Bio

The Verlaines remain one of Dunedin's seminal bands from the city's first wave of young groups that rose to prominence along with their then Christchurch based record label, Flying Nun.

The band were formed by Graeme Downes, who was studying classical music at Otago University. Influences came from bands like the Ramones and Bob Dylan. Even in the group's early days Graeme's songwriting has combined rock influences with his background in classical music (he now has a PhD and lectures at Otago).

The Verlaines' songs are studies in dramatic, dynamic rock -- whether they are guitar-based or embellished with all manner of classical instruments, the structure of the songs never fails to impress, and superb lyrics thread poetic narratives, regularly laced with black humour and drunkenness.

Band Members:
Graeme Downes
Darren Stedman
Russell Fleming
Paul Winders

Links

• Artist Website
• Facebook Page