23 Apr 2024

Riverblind

is

* Dave Kempton – guitar, vocals
* Stefan Sarten – drums
* Daniel Simpson Beck – bass
* Louis Thompson-Munn – keys

Based in Wellington, NZ and formed late 2005, Riverblind is a band intent on pushing the boundaries of their art and providing the audience with a sense of inclusion and discovery.


The group play an eclectic form of rock infused with jazz that has been called “dark, aching and intelligent” by wellingtonlivemusic.com, and the group was touted as “the most mind-blowingly original act we’ve ever played with” by Made In China.


NZ Musician Magazine called their first recording “a darkly beautiful beast, dynamic and well thought out” made by a group who “sound formidable” and were “definitely a band to follow up on.”


Riverblind have two commercial releases. 2007’s EP Mind Estate and their first full-length album Hour Of The Wolf released in 2009.


In late 2005, after playing together briefly in a short lived Wellington rock band, David Kempton and Daniel Simpson Beck decided to form a new band with acclaimed percussionist Tim Whitta of Strike Percussion. The early rehearsals went well and Riverblind started writing material immediately.


Six months later Riverblind played their first gig. After a series of well-received shows, Riverblind started recording their first EP. Mind Estate was released late 2007 and received positive responses from both fans and reviewers. A music video for single Checking The Sun was produced by Rob Appierdo (Dnation) and aired on C4 music channel.


Unfortunately, before the EP could be toured, Tim realised that in order to fulfill his own goals he needed to head to the UK.


Finding a drummer with enough facility and creativity to fill Tim’s shoes was a challenge but after six months of searching and auditioning several very capable players who just didn’t work out, Stefan Sarten joined the band.


With a new drummer and a refocused drive, Riverblind was finally able to tour NZ for the first time in late 2008. The group found new audiences around the country, being especially well received in Dave’s hometown, Dunedin.


Stefan helped encourage a new creative dynamic that led the band back into the studio in January 2009. Riverblind’s first full-length album Hour Of The Wolf was launched at the album release show on August 15th in Wellington to a crowd of very elated local fans.


The band has since been touring regularly and has a consistent flow of new material. Album number two is scheduled for production in 2011.

Riverblind became a four-piece band in August 2010 when Louis Thompson-Munn was recruited on keys.

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