Biography
Andrew Brough was the unwanted third wheel of The Straitjacket Fits.
He had never been in a ‘rock’ band before the fits, but had established a reputation (as the front-man from the relatively unknown The Orange) for being a solid guitarist with a great sense for melody and rhythm.
While this initially fit in well with Shayne Carter and the fits chaotic, achingly beautiful early albums, it became quickly apparent that their was pressure in the group to release Brough.
Carters a very dominant front-person, and with the dismissal of Brough (they issued a press release that stated ‘Yah!, no more slow songs!’) the Fits went on to rock harder than they ever had, before finally self-combusting.
Brough however, had found himself in a rather profitable position – the exposure the Fits gave him, along with his classic Fits swan song ‘Down in Splendour‘ being declared something of a down-trodden, whimsical masterpiece — had led to the prospect of a promising solo career.
Though he did put together a band (with bassist Tristan Mason and drummer Karl Buckley), Bike was absolutely a vehicle for his own soothing, cheerful and sunny solo material.
Automatically gaining television interest with debut singles ‘Old and Blue’ and the majestic ‘Save My Life’, Brough set about creating possibly the most consistently gorgeous album in New Zealand pop history.
‘Take in the Sun’ was eventually released in 1997, including the early singles as well as new highlights ‘Circus Kids’ and ‘Take in the Sun’ into a solid, aptly titled debut.
The album gleams with a light layer of guitar feedback and Brough’s hushed vocals – barely slipping into 2nd gear throughout the entire album, its no wonder the album has become something of a regular as television backing music.
The pop melodies shine, the keyboard and guitar sends shivers down your spine. it’s not clear whether Brough will continue the Bike name.
Members
- Andrew Brough (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards, 1995 – )
- Tristan Mason (Bass, 1995 – 1997)
- Karl Buckley (Drums, 1995 – 1997)
- Wayne Bell (Drums, 1997)
Discography
- Save My Life 7″ single (1996, Flying Nun Records Records, FN369)
- Save My Life CD EP (1996, Flying Nun Records Records, FN369)
- Circus Kids CD Single (1997, Flying Nun Records Records, FN390)
- Take in the Sun (1997, Flying Nun Records Records, FN401)
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