credit:  Frances Carter

Guardian Singles at Chess Club

Mar 16, 2025

1:00am – 1:40am CT

Chess Club

This performance is part of the showcase that starts on Saturday, March 15 at Chess Club

Guardian Singles’ hectic, visceral music and pummeling live shows have earned them a reputation as one of the best live bands in New Zealand, and one that always keeps you guessing.
Over two full length albums they present an amalgam of early-80s influences (think Husker Du jamming with Wire at a Flying Nun tribute night) with touches of industrial, shoegaze, and motorik in places.
In September 2020, Guardian Singles played a blistering 25 minute set streamed live to Memphis, Tennessee for legendary DIY punk festival Gonerfest. It was viewed by thousands, and resulted in their bandcamp page crashing from the sudden influx of people trying to buy their self-titled debut record (released earlier that year).
Their show also sufficiently impressed Chicago based record label Trouble In Mind, who signed them the following week - re-releasing said debut record to a wider international audience and almost unanimous critical acclaim. Their sophomore album for Trouble In Mind, “Feed Me to the Doves” again impressed critics and fans worldwide - showcasing a weave of cerebral songwriting into a full sonic onslaught.
They are an official showcasing artist at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Primary Access
Music Badge
Platinum Badge
Secondary Access
Film & TV Badge
Interactive Badge
Music Festival Wristband
About
From: Auckland, New Zealand
Genre: Punk
Subgenre: Post-Punk
Type: Showcase