THE PROPHET HENS

Popular People Do Popular People

(Fishrider - FISH010) CD $15.00 (Out-of-stock)

(Fishrider - FISH010) LP $20.00 (Out-of-stock)

Hatched from New Zealand’s dreamy but dark 21st century pop underground, and marinated in the melodic sounds of that mostly fictional “Dunedin Sound” — The Chills, The Bats, Magick Heads, a little bit of The Clean and The Orange — The Prophet Hens are a ghostly reminder of the decaying southern city’s musical past. Big, bold ambition with the quiet drama of isolation; organ-drenched pop, bedroom angst.

THE PROPHET HENS

Wonderful Shapes Of Back Door Keys

(Fishrider - FISH016) CD $15.00 (Out-of-stock)

(Fishrider - FISH016) LP $20.00 (Out-of-stock)

Album number two by this NZ group, favorably compared previously to both The Chills and Belle And Sebastian, doubles-down on tunefulness courtesy of bassist Robin Cederman’s adventurous songwriting and keyboard player Penelope Esplin’s lead vocals. Strong melodies,and richly detailed, dramatic storylines complement the melancholy and exuberance of Karl Bray’s minor key pop numbers. Their teasing guitar intros, jangling chord progressions woven through swirling fairground keyboards, and reflective lyrics chime as strong as your classic UK jangle pop and vintage REM.