Rival State

Rival State

Rival State is a New Zealand alternative rock band, also described as modern rock. The group forms in 2002, and its background is tied to New Zealand and the UK through years of activity overseas and at home.

Formation and early years

The band name is first discussed in 2002, when the members are still at school. Rival State then splits in 2007, after which its members spend several years touring and living in North America and Europe. This period includes long van tours across North America and Europe, and the band later reforms in 2011.

Reformation and lineup

In April 2011, four of the five members return to New Zealand after a five-year period overseas in Canada and Europe. The group reforms its high school band line-up with original singer Luke Van Hoof, who has been playing with New Zealand band Kids of 88 during the intervening period. Stefan Einarsson describes the reunion as beginning after a Skype conversation, and Jo Einarsson is also named among the returning members.

Music and releases

After reforming, Rival State begins writing a new record in mid-2011 in New Plymouth, with British producer Matt Hyde. Hyde is associated with work for Trivium, Slipknot, Funeral for a Friend and Ash. The band describes the record as drawing on rock, punk, pop and grunge, and as avoiding repeated ideas.

The first track issued from the record is Sleep Talker, described by the band as built around riffs, grooves and anthemic vocals. Rival State’s debut album is set for release on Shock Records in 2012.

Style and identity

The band presents itself as returning with a new sound and a new aesthetic, while keeping the same energy from its early years. Its stated approach is to write without limitations or rules, and to make the record it had always wanted to make.