Spartacus R main man Benjamin James answered a few questions earlier this week.
James says the band has been together for about seven years, and he describes the Spartacus R sound as: "'60s and '70s progressive or psychedelic rock, lounge, jazz, [but] with a 20th-century twist".
The band is smack-dab in the middle of recording an album, but has abandoned its recording sessions in favour of going on the road again.
"It feels like a long time since the album-release tour of early 2009, which took the band as far as Stewart Island, and we're looking forward to the thrill of playing a bunch of fun, energetic, live shows again."
He says even though being in the close confines of a studio can promote a close-knit band, he says seven hours driving in a small van can do a better job, "so everyone outside of Wellington can experience songs that have only ever really been played once, for one-off events during fringe festivals and theatre performances".
"Also [it's] just good for all the boys to get in a van together and do some old fashioned male bonding."
Spartacus R has played in Dunedin before, at Circadian Rhythm, in St Andrew St, but James says they have not played with The Puddle before.
"No, I just think it's amazing. They are still lean, mean and keen, and are a seminal Dunedin band."
James says Spartacus R released its debut album last year, When the Fever takes hold, all of which was written and recorded in the studio.
"Now we are finishing off our exciting second album with Dr Lee Prebble, whom also engineered our first, along with Ryan Prebble. We're hoping we can afford to release on vinyl."
He's promising an interesting show.
"On this tour the band has put together a taste of tracks from the new album as well as exerts from our pallet of one-off shows.
"Look forward to a compilation with some of the best compositions for this Dunedin show."
• See them
Spartacus R, with The Puddle, The Something Quartet, and DJ Eclectica Friday, July 23, at Sammy's.
