Katchafire: at the Naval and Family, K Rd

By GRAHAM REID

Most New Zealand bands play a gig or two, then have to lie down for six weeks. Which is another reason why the country's premier reggae outfit, Katchafire from Hamilton, are not like most bands. Their gigs in Auckland over the weekend - a standing-room-only crowd at the Roadhouse, a disappointingly undersubscribed Naval and Family on Saturday - are just the start of four months of touring, playing two and sometimes three times a week.

Yes, they are promoting their consistently excellent debut album Revival, but this eight-piece have been playing that many gigs for over a year now. And loving it.

That too is where they differ. On stage the impressive frontline of charismatic singer Logan Bell, flanked by the big men of the band - keyboard/saxophonist Jamey Ferguson and guitarist Thompson Hohepa (both of whom sing like angels and provide elevating close harmonies) - delight in playing their music and watching a crowd pulled to the stage to dance and celebrate.

On Saturday the small but enthusiastic audience - many more were doubtless put off by the venue, new to the live music game, charging $35 - were celebrating Revival and the band gladly matched the mood.

When Logan Bell joked he'd be interested to see how many had bought the album (released only last Thursday) and knew the words he must have been pleasantly surprised. People sang their choruses back at them.

But typically they shuffled the deck, opening with their own Sinsemilla, paid homage to Bob Marley with a faithful Iron Lion Zion, then went back to their own material. Along the way they delivered a lovely version of their new single Get Away and paid sensitive tribute to Herbs, with a crowd-pleasing In the Ghetto.

In fact the whole night was crowd-pleasing. Katchafire are the hardest-working band in the country and after a set which stretched well over the hour they took a break, mingled with their audience, then went back for more, playing mostly reggae covers.

Given their touring schedule, they'll be coming to a town near you soon. You'll be disappointed if you miss them.