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Paselode (pronounced pâs lôd) is a five-piece Wellington rock band that was formed in 1999.
Incorporating big rock riffs, retro organs, analogue synthesizers, a thundering rhythm section and a sleazy crooner, Paselode have been sculpting a monstrous sound throughout New Zealand since the tail end of 1999 and have gained strong student radio airplay for their first four songs 'C'Mon Hallelujah', 'Upping The Ante', 'Mr Creepy', and 'Lock and Load'.
They have become renowned for their energetic and gloriously over the top performances as well as their great songs and even better looks. The term "musical bulldozer" was once used to describe the band but the group itself prefers to classify themselves as a rock band that doesn't limit themselves to just being a rock band. This is evident in the way Paselode fuse the gap between funk, soul, blues, jazz, country and electro. They avoid retro rock cliches but are the first to admit the influence of The Doors inspiring their eclectic sound.
Paselode's unconventional approach to creating their sound also translates to the unconventional approach employed to create their debut album 'The Taming Of The Wasps'.
The band undertook the major task of renovating a century old church, spending 8 months soundproofing and acoustically treating the massive building to the strict specifications of engineer/producer Nic McGowan. The result of the 8 months construction and 3 months recording is a raw and live sounding debut that perfectly captures the band's sonic intensity and subtle fragility.
Paselode have received huge support from New Zealand's student radio network, The bNet, so much in fact that Paselode songs regularly appear on individual stations Top 10 Charts and on the National Alternative Charts. For two years running Paselode have been nominated in the best unreleased song category at the bNet awards, honouring the creme de la creme of New Zealand's independent artists.
Two of the New Zealand Government's arts funding bodies have also seen potential in Paselode with NZ On Air helping fund the recording of a single and a video. Creative NZ has also given funding for the world's first "Real TV" animated series documenting the story of Paselode. The 6 part series will be a cross between The Osbournes, South Park and Monty Python.
The band recently inked a deal with Wildside Records, New Zealand's premiere independent rock label. Impressed by the band's live intensity, song writing and professionalism, Wildside owner Murray Cammick added the band to his roster of New Zealand's most influential rock bands and is highly anticipating the local release of The Taming Of The Wasps in May 2004.
An indication of Paselode's profile is the calibre of the bands that Paselode have had the privilege of sharing stages with. Whether it be local rock heroes like The Datsuns, The D4, Goodshirt and Pacifier or overseas groups like The Breeders and Grinspoon, Paselode have always held their own and impressed both the bands and audiences alike with their uncompromising ability to make a room move.
"I fuckin' love Paselode" Dubhead, bFM Programming Director.
"Local favourites Paselode, whose distinctive blend of dirty rock and country, never fails to please the audience." The Package
Band Members:
Gerome Mills (vocals)
Luke Benge (keyboards)
Chris 'Digs' Chalmers (drums)
Nathan Hickey (bass)
Elan Mills (guitar)
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