The Clean, a New Zealand band formed in 1978, blended punk energy, pop melodies, and psychedelic sounds, helping to create the “Dunedin sound.” The trio, consisting of brothers Hamish and David Kilgour and friend Peter Gutteridge, had an influential but sporadic career over four decades. They began performing in Dunedin and recorded their first single, “Tally Ho!” in 1981, which gained popularity. Despite challenges with recording, they released the successful EP Boodle Boodle Boodle in 1982.
The Clean’s music is characterised by its raw energy and innovative sound, making them pioneers of the indie rock scene in New Zealand. Their ability to fuse catchy pop melodies with the frenetic rhythms of punk created a unique style that set them apart from their contemporaries. Tracks like “Tally Ho!” and “Anything Could Happen” showcased their knack for creating infectious hooks paired with an experimental edge. The band’s music often featured jangly guitars and lo-fi production, traits that would later influence a generation of indie musicians both in New Zealand and abroad.
Throughout their career, The Clean experienced several line-up changes and periods of inactivity, yet they consistently returned to the stage and studio, leaving a lasting impact on the music landscape. Their 1983 debut album, Vehicle, was well-received and further solidified their reputation as key figures in the burgeoning underground music scene. In the late 1980s, they briefly disbanded, allowing members to pursue other projects; however, the band’s legacy continued to grow, and they eventually reunited in the late 1990s to release new material and tour internationally.
The Clean’s influence can be seen in the music of various bands around the world, particularly within the lo-fi and indie rock movements. They have inspired artists like Sonic Youth and Pavement, who admired their unconventional approach to songwriting and recording. Despite their sporadic releases and live performances, The Clean remains a beloved band, exemplifying the spirit of DIY music culture. Their contributions to the Dunedin sound and indie rock continue to resonate with fans and musicians alike, ensuring that their innovative sound lives on.
After some lineup changes and side projects, they reunited in 1988 for concerts in London and recorded a new album, Vehicle, in 1990. They released more albums in the mid-90s before splitting again. The band came back together in 2000 for a festival and continued to perform and release music until the early 2010s. They experienced further activity after the 2011 earthquake but shifted focus to individual projects thereafter. Hamish Kilgour passed away in late 2022.
