The Bats

Overview

Did you see The Bats on their sold out Australian tour last year? If you did, please don't get in touch to tell me how incredible they were. I know, I know, one of the best shows you've ever seen. As vibrant as ever, you say. I geddit! Zip the lip already. I missed out and have been kicking myself ever since. The reviews for this most beloved New Zealand band of the Dunedin (though they're from Christchurch)/Flying Nun scene were bordering on religious in their praise and I'm excited for my own chance to speak in tongues about their show this April.

The key to the 28-year success of this band appears to be that they've never been through one of those difficult breakups, and thus the lineup hasn't changed for an unusually long time. No awkward flowers sent the next day, no flustered Facebook messages. Instead they took a little break here and there and have over a quarter of a century of glorious indie pop to show for it.

Not content to rest on their iconic NZ pop status, or to play in other beloved bands (guitarist and vocalist Robert Scott is also a member of the Clean), they continue to play and record. Their last full length was the widely acclaimed The Guilty Office followed by a split seven-inch with Sydney's own (by way of New Zealand) Songs in 2009. Supporting on the night will be kindred popniks from a new generation of janglers, Richard In Your Mind.

To win one of five double passes to see The Bats just visit our Facebook page, click 'Suggest to Friends' and tell your mates about Concrete Playground, then confirm your entry on our wall.