Amplifier

To celebrate the release of his debut album Arctic Tales Divide on 21 March, Andrew Keoghan is embarking on a nationwide tour with his band and special guest Gareth Thomas (Goodshirt).

Arctic Tales Divide is a fascinating collection of melodic and word-rich songs, combining Keoghan's classical training in singing and violin with elements of pop and folk - you could call it chamber-pop. The album was produced by Wayne Bell, whose production credits include Jan Hellriegel, Bic Runga and Gin Wigmore.

Andrew Keoghan uses a 130-year-old violin, once owned by his great-grandfather, which he plays like a guitar, plucking the strings and amping it through a loop pedal to layer string and vocal melodies.

He will be joined on tour by some familiar faces, whose talents feature on Arctic Tales Divide, including bass player Ben King (Goldenhorse, Grand Rapids), singer Victoria Girling-Butcher (Lucid 3, Lupin), drummer Wayne Bell (Greg Johnson, Dave Dobbyn) and keyboardist Gareth Thomas (Goodshirt).

With support from Gareth Thomas, best known for writing the sure-fire pop hits of Kiwi band Goodshirt, including NZ number one Sophie and other songs Buck It Up and Cement. A more gentle, mellow mood of alt-rock-country/psychedelic-pop runs through Gareth's fine debut solo album Lady Alien, which was released in November 2010 to strong reviews.

TOUR DATES

Saturday 19 March
Chicks Hotel, Dunedin
with Grand Rapids

Sunday 20 March
Harbour Light, Lyttelton
with Gareth Thomas

Tuesday 22 March
The Classic, Auckland
with Gareth Thomas

Thursday 24 March
Mighty Mighty, Wellington
with Gareth Thomas

Tickets available from http://www.undertheradar.co.nz