04 August 2004 - 1 Comment
After twenty-two months on the album chart many might have thought the horse had bolted .... and it just did, right to #1 on the New Zealand albums chart.
In fact "Bolt" might not be the right phrase, the Auckland-based five piece have set a new album chart record for the slowest climb to #1 by a local act. First debuting at #43 back on 27 October 2002, it's taken 55 chart weeks to finally go all the way. The last two weeks have seen them at #2.
Goldenhorse recorded their debut album Riverhead over a period of 2 years and in 2001 caught the attention of Tracy Magan, owner of Independent label Siren Records.
"They were one of the most brilliant and original bands I had ever heard. It's been hard work; to start with it was like trying to fit a round peg in a square hole.... Being unique isn't always easy. I knew though that their musical genius would shine through if only given the chance... and it has, and people get it now...it's the best feeling in the world to take something this good to number one!"
In 2002 Goldenhorse spent 10 weeks at number one on BFM's top 10 with the single "Goldendawn". In 2003 "Maybe Tomorrow" was the most played New Zealand song on radio.
Having been remastered and now with fresh artwork and an extra track 'Riverhead' is now fast approaching triple platinum status and Goldenhorse's momentum just keeps growing.
Last Saturday night the group played Auckland's Aotea Centre with the 68-member Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra with arrangements done by Geoff Maddock. The NZ Herald critic described the musical marriage as "inspired" and "as good as gold!"
They follow this up with a final show on Friday night (6 August) at the Christchurch Town Hall with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Just goes to show that if you perform in the wrong format it can really turn some people off you. They have conquored this. But my advice to bands is "get your gig venues right"