Firebird Cafe - Levin 15th March 2025

Condenser, Wellington’s punk rock stalwarts, have been unleashing sonic assaults and kicking against the pricks since 1980. This trio, composed of James on drums, PJ on bass, and Nigel on guitar, delivers a raw and energetic performance that harks back to the genre’s incendiary origins. But Condenser isn't just a band; it's a culmination of Wellington's rich punk history. James, Nigel, and PJ are all veterans of the scene, having cut their teeth in noted Wellington bands including Condemned Sector, Neoteric Tribesmen, Columbian Necktie and Compos Mentis. These groups, active in the early days of punk, were instrumental in shaping the Wellington sound and fostering a spirit of rebellion that continues to resonate.

Their sets are a potent mix of classic covers and blistering originals, drawing inspiration from the titans of punk and post-punk. Expect a tightly packed set featuring the raw energy of the Buzzcocks, the infectious hooks of the Ramones, the dark intensity of Joy Division, the chaotic brilliance of The Damned, the angular rhythms of The Fall, the art-punk experimentation of Wire, and the sheer rebellious power of the Sex Pistols. Condenser's music isn't just a performance; it's a living history lesson, connecting the dots between Wellington's punk past and its present. The experience gained in their wild youth has coalesced in Condenser, creating a potent force that keeps the flame of punk rock burning bright in Aotearoa.

Condenser will be supported by local band Lambs Fry & Bacon, who lover permforming the same genre of music.