Legendary Dunedin psych-pop band The Puddle was The Puddle's catholic mix of pop, blues, psychedelia, jazz, minimalism, rock'n'roll and god-knows-what-else appeals to humans of all ages who are not too proud to dance, and the lyrics of love, sex, philosophy, history, mythology, bewilderment and space travel are clearly audible at all times. Their live performances are legendary,with unexpected musical and lyrical rabbits pulled from invisible hats.
Formed in Dunedin 1983/84 by leader/ singer/ writer/ guitarist George D Henderson, the Puddle 1986 – 93 Flying Nun Records catalogue of an 12 EP, two albums and a single are long out of print. Their first mini album Pop Lib was recently listed as one of the top 3 Kiwi pop albums in a SPIN magazine article in the USA. A Lazarus-like comeback over the past 5 years has seen the release of 3 new albums to international acclaim. The latest album Playboys in the Bush is out now CD and vinyl LP.
The current line up of The Puddle features Gavin Shaw on bass, multi-instrumentalist Alan Starrett on keyboards & viola and George’s brother (and occassional1984/85 Puddle drummer) Ian Henderson on drums. The addition of the ubiquitous Mr Starrett (who collaborated with George in Mink in the 90s and has also played with the Pop Art Toasters, The Bats & David Kilgour) brings back that essential keyboard and multi-instrumental element missing since the early days of The Puddle when their line-up notoriously featured a flute and a French horn player, instantly distancing them from the (fictional) “Dunedin sound.”
Playing with The Puddle are two-piece Gisborne punk-jazz-pop band Opposite Sex, recently relocated to Dunedin and soon to join The Puddle on Fishrider Records with their extraordinary debut album.
Both bands have their ancestral roots in the soil of Southland and are pleased to make a mid-winter trip to this iconic Southland venue.
