The Mountain Goats to return to NZ

Over the course of their last five albums (Tallahassee, We Shall All Be Healed, The Sunset Tree, Get Lonely and Heretic Pride) and regular visits, John Darnielle, aka The Mountain Goats, has well and truly established himself in New Zealand. And with good reason. Darnielle’s florid lyrical images and spellbinding turn of phrase, coupled with a knack for the good old fashioned pop hook, has resulted in solid airplay and a word of mouth phenomenon that money just can’t buy.

Their most recent album, Heretic Pride contains 13 songs written in a wide variety of places including Fairbanks, Stockholm, Seattle, San Francisco and Durham, North Carolina. In addition to being geographically all over the map, the songs themselves are about many different stories. A pulp spy novel writer, an imaginary cult, breakup sex, a lake monster, Prince Far I, slasher films and many more characters and stories from the creative brain of John Darnielle.

On Heretic Pride, John is supported by many of his frequent collaborators along with some new ones. Long time collaborator Peter Hughes joins on bass, Jon Wurster plays drums, Franklin Bruno lends the piano playing and Erik Friedlander plays the cello – very well we might add. St.Vincent’s Annie Clarke adds some guitar and backing vocals, Rachel Ware Zooi and Sarah Arslanian, members of the Bright Mountain Choir add lovely vocal harmonies. Rachel was actually the original bass player in the band!

Now the Mountain Goats are returning to New Zealand this December for two unique shows! Quite naturally bass player extraordinaire Peter Hughes will be in tow, but they will also be bringing their drummer to New Zealand for the first time, Mr Jon Wurster (who also plays in Superchunk!).

Wednesday 17th December : The Kings Arms Tavern : Auckland
Thursday 18th December : San Fran Bath House : Wellington

Three little known facts about the Mountain Goats

the Mountain Goats track “International Small Arms Traffic Blues“ has been used on TV’s ‘Weeds’

UK 80’s synth act Heaven 17 are referenced in the song “Cubs In Five” (Nine Black Poppies, 1995)

NZ’er Alastair Galbraith collaborated with the MG’s on their 1995 7” EP “Orange Raja, Blood Royal”

www.mountain-goats.com

Tickets on sale from Real Groovy and www.ticketmaster.co.nz