(Hilo, Hawaii, 2.25/2025) The GRLZZ Rock show at the Hilo Town Market gave us a lineup that included Big Island bands: Mary, June Machine, Trey Wonder and The Graveyard Thunder, Kauz of Affliction and from Oahu, Aura Bora.
Up first for the evening was Mary. There is a certain magic in creativity and theatrics. Mary was planned to be one-performance-only and included two of the musicians from Nancy Boy. Fronted by Memphis, former guitarist with Nancy Boy, brought out her screamer, inner poet, and entertainer. Their set included covers of “Blue Jeans,” “Stereo Sanctity” and “Sad Girl.” We enjoyed catching up with Memphis and Tiger who played guitar in back-to-back performances with Mary and June Machine.
With Cleo fronting the band, June Machine was up next. They’ve been playing together now for almost three months. They played a few covers, but their originals “Levels of Freak,” and “My Violent Wife" really rocked. We always appreciate how many people come out to support our local bands.
For a break in the middle, Lucianna Magnifica performed a drag show. The crowd enjoyed dancing and singing along to some of their favorite songs.
Trey Wonder and the Graveyard Thunder continued the evening with AJ Slay, vocals and bass, taking lead vocals on several songs for the evening. They performed a new song, “I Need a Drink,” from their next album to be released soon. Trey wonder and The Graveyard Thunder included two of my favorites in their 14-song set, “ Beach,” and “Bury the World.” I love how their performances are always tight and showcase each member’s talent.
Kauz of Affliction started off their 15-song set with “The Rage,” and “Big Star.” Then introduced us to their new song, “Sidewalk Pizza,” inspired by two perfect pizza slices abandoned on a sidewalk. That moment morphed into a song about life. The band's former drummer, robot Simone, still enjoys sharing the stage and is living her best life. During the set, she accepted a marriage proposal from an audience member. And Little Simone, the suitcase version, joined the pit dancing with one person and then another. The pit opened up heavily for “Gas Station Burrito,” and they ended with “The Fuck Song,” When you come to a K-O-A show, you could easily miss that they are also doing sound, handing out tickets and performing all the “behind the scenes” activities too. Mahalo for everything you do.
I had almost reached my “tap out” stage when punk-pop band, Aura Bora, fronted by Jhune Liwanag, started playing. They gave us songs with names we easily identify with, “Band Aid,” “Beers,” “Skittles,” and “Feelings.” What a perfect ending. Great music, solid vocals and frequent crowd interaction. They included a game of Gimme, Gimme. And in true Big Island style, not one person in the audience could produce a cell phone with 100% charge. When Aura Bora put down their instruments for the evening, the audience called for more and they gave us a great encore.
No recap can ever make up for missing a live performance. MoshPlayLive invites you to come out for live and local music. You'll never see a show the same way twice.
Peace, Love & Moshpits!
Veronica
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