Wonderful home-brewed recordings from Annabelle Alpers. Guitarist, keyboardist and singer-songwriter formerly of the supremely under-recognized Christchurch troop Hawaii Five-0. Her solo recordings are infused with electronic flourishes and wispy, emotive lyrics – but with a distinct and almost robotic approach to harmonic vocals.
Dave Mulcahy‘s first post-Jean Paul Sartre Experience band was the unfortunately short-lived Superette, who sprung up in Auckland in 1993. With Mulcahy taking guitar and vocal duties, he pulled together former Blue Marbles duo Ben Howe (Bass) and Greta Anderson (Drums/Backing Vox) to record the rough, thematically scary, but thoroughly charming Rosepig EP. From here the band became known as one of the better live pop-rock acts around New Zealand, and where one of the defining bands (along with the 3Ds) that turned me on to New Zealand bands.
The pop outgrowth of Ex-Christchurch song-writer Dave Yetton (Ex Jean-Paul Sartre Experience), who’s backing band has included a couple generations of well-known kiwi performers, including Pluto’s rhythm section at one point.
Sonya Waters first appeared as the vocalist for ska group The Instigators, putting out a couple 7″ singles on Ripper Records in the early 1980’s before releasing an EP under her own name in 1983. This release got her a lot of attention – eventually leading to an RIANZ award for most promising female vocalist.
This interview was conducted with Simon McLaren via email in late 2003; on the eve of the launch of his terrific ‘Giant Spheres’ album, released under the then-new moniker of Sleepers Union. First of all, we know you’re well inclined… Read More »Simon McLaren on Sleepers Union [August 2003]
Biography Small Auckland-based independent label that sprung up out of Flying Nun Records Record’s corporate changes in the late 90’s and run by (former Superette bassist) Ben Howe to release material for his own band Fang, along with associated other… Read More »Arch Hill Recordings
Biography Ben Howe formed Fang after Superette broke up while simultaneously recording material with fellow Superette chum Greta Anderson (as Ben and Greta). An eclectic 3-piece with songs from all three members; Howe, kiwi music veteran Sonya Waters and Andrea Holmes.… Read More »Fang
Biography Essentially the rhythm section of a post-breakup Superette. They released charming single ‘Creep Around The House’ on ‘Introducing…’ – a compilation compiled of artists associated with Howe’s then-fledgling Arch Hill label (which he’d set up with sound engineer Ed… Read More »Ben and Greta