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Circus Block Four

The Spines

Wellington post-punk/ska band active 1981-1987, founded by Jon McLeary. Blended angular ska-punk with gothic-folk influences, releasing the celebrated ‘Fishing’ EP on Ripper Records. Their song ‘Your Body Stays’ became TV personality John Campbell’s all-time favorite NZ song.

The Verlaines

Formed in late 1980, The Verlaines is Graeme Downes’ long-standing song-writing vehicle, and one-hell of a brilliant, literate band at that. With the classic early 1980’s line-up of Downes on guitar and vocals, Alan Haig on drums and Jane Dodd on bass, the Verlaines released excellent singles such as ’10 O’Clock In The Afternoon’ from the EP of the same name, and of course their signature tune ‘Death And The Maiden’, which stands as one of the true kiwi classics.

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Circus Block Four

Wellington-based funky pop rock group from the mid 1980. Formed by Gavin McLean and Jeff Thorpe after the demise of their previous group The List. Percussionist Dean Hutton (and production from Ian Morris) gave them a distinct sound on their first replace ‘In Stone In Steel’.

Well-known drummer Caroline Easther later joined the group, however the group only lasted a couple years, without attaining any commercial success. They recorded an album that went unreleased.

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Strikemaster

Biography Originally a three-piece from Featherston in the Wairarapa district – Strikemaster were a rock outfit with a grounding in the blues and were initially comprised of Paul Cullen (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Steve Elliott (Bass Guitar/Lead Vocals), John Prentice (Drums) and… Read More »Strikemaster