''We have eggs!'' bassist and vocalist Lucinda King offers.
''LCD eggs from Jaycar. One each for Danny [Brady, synth and programming], Hope [Robertson, guitar, drums, vocals] and I. We put them on as mood lighting, but they're retired now,'' she laughs.
''And those earlier songs would start with a jam, but then we'd be like, `Well why don't we just record it now? Start with a beat, then bass, then guitar and vocals'.
''Sometimes Danny will bounce me off just drums and synth and I'd just listen and play with that for a while.''
Brady's beats are the solid foundation for Death and The Maiden's sound.
Taking cues from the psychedelic vibes of his prior band, Thought Creature, and the environment of Dunedin gallery None, where much of the album was written or recorded, the deep grooves never sacrifice atmosphere, with Brady favouring electronic music which conjures emotion.
''Most of the songs on the album were all recorded at night though, it's a night-time album'', King says.
This prompts Brady to recall a chance encounter he and the writer had walking through Dunedin's deserted town belt-surrounded central suburbs late one evening.
''I had just gotten the masters back, it was really late, and nobody was around. I was taking a walk to make sure it sounded right,'' Brady laughs.
''It was awkward cause I didn't want to seem like 'that guy', but it had to be done.''
Looking back, he was taking the album for a spin in a near perfect environment.
Songs like Skulls, a personal favourite, are entrancing, gliding mini-sound worlds. An emotive trip through dance and techno, with the reverbed-out guitar and punch of post-rock and post-punk.
For the listener and the band, it's cathartic. This debut album is a triumph. Highly recommended.
The gig
• Radio One and The 91 Club present Death and The Maiden album release with support from Pesk and Leon Screen, Wednesday, April 22, at Chick's Hotel. Free with your 2015 Onecard or $10 without. Doors open at 9pm. The Chick's Hotel bus leaves Countdown Central at 8.30pm, and the university library at 8.35pm, returning to town after the show.
