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Toerag

Brothers Gorgonzola

Christchurch, or maybe Wellington group that released a split 7″ single on Campbell McLay’s Onset/Offset records in 1986. Played with The Axemen at some point. The members would go on to form a number of Wellington-based groups.

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Dillinger’s Brain

Christchurch trio fronted by The Puddle’s Norman Dufty. Urgent, shuffling indie-rock, with warbly vocals (part Morrissey, part Stephen Cogle) and the occasional clarinet (from Dave Woods) sneaking through.

Onset/Offset Records founder Campbell McLay (bass) and Donna Lawson (drums) complete the trio; who released an LP split with Lawson’s other group Junkanoo in 1986, then followed it up with a couple cassettes in 1987.

Thanks to German label Unwucht re-issuing a heap of old Onset/Offset releases their appearance on the Krypton Ten compilation is now (slightly) more accessible.

Scorched Earth Policy

Excellent early Flying Nun band from Christchurch featuring 3 future Terminals (Stapleton, Elborado and Crook).
Some terrific songs that build suspense and tension with galloping drums, rumbling bass and a cacophony of guitar, organ and violin.

Toerag

An early to mid 1980’s alias for Onset/Offset records Campbell McLay. A strictly DIY affair, engineered like a million other Christchurch records at the time by Arnie van Bussell at Nightshift Studios.

The Riptoids

Christchurch lo-fi rock group from the mid 1980’s with an ever-changing line-up and several releases on group member Campbell McLay’s ‘Onset/Offset’ label.

Bill Direen

One of the longest running mythic underground figures of New Zealand rock who has worked (and commanded) such significant figures in the New Zealand music scene as Chris Knox, Peter Stapleton, Maryrose Crook, Dave Mitchell, Malcolm Grant – the list goes on.

Bottletops

Biography One of Campbell McLay’s original Onset/Offset groups, fronted by Sarah Richards. The Bottletops put out an EP in 1983, then took 2 years to resurface on a split EP alongside McLay’s Toerag. Members Sarah Richards (Vocals, 1983 – 1985)… Read More »Bottletops