Vauxhall

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE CASTLETOONZ WEBSITE AND WATCH THE ANIMATED VIDEO FOR "IT'S A SHAME", THE FIRST SINGLE OFF HANGING ON BY A THREAD.
After an absence of the nearly two years Vauxhall return with an album which makes the wait well worth while.
Inspired by the windswept beauty of northern Scotland, the snow covered streets of Chicago and the unique character of New Zealand, Vauxhall have produced an album which blends the bands wide ranging musical influences with inspired songwriting to create their finest body of work to date. Entitled 'Hanging on by a Thread', the album opens with the dedication For those that made it, those that didnt, and those still hanging on by a thread which serves as a promise of the range of moods, emotions and subject matter that 'Hanging on by a Thread' throws forth for the listener.
'Hanging on by a Thread' is a powerful collection of songs that superbly showcase Vauxhalls unique talent. The album ranges from hard, fast rock numbers to ballads of delicate beauty, with every song emanating the soul and passion Vauxhall have for the music they create.
With three EPs already behind them, Vauxhall certainly have done some yards. The nucleus of Vauxhall was formed in early 1997 when brothers David and James McLaughlin started writing music together. The Brothers McLaughlin soon recruited some like minded musicians and, despite facing the ups and downs any aspiring band can expect, Vauxhalls determination and belief in their music saw the band go from strength to strength. The following years saw various line-up changes and the commitment of those that joined David and James McLaughlin along the way ensured that Vauxhall continued to produce unique and inspired music as well as unforgettable live shows. In the following years, the distinctiveness of Vauxhalls music saw, among other things, interest from Australia, a half hour documentary on the band being filmed and shown on Triangle TV and Vauxhall being the first band to be recorded live for broadcast on the then new TVNZ website Nzoom.
Although 'Hanging on by a Thread' is very much a Vauxhall album, there are certain other people who have played a key role in its creation. The album has been co-produced by Vauxhall and Rikki Morris. Rikki Morris is a former APRA Silver Scroll winner and legend of the New Zealand music scene who, in recent times, has been instrumental in the early stages of the careers of The Checks, The Veils and Gin Wigmore, the winner of the 2004 International Songwriting Competition. Rikki has described 'Hanging on by a Thread' as something he personally feels incredible proud to have been involved in. Vauxhall were also lucky enough to have their friend Luke Casey drum on the album. Luke is without a doubt one of New Zealands top drummers of all time and enjoys enormous respect from all quarters having previously drummed for S.P.U.D, 7 Dials, The Nixons, Eye TV and the Relaxomatic Project. Luke has also toured with and recorded for bands as diverse as Jordan Reyne, Grace, Sulata, Spargo, Second Child, Carly Binding, Bygone Era and Ted Clarke. Most recently Luke has been fronting his own band Tinpot Guru. With the enlisting of such remarkable and talented individuals, the Brothers McLaughlin were able to create a team who were capable of and prepared to help them make the unique and undeniable album they had been planning.
As well as Rikki and Luke, a third person was key in the finished album that is 'Hanging on by a Thread'. That third person was Don Bartley of Studio301 in Sydney. Don is Australasias leading mastering engineer and has previously done work for Metallica, Powderfinger and Alanis Morissette, among others. Dons input into the album was invaluable and the fact that someone of Dons experience and standing describes 'Hanging on by a Thread' as powerful is indeed a testament to what Vauxhall have achieved.
'Hanging on by a Thread' is 13 tracks of pure emotion, true to itself and unashamed of the call to arms it makes, shaped and crafted in part by some of the most outstanding people in the New Zealand and Australian music industries. Although Vauxhall have called their album 'Hanging on by a Thread', they clearly have a firm grasp on making unique and special music. Long may it continue!
I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V3.6 !
The original MySpace Map! Click here to make your own!