Bill Direen And The Bilders
About Bill Direen And The Bilders from Auckland
Chrysanthemum Storm Bill Direen & the Builders Album and Tour 2008
Bill Direen and The Builders hit the tarseal again this year with a
new album called Chrysanthemum Storm (Powertool Records). Bill has
been working in Dunedin and -with three snowstorms hitting the
country this winter (at last count) - he has been taking the cold in
his stride. In fact he has been taking a lot of things about New
Zealand as inspiration for his new songs.
These are carefully crafted melodies and lyrics from one of New
Zealand’s most accomplished songwriters. It’s not all snow
though - at times it is warm enough for real Chrysanthemums. The
album was recorded during an intensive series of sessions at a balmy
studio called Gravel Road in West Auckland. The studio really is down
a gravel road, and the rhythm tracks were laid down live. That’s why
the album has a great live feeling, something all true Builders album
are known for.
The band is the same lineup as the one that stunned music lovers the
length of the country last year. The band members did not shy away
from a band photo for the new album, and with the instant appeal of
many of the songs you’d almost say that Bill Direen and The Builders
have decided to play it straight. There is no rampant experimenting
here, only a fine batch of well-crafted songs performed by a talented
band. There’s some humour, some social realism and a lot of pure
alternative rock with an indie pop feel. Check out the keyboardist
Andrew McCully who joined the Builders in mid-tour last year and
looks set to stay. At time he resorts to the delightful, classic
Builders sound of the early singles, at other times he plays
inventively, lacing the material with poppy riffs and instrumental
hooks. Bill and MC (as he’s known) will play a cabaret-style opening
set at some venues, similar to the one they recently preformed in
Auckland. Andrew Maitai is solid on drums, and with Brett Cross on
bass they create some tasty grooves for Direen to lay his lyrics over.
The songs themselves are about life, he says - and that means life
in New Zealanmd although one of the songs (a star-crossed love
affair) refers to Direen’s other life in the shadow of the Eiffel
Tower.
Don’t miss this chance to see a living legend on stage. Direen’s
guitar style has always been unique, and the freedom of the Builders
is as exhilarating as ever.
Chrysanthemum Storm Bill Direen & the Builders Album and Tour 2008
Dogs Bollix, Auckland with special guests The Ukenasians & Scalper.Wednesday 26th November 2008.
Yot Club, Raglan, Thursday 27th November 2008.
Spa Hotel, Taupo. Friday 28th November 2008.
Coliseum, Palmerston North. Saturday 29th November 2008.
Bar Bodega Wellington with special guest Vorn Sunday 30th November 2008.
Mussel Inn, Takaka with special guest Vorn Monday 1st December 2008
Independent, Nelson with special guest Vorn Tuesday 2nd December 2008.
Franks, Greymouth with special guest Vorn Wednesday 3rd December 2008.
Cinema Paradiso Wanaka with special guest Vorn Thursday 4th December 2008.
Chicks, Port Chalmers, Dunedin with special guests Vorn & AJ Sharma. Friday 5th December 2008.
The Grainstore, Oamaru with special guest Vorn Saturday 6th December 2008.
Harbourlight, Lyttleton Monday 8th December 2008.
For more info contact:
Andrew Maitai
Powertool Records
www.powertoolrecords.co.nz
Email: andrew@powertoolrecords.co.nz
Ph 09-8277100 or 0274492587
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