The Bats return to America in 2013 to celebrate the release of their latest album, Free All The Monsters and the special re-issue of recordings from their early years. The Bats’ original New Zealand label, Flying Nun, has also returned to action, and along with Captured Tracks from USA is re-releasing much of The Bats’ back catalogue.
The Bats were formed in 1982 in Christchurch, New Zealand, by Robert Scott (The Clean) chief songwriter on lead vocals and guitar, bassist Paul Kean (Toy Love) singer/guitarist Kaye Woodward (Minisnap) and drummer Malcolm Grant (The Builders). Following a series of EPs, came their outstanding debut Daddy’s Highway in 1987 and from there it has been a stream of acclaimed albums all the while amassing fans and friends around the world.
They have released three EP’s, seven albums and two compilations, gone on numerous international tours and received gushing reviews from every corner of the music press. From their first 3 eps through to their recent 8th studio album, Free All the Monsters, The Bats have miraculously retained the same line-up
Free All The Monsters shows them in top form. Recorded at Seacliff, a former asylum in the grand Victorian style just outside of Dunedin, New Zealand, and masterfully produced by Dale Cotton (HDU, Dimmer), it captures some of their strongest songs to date.
They have also released a video for “The Simpletons,” one of the tracks from their new album. The video was filmed in the Red Zone of central Christchurch, New Zealand, the site of the 6.3 earthquake that struck the city in 2011.
At the end of May, the band will be touring in the US in support of Free All The Monsters.
TOUR DATES
5.30.13 Austin, TX @ Chaos in Tejas – Red 7
6.1.13 Brooklyn, NY @ NYC Popfest – Public Assembly
6.2.13 Allston, MA @ Great Scott
6.3.13 Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell’s
6.4.13 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
6.5.13 Washington, DC @ DC9
6.7.13 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
6.9.13 Chicago, IL @ Schubas
6.11.13 Portland, OR @ Bunk Bar
6.12.13 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
6.14.13 San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
6.15.13 Los Angeles, CA @ The Satellite