Previously named Gamanaut and renamed in 1997, Ghostplane’s first gig was in a tiny Wadestown kitchen at a farewell. They were placed fourth in the 1997 Battle of the Bands and third in the 1998 Battle Of The Bands.
Ghostplane were also formerly known as Dana Eclair, and changed their name in early 2003. The name Dana Eclair was taken from an actor from the 80s TV show McGyver.
Ghostplane fall very approximately into the category of experimental indie rock/pop with a side of dark alt-country thrown in. With three vocalists, acoustic and electric guitars, miscellaneous semi-functioning electronic devices, lopsided rhythms, old drum machines and due respect to ‘the random element’ you could say, in musicological terms, they’ve ‘got their own thing going’ – and it definitely is a very good thing.
However, if you want more reference points here they are. They are not a million miles away from good friends and fellow Wellingtonians The Phoenix Foundation, or Arizonians Calexico – both of whom they have recently performed live shows with. Two of the tracks that appear on ‘Panther Valley Country Club’ – ‘State Hijak’ and ‘The Straight and Narrow’ – have had a bunch of play on B-net radio stations, and the latter track also has an accompanying promotional video.
Newly signed to Arch Hill Recordings, Ghostplane have created a seven-track debut that impresses all who hear it. Recorded in a remote location (henceforth dubbed the ‘Panther Valley Country Club’) the band performed these songs live for the first time to a packed house at the Indigo Bar in Wellington midway through 2004.
Ghostplane are:
Mark Dyburgh (bass)
Achilles Botes (guitar)
Andrew Grayson (drums)
Ash Harmer (bass)
Simon Cooke (percussion, keyboards)
