A triple header featuring the return of the original GROK to New Zealand. The release party for Bitter Defeats new single, Sugar Blind. And the return to live shows with an adjusted line up, for Broadcast State
GROK formed in the 1990s. The brainchild of bass player Scott Brodie (Inchworm and The Sandbabies), that saw him reunite with drummer Max Ward (Three Men Missing, The Sandbabies) and guitar player and experimental noise maker, Chris Fish (Three Men Missing, Moofish).
Completing the line up was Grant Brodie (Dribbly Cat Attraction). Possibly marking the first time both Scott and Grant appeared in the same line up.
Specialising in impromptu performances with a few more regularly repeated numbers, GROK went on to win the Contact 89FM Battle of the Bands in 1996, and subsequently recorded and released their debut album, Bubbles and Noises from the Aquarium.
The album was released on CD, covered in bubble wrap.
It was recorded live to 16 track at The Fridge recording studio. Several of the songs on the album are named after the date and time they were put to tape and were often jams made up on the spot.
Scott Brodie reformed GROK in the UK with a number of various musicians involved, including numerous ex-Hamiltonians Rob Talsma (Inchworm, Girlinky, Inspector Moog), Paul Fitness (Tweeter, Grande Cobra, The Hanging Stars) and Dan Nicholls and Jayne Hartstone.
GROK have released another 4 albums with varying lineups from 2008 onward.
The original GROK line up of Chris, Max, Grant and Scott, are reforming and will attempt to recreate their original debut album, live on stage at Last Place on December the 23rd.
A hefty task considering that a number of the songs were only ever performed once, during the actual recording sessions, way back in 97.
Bitter Defeat returned to the studio a few months ago for a follow up to their highly engaging and well received debut EP 'Minor Victory'. New song Sugar Blind is available now on all platforms, and is a teaser for a new EP, released in 2023.
Broadcast State have been on a forced hiatus, as many bands have been. Still, a relatively new band on the block, comprising three Newth Brothers (Rumpus Room, System Corporation) and African drumming teacher and rhythmic specialist Nathan Bregmen (Rose, Petals, and Confetti).
Venue: Last Place, Hamilton
Doors Sales Only $10
Doors @ 8pm (free entry before that)
First band on by 8:30pm
