MUZAI Records and Cheese On Toast are proud to announce a one-off show from two bands that have been synonymous with two eras of All Ages scenes in New Zealand this August, as The Bengal Lights and Bandicoot co-headline Whammy Bar on August 25th 2012
As one band played with luminaries such as The DHDFD's and Yokel Ono during they heyday of the Ellen Melville Hall all ages extravaganzas, the other band took note and a mere few years later charted a new all-ages scene with the likes of Nevernudes and Nice Birds – performing at anarchist cafes on K Road and Scout Halls in Mt Eden.
Both bands have had an incredible history in their short lifespans also – The Bengal Lights opened for the likes of Dinosaur Jr, Erase Eratta and The Mint Chicks, while Bandicoot opened the 2009 Big Day Out and earned support slots for Deerhoof and HEALTH. Both became a prominent fixture in NZ's musical landscape, generating large crowds, strong airplay and featured on the hallowed “Awesome Feeling” compilations.
With members going on to pursue other endeavours in the entertainment industry (be it Zowie, Cat Venom, Totems, Sheep, Dog and Wolf, Kitsunegari or even starring in Shortland Street), this is the first time the groups have gotten back together to perform since their hiatuses. This is also the first time the two have played a show with each other – spurned on by mutual admiration.
Be it an older fan who remembers Underground Bar, The Pony Club and Schooner Tavern, or a younger fan who frequented The Basement and Central Cafe, THE BENGAL LIGHTS X BANDICOOT is a night where two incredibly popular Auckland bands meet up and bridge the gap between two all-ages eras in New Zealand music.
