Spunk Discography
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Artist Links
http://thevietnamwar.bandcamp.com/album/the-vietnam-war
Video
Biography
Spunk Records are pleased to announce the Australian release of The Vietnam War’s debut album.
Its darkly tinged almost-Americana was recorded in the living room of a house in Aroha Avenue, Auckland, shared by band members Lubin Rains and Saan Barratt, their partners, children, relatives and occasionally itinerant flatmates, in the delightful and unpretentious Sandringham neighbourhood.
With no record deal or guarantees in place at the time, the five piece, joined by producer and fellow traveller Karl Steven (Drab Doo Riffs, Heart Attack Alley, Supergroove), were prepared to scrupulously record and rerecord to get the perfect sound and takes of songs that ranged from some of their earliest compositions to brand new tracks.
The long standing five piece has supported The Blacks Keys and The National during their five years together, and has clocked a crazy amount of gigs at venues like K Road’s Whammy Bar and Newmarket’s Mexican Wrestling Mecca, The Lucha Lounge. Their debut album reached the top 5 of IMNZ Indie Chart and scared the living daylights out of the lower reaches of New Zealand’s Top 40.
As regards the name, Lubin says ‘I wanted us to have a name that was not a country or Americana type name. Being American was something I wasn’t very interested in. I wouldn’t say it’s a joke because the Vietnam War is a pretty heavy thing to joke about but it’s also something I really care about. Also I was quite grounded in sixties music and I read a lot of music biographies. So it was kind of a joke on music biographies where the band is really influenced by the Vietnam War. I read that lots and lots and started to imagine it was a band.”
In a world of jumped up here today/gone tomorrow, careerist pop tarts and middle aged MOR mulch merchants, the directness and honesty of The Vietnam War proudly stands out like a sore thumb.
The Vietnam War is Lubin Rains, Saan Barratt, Matthew Short, Kristal Gallagher, Kari Hammond.
The Vietnam War’s self-titled debut will be released Friday October 14
“It sounds like a treasured, dusty recording salvaged from a country enthusiast’s collection, and turned up loud for nostalgia’s sake.” – The New Zealand Herald, 4 stars
“It’s like every moment of longing and heartbreak in the history of mankind is distilled into this wonderful collection of songs.” – Cheese On Toast, 5 stars
“This is not caricature but a genuine exploration of style.” – Under The Radar, NZ
