Shimmering, sublime _{by Madelaine Empson}

Formed in Christchurch in 1982, The Bats – Robert Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean, and Malcolm Grant – have quietly and loudly endured as one of New Zealand’s most beloved pop bands. Now, the indie legends are heading out on the road to celebrate their 2025 album Corner Coming Up, which peaked at number one on the IMNZ chart, number two on the Official Aotearoa Music Charts, and shows them at their shimmering, melodic best. I nabbed a few minutes with Scott to chat about the upcoming tour, which reaches St Peter’s Village Hall in Paekākāriki on the 13^th and Meow in Wellington on the 14^th of March.

This will be your most extensive NZ tour in over 20 years! What are your top memories from road-tripping the country in the past?

The old tours were such fun – a new, exciting time, especially playing out-of-the-way places like Gore, Barrytown, even the Tokoroa C+W festival. Experiencing changes in the country each time you do a tour. Communication changes have made it easier – no more wrestling with maps or looking for phone boxes.

What are the must-dos on the road this time?

Nowadays, sleep, try and talk to the fans in person, and use smaller amps.

How do you think Corner Coming Up compares and contrasts with your earlier work?

Corner is a continuation of our sound with some new themes – we will always sound like The Bats. Each studio visit is a nice challenge. 

Anything you’d like to say to your Welly fans?

Wellington is a special place with great memories: recording The Law of Things there, and of course, the super nice, musically smart fans who always make the effort to come out to our shows.