The Datsuns

The Datsuns are a hard rock band from Cambridge, New Zealand. The group forms in 2000 and remains active, with a line-up of Christian Datsun, Matt Datsun, Dolf de Datsun and Philip Somervell.

Formation and early years

The band begins in school years in 1995 under the name Trinket, when Dolf de Borst, Phil Buscke Somervell and Matt Osment form the group. Christian Livingstone joins in 1997. The band wins the 1999 89FM Battle of the Bands competition and adopts the name The Datsuns by 2000. The name is a self-deprecating reference to the Datsun car, chosen because the members come from Cambridge and do not see themselves as likely candidates for a more glamorous car-based band name.

Releases and label work

In August 2000 the band releases its first single, “Super Gyration!”, on 7-inch vinyl only. In July 2002, after several appearances on John Peel’s BBC Radio 1 programme and attention from the British music press, the band signs to V2 Records. Over the course of its first eight years, the band releases four albums, and work on a fifth begins during a national tour of New Zealand in spring 2010. Recording for that album takes place in Sweden at Gutterview Recorders in Stockholm, with Nicke Andersson of The Hellacopters and Dolf de Borst involved in the production.

Live reputation and touring

The Datsuns build a reputation as a live band through extensive touring, playing widely across countries, cities and towns with venues large enough for their performances. They become known for energetic shows at summer festivals and other live settings. Jack White books them as a support act in the United States in early 2002 after seeing one of their shows during a White Stripes tour of New Zealand.

Reception and influence

The band is associated with garage rock and hard rock, and their music sits between garage-punk and heavier rock audiences. Their track “Harmonic Generator” is notable as the first song the Arctic Monkeys reportedly play together. Their early 2000s profile includes repeated play on John Peel’s show and praise in the British music press.