On January 17th, immerse yourself in the cathartic, genre-bending sound of Ashes to Amber, headlining at Auckland’s iconic Whammy Bar. The Post-Wave/Bedroom Pop project, fronted by Kane Acosta, hails from Orange, CA, and has been enchanting audiences with evocative guitar-driven melodies and raw, reflective lyricism since 2018. Influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck, Ashes to Amber’s sound is a rich blend of tonal textures and emotional exploration, effortlessly bridging genres and inviting listeners to dive deep into the artist’s emotional landscape.
Each release from Ashes to Amber reveals a new chapter in Acosta’s introspective journey. The heartbreak-infused Voodoo Blu introduced his evolving sound, while Jade showcased a vibrant yet melancholy world, layered with memories of long nights and skateboarding through city streets. The angst-fueled, surf-punk-infused Miss Future then captured the chaos of the pandemic era, laced with themes of frustration and resilience. In Do Not Pick the Flowers, Acosta channelled a sense of nihilistic confusion and introspective anxiety, creating an album that mirrors life’s chaotic unpredictability with “a big bag of singles” that feels both disordered and profound.
The subsequent release, Heebie Jeebies, delves into darker emotional terrain, blending grunge with smooth saxophone and unforgettable guitar riffs, fully engineered and produced by Acosta himself. This self-mixed EP encapsulates a transformative period for him, using music as a lifeline during an era of emotional upheaval. His follow-up, My Little Maniac, captured the frenetic energy of life’s highs and lows with surf-punk grunge and manic riffs, cementing his sound as deeply introspective and raw.
Ashes to Amber’s latest release, The American Junkie (2024), brings a new depth to the journey. This album explores resilience and transformation, with influences ranging from punk to indie, building an expansive yet intimate soundscape. With deeply personal lyrics and fresh sonic textures, The American Junkie promises a visceral experience for fans.
Don’t miss Ashes to Amber live at Whammy Bar on January 17th for an electrifying night of raw, unfiltered music that blurs the lines between pain and exhilaration. Grab your tickets now to be part of an unforgettable night!
