, having spent some time this year performing and recording in the musical heart of America.

There they were welcomed by seasoned singers and immersed in the culture - attending New Orleans Jazz Festival, where they were invited back to play in 2016.

The name Swamp Thing is a play on the cartoon character of yesteryear and Barkers' childhood fascination with swamps in his hometown of Rotorua.

"There's also a type of blues called Swamp from the Louisiana area. We went there in April and May and had an artist in residency in Baton Rouge - it was a bit of a swamp pilgrimage."

All music festivals are held over those two months because crawfish are in season - offer the delicacy at your event and the crowds will come - or so the Kiwi duo discovered.

"Everyone eats it, if you offer it the gig will be packed - that's what we did."

Time in the recording studio has been another big part of 2015, with a third album two thirds of the way through and fresh inspiration from their trip bringing something a little different.

"We are essentially blues based, but it ventures into other influences".

They have also been playing a lot, hitting the road wherever possible - a life Barker was no stranger to having been an integral member of The John Butler Trio for 7 years, before heading home across the ditch to be closer to family.

Napier is a regular stop off for Swamp Thing, who have worked to secure a legion of loyal fans or "swamp moshers".

"We have been lucky in Napier, we have a really fantastic following. We have been to Sanctuary Sounds [music festival] and through that we have met part of the community that hangs on the fringes."

Part of their show is the "spectacle" of Haua, whose stage presence has veered toward Elvis after a 4th of July performance dressed as the King.

INFO

WHAT: Swamp Thing

WHERE: The Cabana, Napier

WHEN: 9pm, Saturday

COST: $20, general admission from eventfinda.co.nz