Dunedin has long been renowned for its glass speckled sidewalks, Speight’s branded jumpsuits, and echoing chants of “fuck Arana”, but it could soon be known for an entirely, less alcohol-fuelled reason: Chandeliers. No, not the ceiling sort, or the drinking game; the Dunedin-based, alternative indie rock band sort.
These Dunedin boys have started the year off with a bang, performing at Re:Fuel on the 18th of February, as well as for our latest batch of freshers at the Toga Party during O-Week. The Chandeliers’ sound is a fusion of the Arctic Monkeys, The Rolling Stones, and The Vaccines, yet they have their own identifiable sound with their backbeat-heavy tracks and front man Nick Alexander. With a faux British inflection and melodic voice, Alexander’s unique vocals, mixed in with the superb musicianship from each of the members, it makes for an interesting and thoroughly pleasurable sound.
Their second EP entitled II features the heart thumping track, Leather - one of the better songs released in Twenty Sixteen (we’re looking at you Camila, there were nothing but Bad Things there). Leather features a psychedelic official video that focuses on the band members and their ‘groovy’ dancing – or bopping.
For a retro indie rock vibe, I would 10/10 recommend Chandeliers as your next go to sound. Keep that heavy backbeat in your mind because these boys are definitely ones to watch.