Speculations

 

With the internal countdown frighteningly running out of days and the clouds fortunately deciding to let all the rain out in preparation, Campus A Low Hum 2011 speculations have begun to pour in as fast as a Ponsonby socialite can gossip.

As a way to present the new right-click-to-download song gifting system here at Underdead (and a little introduction we had our close friend Ash Ketchum record for us), I have decided to indulge in rumours and assist in building your excitement for the big weekend.
(NB: I understand and love the Campus tradition of keeping the lineup secret until the festival; this article's intention is simply to spur excitement and give a taste of what's to come).



Rumour: The Ocean Floor 
Facts: Announced on Under The Radar, in this week's Groove Guide and the band's website.
About The Band: The Ocean Floor are a folk group from the indie mecca Portland, Oregon who have recently downsized to a 4-member band. Friends with Polka Dot Dot Dot, who played at Campus last year.
Listen: Stream 'Pop Quiz' On Bandcamp / Download 'What's The Dream?'

Rumour: Toro Y Moi and Captain Ahab
Facts: Playing a show (organised by Schools In Bulls) in Wellington the day after Campus.
About The Bands: Toro Y Moi is from South Carolina and identifies as a "chillwave artist". He toured the US with the outstanding New Zealand band The Ruby Suns last year.
Captain Ahab are a duo from LA who make music that sounds like Dance Dance Revolution remixed a Symphony Of Science track, but with lyrics about pop culture and partying.
Listen: Toro Y Moi on myspace / Download 'Leave Everywhere'.
Captain Ahab on bandcamp / Download 'Girls Gone Wild'.

Rumour: Disasteradio and Secret Knives
Facts: Both bands released albums on the A Low Hum pseudo-label last year, and while Disasteradio did not play a set last year (giving favour to the rumour of a set this year), Secret Knives did, which could take marks off the possibility of their performance.
About The Bands: Disasteradio is a solo artist from Wellington with a passion for the club Sandwiches and probably also club sandwiches. His aerobic-friendly, nu-post-disco-wave-core anthems gave everybody at the recent The Sneaks NZ Tour stitches before any other bands played.
Secret Knives, also from Wellington, have recently been busy translating their great local reputation into a grander, internet-wide glory with rave album reviews on a variety of the most savvy music blogs. They all attended the Around The Wireless festival in December, but refused to play a set. Perhaps they are saving themselves for another performance at their mother festival after all.
Listen: Disasteradio 'Charisma' on bandcamp / Download 'Hotline'.
Secret Knives 'Affection' on bandcamp / Download 'The Wolves'.

Rumour: Kitsunegari and Ghost Wave
Facts: Not even worth calling a rumour. These are two of the 20 local acts whose applications to play were accepted for an official (see: non-renegade) set.
About The Bands: Kitsunegari are the latest project from Bandicoot's Reuben Winter to be given his full attention. With Winter's passion for hip hop now being channelled into Google Cops, Kitsunegari is free to take the raw noise/metal expected from suspects like Eddie Crawshaw and Taylor Groves (both in People People) and Jessica Dew (Fatangryman).
Ghost Wave are also building reputation as a great live band, playing non-stop house parties and gigs while undergoing a few lineup changes. Their danceable surf-rock easily adapts to any setting, be that a dark and stuffy bar or a stage set up in the middle of a field. After a successful performance at Around The Wireless I have no doubt that their slightly new sound will make for a great few sets at camp.
Listen: Kitsunegari's free EP on bandcamp
See Ghost Wave at this gig / Download 'Hippy'.


These are only a handful of bands who are, or could be, playing. The full lineup consists of 70 bands plus renegade shows and non-stop parties, so if you haven't made arrangements to attend you should seriously consider how incredible this festival will be, or risk having to listen to the stories of golden achievements for the rest of your life. Buy tickets here, they could sell out at any point!