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Jean-Paul Sartre Experience

Lanky

Lanky was a short-lived group formed by former Jean-Paul Sartre Experience singer-songwriter Jim Laing. The group put out an album on the then-fledgling Arch Hill Recordings label in 2000 before disappearing, with Laing’s backing band all going on to David Kilgour’s Heavy Eights.

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The Clean - Anthology (2002, Flying Nun Records, FN468)

The Clean – Anthology

Flashback to my 2002 review of The Clean’s ‘Anthology’ (2002, Flying Nun Records, FN468, a double CD monster packed to the brim with material from The Clean’s early and mid-period releases.

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Straitjacket Fits

Straitjacket Fits were a corner stone in New Zealand independent rock from their formation in 1986 till their inevitable break-up in February 1994. Though predominantly a kiwi indie-rock group, they were at times dissonant (and incredibly loud), hiding their delicate… Read More »Straitjacket Fits

Jetset Lounge / Subway

Large old school hotel with upstairs lodging, a pokie room, kitchen and a large live music bar that’s went through quite a few changes between the early 1980’s and when it was closed, just prior to the Christchurch Earthquakes.

Tinnitus

Production group that merged modern technology with visual elements and audience interactions. Key members Angus McNaughten would go on to form Unitone HiFi and Michael Hodgson is one half of Pitch Black.

David Mulcahy

Moody but sadly inconsistent solo material from JPSE / Superette front-man released on bandmate’s nascent Arch Hill label in 1999.

The Stereo Bus

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.

Catherine Wheel

Biography No relation to the UK band of the same name, this one was formed in 1988 if it makes any difference. Following on from Genie and the Wild Children‘s Dave Hunt, Brett Lupton and Mark Tyler and with Paul… Read More »Catherine Wheel

Solid Gold Hell

Brash Auckland rock outfit from the mid 90s featuring Glen Campbell, (former Jean-Paul Sartre Experience Member) Gary Sullivan, Matthew Heine, Colleen Brennan and Simon Cummings. Discography ‘Sugar Bag’/’Evil Cabaret’ 7″ Single [1994 Flying Nun Records Fn289] Swingin’ Hot Murder [1994… Read More »Solid Gold Hell

Chug

Biography On paper chug sound like a bit of a super-band. Featuring the wonderful Norma O’Malley (formerly of criminally under-rated all-girl janglers Look Blue Go Purple) on vocals, along with Alf Danielson (Goblin Mix), Stephen Kilroy (Stephen and about a… Read More »Chug

YFC

Biography Originally called Youth For Christ, just to piss off the local Christians, the band got told to change their name…. Or else. Their line-up was three piece, no guitar. Bassist/vocals – Johnathon Ogilvie, bassist/vocals – Grant Horsnell, and drummer… Read More »YFC

Dolphin

Biography Christchurch based three piece featuring Failsafe’s Rob Maye, Kevin Stokes and Stephen Birss. The band was formed out of the ashes of 1986 – 87 band Heartland featuring all three members. Birss and Stokes going on to work on My… Read More »Dolphin

Eskimo

Biography Formed in 2004, Eskimo marks Dave Mulcahy‘s return to the Christchurch music scene, after playing in Superette and solo up north. Playing guitar and singing, Mulcahy is flanked by Rob Mayes (Dolphin, the Failsafe label etc) on bass and… Read More »Eskimo