Bio

Based in Wellington and formed late 2005, Riverblind is a band intent on pushing the boundaries of their art and providing the audience with a sense of awe and wonder.

The quartet play an eclectic form of rock infused with jazz that has been called "dark, aching and intelligent" - wellingtonlivemusic.com, and the group was touted as "the most mind-blowingly original act we’ve ever played with" by Made In China. NZ Musician Magazine called their first recording "a darkly beautiful beast, dynamic and well thought out" made by a group who "sound formidable" and were "definitely a band to follow up on".

Riverblind released their first full-length album 'Hour Of The Wolf' to local Wellington fans on August 15th 2009 at the Tugboat On The Bay. Its official international release is set for early September of the same year.

In 2010 Riverblind became a four-piece adding Louis Thompson-Munn on keys

History

In late 2005, after playing together briefly in a short lived Wellington rock band, David Kempton and Daniel Simpson Beck decided to form a new band with acclaimed percussionist Tim Whitta of Strike Percussion. The early rehearsals went well and Riverblind started writing material immediately.

Six months later Riverblind played their first gig. After a series of well received shows, Riverblind started recording their first EP. 'Mind Estate' was released late 2007 and received positive responses from both fans and reviewers.

Unfortunately, before the EP could be toured, Tim realised that in order to fulfill his own goals he needed to leave the band and NZ. Tim agreed to continue playing with the band until a new drummer could be found or when he his left the country, whichever came first.

Tim left massive shoes to fill so the search for the right drummer was long and arduous. Finally after six months of searching and auditioning several very capable players who just didn’t work out, Riverblind found Stefan Sarten. He performed the perfect audition, playing the songs flawlessly and putting his own unique spin on new material.

In July 2008 Riverblind played a special gig at San Francisco Bathhouse that both introduced Stefan and farewelled Tim. The pair swapped between playing the kit and playing percussion for the set. It was a special night and the crowd loved the treat of two expert drummers working well together.

Touring and a New Record

With a new drummer and a refocussed drive, Riverblind was finally able to tour NZ for the first time in late 2008. The group found new audiences around the country, being especially well received in Dave’s home town, Dunedin.

Stefan helped encourage a new creative dynamic that led the band back into the studio in January 2009. Riverblind’s first full-length album 'Hour Of The Wolf' was launched at the album release show on August 15th in Wellington to a crowd of very elated local fans.

The band has since been touring regularly and has a consistent flow of new material. Album number two is scheduled for production in 2011.

Riverblind became a four-piece band in August 2010 when Louis Thompson-Munn was recruited on keys.

Riverblind has now disbanded.

Band Members:
Dave Kempton (guitar, vocals)
Daniel Simpson Beck (bass)
Shaun Anderson (drums)
Louis Thompson-Munn (keyboards)

Links

• Facebook Page
• Twitter Page
• Youtube Page
• Bandcamp Page