Carnivorous Plant Society

Overview

Self-described ‘Mexican sci-fi cinematic jazz’ band Carnivorous Plant Society are currently sloping across New Zealand on a 15-date tour funded by Creative New Zealand’s Arts On Tour NZ Trust. Performing in far-flung locations such as Hokitika, Stewart Island, Picton and Putaruru, they’ll also be bringing their 5-piece act back home to Auckland for one show, promoting their new EP titled Phantom Finger.

Finding inspiration from both musical and non-musical references, Carnivorous Plant Society devours and spits out soundscapes swayed by Stephen King, comic books, David Lynch sound tracks, mariachi bands and Sun-Ra. Trumpets, violin, vibraphone, tuba, guitar, synthesizers, keyboards, bass and drums are the instruments brought to spectacular life by Finn Scholes, Alistair Deverick, Alex Freer, Tam Scholes, Siobhanne Thompson and Cass Mitchell.

A live show incorporates whacky live projected animations of faceless monsters and ghosts occupying post-apocalyptic worlds. Created by bandleader Finn Scholes, the animations are an excellent focal point for audience in-lieu of a lead singer and also set the pace of the gig – noodling or jamming unfortunately doesn’t fit the structure or length of the videos.