Underwire – Greener: 13th Floor New Song Of The Day

Wellington’s Underwire release their sixth single today, titled Greener, it calls out green-washing, after the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle across New Zealand in 2023, where massive damage by forest slash highlighted the folly of carbon trading schemes without actual environmental care, and the downside of the culture of profit before people.

Here is the blurb with more:

Underwire’s sixth single Greener is a no holds protest song, with slamming hooks and a chanting anthem chorus. Recorded and produced by Scott Seabright, Greener brings new textures to the band’s developing sound, and swaggers with influences like The Stooges and psychobilly.

Underwire have been a busy band since releasing their first single Gravity in May 2023 – more than six months on Apple’s global New Rock and other playlists, over 25,000 Youtube views of their self-made videos, New Zealand and international indie radio play, working with Scott Seabright – more singles to come – and playing shows with more than a dozen other bands in the energetic Wellington indie music scene and beyond.

About Underwire:

Underwire have always been about live performance, and the chemistry of 5 inspired and gifted musicians, since they started playing their original songs back in 2010.  Formed in the collision of Clash and Pixies tribute bands, with members from such diverse Wellington bands as Wazzo Ghoti, Shanakie, Proxies and Head like a Hole, Underwire play like they mean it, with a distinctly fun, alt-rock sound – stormy with a hint of surf. Over the years they have performed at Wellington venues including Bodega, Meow, San Fran, Valhalla and Lovelands, and festivals such as Tora Tora and The Forest.

Founding members Johnny Mills, Jane Brimblecombe and Mark Roxburgh regrouped in 2020, powered along to new heights by the legendary Mark Hamill on drums, and the very talented Steve Tremewan on bass. The re-boot drew forth a whole new set of songs, captured in recordings at Massey School of Music in 2021, re-mastered by production legend Scott Seabright then released through 2023 with the help of label PlasticGroove HQ. ‘Falling All Over’ has reached over 14,000 Youtube views, and Underwire have featured on 5 Apple playlists through the last quarter of 2023.

A recording session with Scott Seabright in October and December 2023 has fed more single releases through 2024, with ‘Gloves Off’ in March, and ‘Greener’ due out 20 September. Kicking off 2024 with a mini-tour with labelmates Voodoo Bloo and Adult Friends, with shows in Wellington, Napier and Palmerston North, Underwire have played Cutlers, Valhalla and Boneface shows with such acts as Adoneye, Electric Tapestry and Death Chemist. Look out for them live on the vibrant Wellington scene.

BAND MEMBERS:

Jane  Brimblecombe– Jane is well known in the Wellington art scene for her amazing mosaic mirrors and public works, but has been a singer, poet and songwriter all her life.  The ubiquitous New Zealand poetry collection ‘A Cage of Words’ is named for and includes Jane’s poem written at age 14.  Jane’s first original band was Astral Taxi in 1990’s.  Her epic voice helps Underwire to soar.

Mark Roxburgh (Spike) – Spike has been a stalwart of Wellington music since the 1980s, with seminal indie band Wazzo Ghoti, subsequently Wazzo Clash, and Who & Pixies tribute bands. A seasoned sound engineer, master of the no-pose pose, and somewhere between Mick Jones & Joey Santiago, Spike’s guitarwork is atmospheric, and his songwriting crafted and evocative.

Johnny Mills – Johnny has been in Wellington music since joining the wild Irish pub scene of the mid-90s in Shanakie, The Whiskey Mice, The Millstones, Cheap Dates & many solo gigs.  Johnny hosted songwriter shows from 1998, first for Bodega, then running the Acoustic Lounge for Indigo & San Fran 2002-2006.  With partner Jane, he formed a Pixies tribute, Proxies, which played most Wellington venues from 2007-2011, attracting Spike to the line-up, from whence Underwire sprang. Johnny’s songs are diverse and laden with hooks, all the more for co-writing with Jane and the band.

Mark Hamill – Mark set himself apart as a world class drummer during his years with Kiwi legends Head Like A Hole.  Performer, engineer and producer, he continues drumming with Wazzo Clash, and his power and musicality now underpin all of Underwire’s songs.

Steve Tremewan – Johnny met Steve on their local bus, finding common ground talking music and being left-handed guitarists in Hamilton cover bands.  After a few jams, musical chemistry was clear. A singer/songwriter in his own right, Steve took up the chance to play bass for Underwire, opening a whole new level of energy and creativity in the band.

Find Underwire:
Facebook / YouTube / Bandcamp
Spotify/Apple/Tidal/Deezer/Amazon / Instagram