Goldenhorse

Goldenhorse

October 5, 2004

Apart from the fine overall instrumentation it’s the exquisite vocals of lead singer Kirsten Morelle which makes Goldenhorse so classy. The 5 piece includes Geoff Maddock on Guitar and Vocals, Ben King on Guitar and Vocals with Vincent Hine and Ben Collier on Bass and drums respectively. Each song has been clearly thought out and planned for maximum effect and Goldenhorse pull it off with aplomb.

Singles ‘American Wife’, ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ and ‘Riverhead’ were all finalists in APRA NZ’s Silver Scroll Awards 2001, 2002 and 2003. An unprecedented 3 years running for any songwriter or single album.

The singles ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ (51 wks on airplay charts), ‘Wake Up Brother’ (17 wks) and “Northern Lights“ (22 wks) have further broadened the group’s appeal reaching mainstream commercial radio audiences across alternative, pop, easy listening and adult contemporary stations. ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ being the most performed NZ song on radio for 2003.

The album ‘Riverhead’ was awarded a Tui for most radio play in this year’s 2004 New Zealand Music Awards.

Sales are well over 45,000 in New Zealand. Triple Platinum. NZ Album charts for the past 8 weeks have read Goldenhorse 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, and 4 after already spending 52 weeks in the charts.

A highly sought after arranger, Geoff Maddock, has composed parts for Neil and Tim Finn and Dave Dobbyn. He and Kirsten have arranged all Goldenhorse songs for 60-70 piece orchestras. Goldenhorse have performed sell out shows with the Auckland Philharmonia and Christchurch Symphony.

At the other end of the spectrum, as a 5 piece, the band is explodingly sensual and raw...a rock act in the best sense of the term. The band are utterly unaffected, nodding and laughing as if they can't quite believe the music they're producing - they hit that wonderful state that great bands do where it's like the music is playing them. It reminds you that the sheer possibilities of the basic guitar/bass/drums/vocals combo have barely begun to be explored. The total effect being powerful invention.

Quotes:

“Without a doubt one of the best albums released in 2002” NZ Musician

“Shinning debut” Tearaway

“Riverhead is an absolute winner” Pavement

“ a summer pop classic. An unalloyed gem and a rarity too.” ***** NZ Herald “...packed full of intelligence and wit..." **** Rip It Up

“ Precise, tasteful, durable, real top shelf stuff. This quintet bang out tunes that are ambitious yet inviting, richly textured with a certain bucolic ease” 8/10 Montreal Mirror

www.goldenhorse.co.nz

ENDS

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