Photojournalist: Antonina Schubert
The Powerstation | Auckland, NZ | March 9, 2025
Not even a holiday could keep me from seeing a great band live—especially when it’s Peach Pit. On March 9, 2025, the Vancouver indie rockers turned Auckland’s Powerstation into a euphoric escape, filling the sold-out venue with their signature blend of dreamy melodies and infectious energy. From the moment the first note hit, the buzz of anticipation transformed into pure exhilaration, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Opening the night was Auckland’s own Coast Arcade, a band that fit the bill perfectly. The band, consisting of Bella Bavin (vocals/guitarist), Thom Boynton (drums), Leo Spykerman (guitarist), and Arlo Birrs (guitarist), brought an electrifying energy that had the crowd hooked. From the first strum to their final ong, “Baited” (which was an absolute standout), Coast Arcade matched Peach Pit’s vibe effortlessly.
“It’s always crazy when people know our songs because we write them in our bedrooms,” Bavin shared with the crowd, clearly touched by the enthusiastic response from fans in the front row who sang along and hyped them up. The group fed off each other’s energy, delivering memorable guitar solos and perfectly blended vocals that showcased their raw talent. It was the perfect start to the night.
Peach Pit, the indie rock band from Vancouver, Canada, has carved out a unique space in the music scene with their signature blend of melancholic storytelling and breezy, infectious melodies. Comprised of Neil Smith (vocals), Chris Vanderkooy (guitar), Peter Wilton (bass), and Mikey Pascuzzi (drums), the band has cultivated a devoted fanbase drawn to their heartfelt lyrics, nostalgic soundscapes, and effortlessly cool stage presence. Also, Dougal McLean (guitar, piano, & violin) has been joining the band performing live and he adds an incredible energy to the stage.
As they stepped onto the stage, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd, amplifying the already electric atmosphere. Peach Pit’s fans are dedicated, and it showed—every lyric was sung with heart, every song met with an uncontainable energy on the floor. Even those up in the balcony were lost in the music, dancing without a care in the world.
The setlist was stacked with fan favorites, but a personal highlight was “Give Up Baby Go,” a song that’s been my go-to soundtrack for carefree drives with the windows down over the past few months. The band’s signature hair-flipping antics and seamless chemistry created an electrifying experience. And if you were in the pit, you couldn’t miss the joy radiating from every fan around you—it was a sea of people fully immersed in the moment. And their stage setup made sure there wasn’t a bad view in the house, letting every member of the band shine.
With Peach Pit heading across the UK, Europe, and the U.S. later this year, it’s clear that their momentum is only growing. If this show was any indication, their upcoming tour is one not to be missed. Fans eagerly scooped up merch, eager to take home a piece of the night—a testament to how deeply this show resonated with everyone in the room. Want to see Peach Pit on tour? You can see all their upcoming tour dates and how to get tickets here: https://www.peachpitmusic.com/
As the final notes rang out and the crowd slowly filtered out into the Auckland night, there was one shared feeling among everyone leaving the Powerstation: pure happiness. Peach Pit didn’t just play a show—they created a memory, one that will linger long after the last echoes of their set have faded. If you get the chance to see them live, take it. You won’t regret it.
