Search this site
Tag
h artists
Instrumental post-rock group from Christchurch, formed in 2003 by Robert McLean, Stephen Mateer, Campbell Johnson and Simon Leigh-Mackenzie. McLean, Mateer and Johnson had previously played together in the post-hardcore group Disgraceland way back in the mid 1990s. #nzmusic #howtokill
Venues
Canterbury Caledonian Society Hall at 135 Kilmore Street West, home of the Zodiac Lounge rock and pop dance venue in the 1960s. Hosted Faith No More, Fugazi, and Pavement in the 1990s. Damaged in the February 2011 earthquake and demolished in March 2011.
f artists
A well-liked melodic indie-rock group that emerged from Palmerston North in the early 1990s, self-recorded a cassette before being picked up by Rob Mayes Failsafe Records label for their discography highlight; 1992's 'Etch' EP. #nzmusic #feastofstevens #failsaferecords
w artists
Christchurch 5-piece rock group who put out a self-titled debut in 1995 after featuring on Failsafe Records Good Things compilation. Disbanded in 1996. Keyboardist Andrew 'The Hammer' Hamtpon would later become the head of New Zealand's Secret Service, i.e. the GCSB. #nzmusic #wadd #failsaferecords #gcsb
w artists
Jangly Christchurch pop from the early 1980's. The group recorded a 6 song mini-album with the intent of it being released on Flying Nun Records, however the recordings went unreleased until 2013 when it was picked up and released as a retrospective LP by German label Unwucht. The song 'Mystery' shows the group had bags of potential. #nzmusic #theworld
g artists
The Gordons appeared out of (almost) nowhere in March 1980 to take the mantel of Christchurch's (and soon New Zealand's) loudest band; however they were more than just loud. It's the songs they created during their initial year and a half run that have fuelled the legend of the Gordons. Through blistering feedback and propulsive bass come visions of a dystopian future, and anti-regime anthems. #nzmusic #thegordons #bailterspace
p artists
Christchurch power-pop Pop Mechanix began their life as 'Splash Alley'. They built up a strong reputation locally and around the country with Dick Driver (and later, Peter McLennan) as front-man; but never quite made it to the next level in Australia.
i artists
Christchurch-based pop-group, The Insurgents were the darlings of the all-ages scene courtesy of their involvement with Will Edmonds' Out of Kilter. The original line-up of Young, Coffey and Ellis displayed a strong Brit-pop influence on Chris Young's songs, whilst Mike Ellis added an element of US Indie-Pop to proceedings. Ellis and Young have tremendous chemistry together, shaping their songs with perfect harmonies and huge hooks, whilst Coffey keeps things nice and tight.
b artists
Young early Flying Nun 5-piece out of Christchurch. With 2 bass players the group had an 'edgy post-punk sound'.
p artists
The starting point for two key members of the Christchurch Music Community, Pihed featured Andrew Penman (Salmonella Dub, bass and vocals) and Tom Mahon (The Strange Loves, guitar and vocals), along with Carolyn O’Neill (vocals), Bede Pascoe (keyboards), and Andrew Cavanagh (drums).
c artists
Whilst Chris Matthews was struggling within the pop-confines of the Prime Movers, Johnny Pierce (Bass), Grant Fell (Guitar) and Bevan Sweeney (Drums) were forming their own sound as Children's Hour.
m artists
Jangly indie-rock 4 piece from early 1980's Christchurch. During their life they put out a well-received 7" single on Flying Nun before going their separate ways. Failsafe Records released a retrospective compilation of their recordings in 2021.
t artists
Christchurch-based shoegazey indie-rock group that started out as a studio project but became a fairly successful touring group with 2 albums and an EP on band member Rob Mayes Failsafe Recordings.
m artists
Moody but sadly inconsistent solo material from JPSE / Superette front-man released on bandmate's nascent Arch Hill label in 1999.
c artists
Biography No relation to the UK band of the same name, this one was formed in 1988 if it makes any difference. Following on…
