Dunedin venue a hit for sunny bloomers

Auckland's Sola Rosa began as a solo project for frontman Andrew Spraggon.

However, the touring band is substantial now; perhaps embarking upon an impression of '70s funk group Parliament.

Sola Rosa has toured the country promoting its current album Get It Together, and visited Dunedin in August last year.

Spraggon says work is under way on the next release.

"Yeah, we've started work on a new album.

"The intention is to complete work on album five this year."

The band is preparing for an eight-track vinyl release of Get It Together on US label BC Wax on April 1, Spraggon says.

There are plans to release Get It Together in Australia and an Australian tour is on the cards.

"Last but not least there's a remix project due out this year with remixes by The Nextmen, DJ Vadim, TM Juke, J Boogie, J Star and many more producers."

He says he has been getting used to playing with an extended band membership.

"Shows have been brilliant and crowds have been large so we won't be downsizing any time soon."

Dunedin venue Sammy's impressed Sola Rosa, and the band is pleased to return.

"We were all really impressed when we first walked into Sammy's.

"What an amazing space.

The sound was great and the crowd was warm and enthusiastic, so - we loved it!"

• New Dunedin band Idiot Prayer is playing on March 24 with TFF and The George Kay Experience drummer Sam Brookland teaming up with Tim Smith on guitar and Dave "Local" Ager on bass.

• Dunedin band Katharticus releases its self-titled debut album at Chicks Hotel tonight, before a South Island tour.

The band's mix of original progressive and ambient rock has had heavy airplay on Radio One, KiwiFM and Toroa.

• Catch them
- Sola Rosa plays Sammy's this Friday.

- Katharticus plays at 8pm at Chick's Hotel tonight, supported by 2009 South Island Battle of the Bands winner Special Neadz; and by Brain Leak and Banjo Stuey.

- Katharticus plays at Sammy's this Thursday, and the Penguin Club in Oamaru on Saturday, March 13.