On April 16, 1980, the post-punk world was forever altered with the release of Joy Division's seminal album 'Closer.' Following the band's groundbreaking debut, 'Unknown Pleasures,' this album solidified their place in music history. With haunting tracks like 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and 'Isolation,' 'Closer' painted a dark yet compelling picture of despair and emotional turbulence. The record was a remarkable commercial success, peaking at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and gaining a cult following that endures to this day. The original pressing of 'Closer' is a prized possession among vinyl collectors, often sought after for its striking cover art and immersive sound that encapsulates the bleak yet beautiful essence of the band's unique style. Vinyl enthusiasts recognize the limited vinyl releases of the album that have emerged over the years, including the 2015 remastered edition, which has rekindled interest in the band's profound impact on alternative music. Joy Division's music resonated deeply not only within the UK but also around the world, influencing countless artists and movements in the decades that followed. Tragically, the band's frontman, Ian Curtis, passed away just a few days before their U.S. tour was set to begin, adding a haunting layer to the album's legacy. Despite this heart-wrenching loss, 'Closer' remains a testament to Joy Division's genius and emotional depth. The album has inspired a myriad of genres, from goth to indie rock, proving that even in darkness, music can shine brightly. Today, 'Closer' stands as an iconic record, forever etched in the annals of music history, inviting listeners to explore the depths of human emotion through the power of vinyl.
Savänt
Siah Ngata, Garrett MacRae, Troy McKubre, and Dave Clark form Savänt, a dynamic hard rock band based in Auckland, New Zealand. Since their inception in 1999, Savänt has diligently carved out a prominent place in the New Zealand rock scene, earning recognition from Rip It Up magazine as "one of Auckland’s hardest gigging bands" during their early years.
The band's journey began with the recording of their first demo, 'Fight, Shine, Calm, Ready,' in 1999, followed by the independent release of the 'Easy Way' EP in July 2000. During this period, Savänt performed extensively, including at the Sound 2000 Music Expo and on Ground Zero, a program on TV2. They have since been featured in various publications, such as Rip It Up, Real Groove, Sony Pulse, and NZ’s men's magazine, Brass, where they were voted as NZ’s ‘hardest heavy band.’
In 2001, Savänt took the stage at the Auckland Big Day Out and made live appearances on Channel Z’s James Coleman Show and The Rock FM’s Electric Kitchen as part of NZ Music Month. They also returned for a second performance at the Vodafone Xtreme Air and participated in the Hamilton Summer Festival. Notably, in August, the band was selected by Incubus to support them during their New Zealand shows. Additionally, Savänt toured the North Island extensively that year in collaboration with Tui and The Rock FM, and launched their official website.
To date, NZ On Air has funded two music videos for Savänt. The first, 'Solitary,' released in 2001, was filmed using Digital Film technology, which had previously been utilized in Star Wars ‘Episode 2,’ marking a first for Australasia. Both 'Solitary' and 'Underground' received significant airplay on channels such as Juice (SKY), M2 (TV2), and TV4’s Most Wanted, with 'Solitary' earning a nomination for ‘Best Indie Video’ at the 2002 Juice TV music awards.
In 2002, Savänt signed a distribution deal with Zomba Records for the release of the ‘Underground’ CD Single. That same year, they headlined the annual Waitangi Day outdoor festival at Auckland's North Shore. In March, they replaced U.S. band Sevendust to support Creed and Incubus at a major concert at Western Springs stadium, performing in front of an audience of 20,000. During NZ Music Month in May, Savänt also took part in the all-New Zealand event, True Colours, held in Auckland.
In 2003, Savänt continued to work on their debut album under the guidance of producer Chris van de Geer (Stellar*). Their performances that year included the Infamous Greenman’s Big Day Out after-party with 8 Foot Sativa and Blindspott, an appearance on Mary Lambie’s Good Morning show, and support for Audioslave at the Auckland Town Hall. In August 2003, Savänt released their debut album, 'Nothing Sacred,' through the Rajon Music label, with distribution in New Zealand handled by Sony Music.
Band Members: - Siah Ngata (vocals) - Garrett MacRae (bass) - Troy McKubre (guitar) - Dave Clark (drums)
