Street Chant

Street Chant

Street Chant are a New Zealand indie rock group from Auckland, originally active as Mean Street. The line-up includes Emily Edrosa.

History and recordings

In their earlier period, the band becomes known in Auckland for playing night after night at weekends. As Street Chant, they build wider recognition through national touring, including dates with The 3Ds, and they also support The Dead Weather on an Australasian tour. Their debut album, Means, appears in 2010 and receives strong local and overseas attention. The band works with Auckland label Arch Hill Recordings, which also releases the single Frail Girls and the album.

After the release of Means, Street Chant tours New Zealand and Australia and appears at the CMJ Music Marathon and South by Southwest. They spend much of 2011 in the studio working on a follow-up album, with Frail Girls presented as the first single from that planned record. The song is described as showing a more nuanced approach than their earlier material, with vocal harmonies and a forceful rhythm section.

Awards and recognition

Street Chant win the inaugural Critics’ Choice category at the New Zealand Music Awards for Means, and they also receive a nomination for Best Alternative Act at the same awards. Their profile grows further through coverage in New Zealand media and a reputation as a prominent local indie act.

Style

The group is associated with power-pop and indie rock, with earlier material described as having a sneering, propulsive sound and later work showing a more refined approach.