Concrete Playground

For a band so — well loved doesn't quite cut it — adored, it seems shocking that the Chills have only released a handful of records, but the standard of each one is so high that it seems to run into the hundreds. One of the very first bands signed to iconic New Zealand record label Flying Nun, the Chills sit at the tippiest top of the influential pop tree.

Formed in 1980, with members dipping in and out of related bands such as the Clean and the Verlaines over the years, the band has seen some tough times, steady lineup changes and sad losses. And yet, Martin Phillips has always been there, leading the charge with his heavenly pop hits. After a brief hiatus, Phillips reformed the band in 2003 to the glee of Dunedin advocates the world over. This is a band that demands you do a little jig when you find out they're playing in your town, a band that you rush out and get your ticket for, a band that, despite the slightly scary press photo, you will cherish forever.