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Failsafe Records

Southern Front

Biography The last evolution in the chain for the core of the Christchurch punk rock movement this band were made up of the members of Unauthorised, Desperate Measures, and Evasive Action. The band were moving well away from their punk… Read More »Southern Front

Springloader

Biography Formed in late 1993 by Rob Mayes, Springloader was principally a vehicle for Mayes own compositions, predominantly melodic based indie rock, combining the pop of Mayes previous outing in Throw, coupled with the heavy leanings of Dolphin, and a… Read More »Springloader

Alpha Cast

Biography 3-piece Dunedin indie-pop outfit who formed in 2003 and quickly put out an EP on Failsafe Records. Comprised of Mike McLeod, Ed Lonsdale and Chris Butchard – the band has been described as relating strongly to the Dunedin sound of… Read More »Alpha Cast

John Kelcher

Biography Former bass-player for Sneaky Feelings, released an album under his own name in the early 90’s. Discography Personal Disorganiser [1991, Failsafe Records, SAFE013] Links  

En Can M.A.

Biography A very strange band but also strangely good from 1982-4. These guys had some connection with the Auckland group The Features. Guitarist/singer Ljinon sharing a similar shard like guitar style and vocal approach to The Features. The band had… Read More »En Can M.A.

Atomic Blossom

Biography The brainchild of Christchurch musician Dean Karena who first came to local prominence with his previous band Naked Lunch in 1990. [Atomic Blossom had] their first performance at an outdoor concert at the Dux de Lux in Christchurch, first up… Read More »Atomic Blossom

Substandard

Biography Excellent instrumental 3-piece out of Christchurch in the Post-Rock vein. Comprised of Danny Bare (also of The Shocking Pinks) on guitar, Andrew Robins (also of Luge) on drums, and Gareth Heta on bass, they formed in 2002 and quickly… Read More »Substandard

Chicane

Biography Formed in 1994 the four piece Chicane rapidly gained a strong following in their home town of Christchurch. The band features the vocal and guitar talents of Dean Chiplin who was last seen on the Failsafe Records label on the… Read More »Chicane

Chameleon

Biography Melodic pop four-piece Chameleon was formed by Jazz School students Leigh Franklin and Julian Marchant late in 1993. Drummer Bevan Davison and keyboardist turned bassist Mike completed the lineup. This was soon to change with Greig Bainbridge coming on… Read More »Chameleon

AD

Biography Originally performed as Art and Duty, a name borrowed from Wellington band Beat Rhythm Fashion‘s song of the same name. The band comprised of Andrew Naylor, Rob Kitson (also Of Clients), Rob Mayes (Dolphin, Throw, Springloader), Rick Tindall (Johnnies)… Read More »AD

Squirm

Brilliant 90’s Christchurch sludge-rock outfit comprised of Brett Lupton, Daryl Kirk and Mike Brassell (Hiss Explosion).

Took a thoroughly DIY, low-budget approach to release a series of warped, discordant guitar albums, based around excellent guitar-work and an inventive, lo-fi and somewhat sloppy (in a good way) approach to recording songs.

Channel Four

Biography An early pop punk band featuring Eugene Butcher (later of Desperate Measures and Evasive Action), David Gent and Michael Harrallambi (both of Dance Exponents). Never saw this band but ‘You Were The One‘ (Failsafe Records‘ ‘Accident‘ compilation) is a… Read More »Channel Four

The Lils

Biography Formed in August 89 The Lils were an Auckland based group originating from Christchurch. Two New Zealand tours, one cassette EP and an album later, their sound is undeniably true to their roots. The Lils have been described as… Read More »The Lils

Breathing Cage

Biography Something of a dark horse in the New Zealand rock canon, Breathing Cage reads like a super group of New Zealand musicians (vocals by Jay Clarkson, guitar by Greg Malcolm, drums by Gary Sullivan and bass by Michael Kime)… Read More »Breathing Cage