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Dunedin's The Clean: Indie's Lo-Fi Pioneers
20 Apr
Summary
- The Clean pioneered a lo-fi DIY spirit with psychedelic and post-punk influences.
- Their first single, Tally Ho, was made for just NZ$50 in 1981.
- They influenced major indie acts like Pavement and Guided by Voices.
Formed in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1978, The Clean established a lo-fi DIY ethos rooted in psychedelic, Velvet Underground, and post-punk sounds. Their early single, "Tally Ho," produced for a mere NZ$50 in 1981, marked a pivotal moment for New Zealand's independent music scene.
The band's 1981 EP, "Boodle Boodle Boodle," achieved significant chart success despite a lack of commercial airplay, showcasing their expansive guitar work and dual vocal harmonies. Later, in 1982, The Clean supported The Fall and released their second EP, "Great Sounds Great, Good Sounds Good, So-so Sounds So-so, Bad Sounds Bad, Rotten Sounds Rotten."
Albums like 1990's "Vehicle" and 1994's "Modern Rock" introduced new sonic textures, incorporating diverse instrumentation. Their song "Franz Kafka at the Zoo" from "Unknown Country" (1996) features beguiling atmospheric layers and literary, absurdist lyrics.
Live recordings, such as "Quickstep" from 1981, capture the band's raw energy and dynamic stage presence. Songs like "Getting Older" blend pop melodies with dissonance, accompanied by a unique music video. The band's influence extends to side projects and later compilations, solidifying their lasting impact on independent music.
