The Chills | Artist

The Chills are a New Zealand indie rock band formed 1980 in Dunedin by Martin Phillipps (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, percussion), Alan Haig (drums), Rachel Phillipps (keyboards), Jane Dodd (bass), Peter Gutteridge (guitar, vocals), and Fraser Batts (keyboards, guitar, vocals). This initial lineup only lasted a few years with various members leaving, returning or being replaced over time. The band is essentially the continuing project of singer/songwriter Martin Phillipps, who is the group's sole constant member. The Chills were initially signed by Flying Nun Records and were one of the four bands recorded for the watershed Dunedin Double EP in 1982. The Chills had some significant chart success in NZ, and were a cult band in other parts of the world as one of the earliest proponents of the Dunedin Sound. To-date the band has released Seven studio albums, including the latest Scatterbrain which is scheduled for release in May 2021. Standout releases include Brave Words, Submarine Bells and Soft Bomb. Also highly recommended is the 2014 archival release The BBC Sessions, and the 1986 compilation Kaleidoscope World, which contains their early singles. As a matter of interest, when the band travelled to the UK to record their 1995 album Sunburnt, two band members were refused entry so session musicians had to be recruited at the last moment. Dave Mattacks of Fairport Convention and XTC's Dave Gregory provided drum and bass work for the album.

Artist Website: softbomb.com

Featured Albums: The Chills

Related Artists: The Verlaines, Able Tasmans, Luna

Video Clips: Pink Frost, Heavenly Pop Hit, Live on KEXP