Tall Dwarfs

Tall Dwarfs
OriginNew Zealand
GenresLo-fi, indie rock, experimental rock
Years active1981–present
MembersChris Knox
Alec Bathgate

Tall Dwarfs are a New Zealand rock band formed in 1981 by Chris Knox and Alec Bathgate, who helped pioneer the lo-fi style of rock music.[1] The duo were former members of Toy Love.[1]

The band lacked a drummer, but would use household objects and hand claps to act as percussion.[2] Both members can play guitar, with 12 strings and bass guitar often heard on their records. Both can play organ as well, which has been utilised on some of their songs. The Casiotone is frequently used too, especially on live concerts.

Their debut was the EP Three Songs (1981), and for many years they released EPs only. The album Weeville (1990) was their first full-length album.[1] They did, however, release a number of full-length compilations of their EPs, like Hello Cruel World and The Short and Sick of It.

In the liner notes to their album 3 EPs (1994) (released as a single CD, or as three vinyl EPs collected in one box), they asked for listeners' rhythm tracks: "Send us your idea of a great T.D. throb."[3][4] The responses came from many different countries and were used for the next album, Stumpy (1997). This album was credited to "International Tall Dwarfs."[5]

Bands who have claimed to be influenced by the Tall Dwarfs include Guided by Voices,[6] Jay Reatard,[6] Superchunk,[6] Elf Power,[6] Neutral Milk Hotel[7] and Olivia Tremor Control.[8][7] In 2005, they did a small number of concerts in the US, playing with the Olivia Tremor Control.[9]

  1. ^ a b c Ankeny, Jason (11 February 1997). "Tall Dwarfs – Music Biography, Credits and Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  2. ^ "Tall Dwarfs". thebigcity. 3 February 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  3. ^ Album notes for 3 EPs (1994). Flying Nun Records.
  4. ^ "International Tall Dwarfs* – Stumpy (Vinyl, LP, Album) at Discogs". Discogs. 4 October 1996. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  5. ^ Album notes for Stumpy (1997). Flying Nun Records.
  6. ^ a b c d Pearis, Bill (8 June 2022). "Tall Dwarfs announce 'Unravelled: 1981–2002' box set; full discography streaming for first time". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Nerd Alert: We'll Take Any Excuse to Say Tall Dwarfs Are Awesome - Flavorwire". Flavorwire. 15 June 2009. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  8. ^ "Album Review: Tall Dwarfs – Weeville". 16 December 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  9. ^ "Tall Dwarfs To Tour USA". Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2015.