BYO fire extinguisher _{by Madelaine Empson}

In 2019, Clap Clap Riot toured our shores in celebration of their 10^th anniversary. For the first time since then, the ever-energetic indie-rock outfit will get back out on the road in Aotearoa, kicking off the live run at Meow on Friday the 22^nd of May.

“We are all such close friends so getting out on the road together is a lovely time for us to reconnect with each other as well as our terrific fans”, guitarist Dave Rowlands says when I ask what the band are most looking forward to about the upcoming tour. “We are so excited to be able to return to Christchurch and Wellington in particular, as those cities have always been so good to us out on the road. Wellington is one of our favourite places to play in the whole country.”

Rowlands says they’ve been kept busy since their last visit. He’s been out touring the world playing with Fazerdaze and Georgia Lines, frontman Stephen Heard is a travel writer, bassist Tristan Colenso is a sommelier, and they’ve completed a new record together to boot. In fact, the tour aligns with their latest raw and catchy single Like a Lover.

Playing a mix of new songs and old classics that champion their signature blend of infectious guitar hooks and sharp-edged rock, Rowlands says Clap Clap Riot bring the passion and energy every time they play, giving their all on stage.

“Expect to wear out your dancing shoes and officially let your hair down. The shows are firecracker.”