Popstrangers

Popstrangers is a New Zealand indie rock group formed in Wellington in 2009 by Joel Flyger, Adam Page and David Larson. The three members later base themselves in London, England. Their music develops from noisy, off-kilter pop into a heavier but accessible sound, with songs that also draw on 1980s pop and earlier New Zealand punk.

Formation and style

The band forms after the three musicians connect over shared experiences of poor day jobs, a common interest in 1980s New Zealand punk bands, and a wish to make music with like-minded people. Their name is chosen only minutes before their first official show. Popstrangers are known for a sound that combines early noisy melodies with a strong live delivery and later material that moves somewhat away from the harsher noise of their earlier work.

Releases

Popstrangers first issue two well-received EPs before releasing their debut album Antipodes on Carpark. Their later album Fortuna continues their development, with a greater emphasis on songwriting and less on noise, while still retaining the force of their earlier records. A 7-inch single, Rats In The Palm Trees, is released in November 2013 and functions as a temporary farewell to the more punk-influenced sound associated with Antipodes.

Live work and recognition

The band builds a following through performances at Big Day Out and Rhythm and Vines, where its live show attracts new listeners. It also plays CMJ and supports MGMT, Crocodiles, Dinosaur Jr and Wild Nothing on New Zealand and Australian tours. In 2011, Popstrangers is nominated for the Critics Choice Award at the New Zealand Music Awards.

Members

The group consists of Joel Flyger, Adam Page and David Larson.