Bio

Formed as an instrumental guitar and drums duo for a one-off performance to help out some friends who needed a support band Substandard's chemistry was ripe for more musical adventures and gained momentum with the addition of a bassist.

The usual collection of support slots ensued leading up to headline performances and swelling audiences as word spread.

Substandard play open graceful soundscapes punctuated with focused bursts of density, hook-laden and often beautifully.

The band enjoyed the freedom of working without a frontman or singer, leaving more opportunity to get lost in the music without those distracting vocals. Style wise the band mines similar musical territory to bands like Mogwai, Bailterspace, HDU, The Subliminals and Sonic Youth, with just a whiff of darker Cure and Joy Division in the rhythm section. Space-rock, postrock, sonic-rock whatever...!!! Combining the basic elements of drums, bass and guitar, and weaving them into a blend of melodic, chaotic music. Dark at times but never nasty.

Substandard subscribe to an independent ethos, having self-released and hand made their first self tilted EP, and their second Low Electric City Pulse release.

For their debut full-length album the band have worked with Failsafe Records to push their sound in new directions, focusing and widening it. The album reveals a side of the band that is more orchestral in scope, almost hypnotic in effect.

Since their formation they have made numerous appearances around the Christchurch alternative music scene, playing at the Dux, Wunderbar, U.C.S.A., Teacher's College, Provincial Hotel, Jetset Lounge, Media Club, Creation and even a slot at The Gathering, playing alongside many well-known and not-so-well-known bands such as: Trans Am, David Kilgour, Degrees K, Clowndog, Hooster, Slipstream and Steriogram. The two EP's have also graced the airwaves with RDU playlisting the song The Reactionary off the second EP.

Band Members:
Danny Bare (guitar)
Andrew Robins (drums)
Gareth Heta (bass)

Links

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