New single ‘Tax The Rich’ drops ahead of Tone Exchange Fest at Whammy

Tax The Rich reflects a particular zeitgeist that seems to run through a certain part of the NZ /Aotearoa populace. The lyrics in this case are straightforward on top of pulsing bass, haunted rhythm that flows throughout, and accompanying mesmerising keyboards.

Hallelujah Picassos are now firmly entrenched in their Alt Sound System Ensemble setup and are very comfortable with it. They have left their 90s iteration well behind and this reincarnation, it seems, will be present for a long while to come.

Catch them live at Tone Exchange Fest later this month. It's a celebration of artists who rehearse and record at our collective studio 'Tone Exchange' in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. 

Happening at Whammy Bar and Whammy Backroom on September 23 2023. Bands include King Ketchup, Ripship, Loud Ghost, Nuggiez, Pumice and more. More details at Under The Radar.

Two gigs, two! Count em.

‘90s postmodern rockers reunite for first NZ shows in 23 years at Auckland’s Whammy Backroom and Raglan’s Yot Club in March / April 2023

The Pet Rocks, the ‘90s era postmodern rock band are returning for their first Aotearoa shows since 2000. The band are reuniting to mark 25 years since the completion of their unreleased album PR Nightmare (Out March 2023 through 1:12 Records). 

The band will headline Whammy Bar on Friday 31st March and Raglans Yot Club on Saturday April 8th (Easter Saturday) alongside Tāmaki Makaurau heroes Hallelujah Picassos, Andrew Tolley’s motorik music machine Warm Leather and Dirtbag Dj's 

Founding member Nick Kreisler (vocals / guitar) will be joined by ‘90s members Steven Shaw (bass), Kim Martinengo (drums) and Dominic Blaazer (electric piano, synthesizer). 

“Guitarist Simon Sampson is the only member we couldn’t pull in. He lives in London these days, so unfortunately, he can’t join us. We have recruited Aaron Wood (Grande Cobra, Los Hories) who is a close friend and will totally bring the guitar heat” Kreisler explained.