The Bats
Years Active: 1982 - Present
Rock band The Bats have survived four decades with the same line-up. Formed in Christchurch in 1982, their indie "jangle pop" sound has become synonymous with the early days of iconic record label Flying Nun .
Overview
NZ On Screen's sister website AudioCulture describes The Bats as "a glorious anomaly", after four decades without a line-up change. The jangly, country-inflected quartet began with vocalist/guitarist Robert Scott (The Clean), Kaye Woodward and Paul Kean (Toy Love). They debuted as The Bats in late 1982, after adding drummer Malcolm Grant. Early recordings didn't do them justice, but London-recorded EP Made Up in Blue (1986) and 1987 debut album Daddy's Highway (featuring 'North by Northwest) won international praise. Nine more albums have followed. Band-within-a-band Minisnap sometimes open for The Bats onstage.
