Two Lane Blacktop
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Wellington , New Zealand |
| Products | Hard rock music |
Two Lane Blacktop was a hard rock ensemble originating from Wellington, New Zealand, active between 2001 and 2003. Their name was derived from the 1971 film directed by Monte Hellman, reflecting their tendency to compose music influenced by cinematic themes. The lineup featured Matt Harrop (vocals, guitar), Luke Hutching (bass), Phil Smiley (drums), and Pip Brown (lead guitar, backing vocals).
Drawing inspiration from proto-punk pioneers such as The Stooges and The MC5, their sound often invited comparisons to contemporary hard rock outfits, notably fellow New Zealanders The Datsuns.
History
The band was formed in early 2001 when Harrop invited Brown to join after they met during a documentary filmmaking course. Their mutual passion for 1970s rock and film heavily influenced the band's artistic direction. Drummer Phil Smiley contributed a darker rhythmic element, while Ben Fraser, a musician with a jazz background, initially handled bass duties but departed due to other priorities. Nato Hickey of Paselode temporarily took over bass and introduced manager Dave Benge before Luke Hutching became the permanent bassist approximately one month prior to their debut Australian performances.
Riding the wave of the New Rock resurgence, Two Lane Blacktop quickly established a presence in Australia and maintained frequent tours across both nations.
In May 2003, they released a 7" single titled "The Rat" / "Hellhound" through Infidelity Records in New Zealand and Australia. The single achieved notable airplay, including rotation on BBC Radio 1 by John Peel. In June 2003, the Australian edition of Rolling Stone spotlighted them as an emerging act to watch, featuring "The Rat" on the magazine’s cover CD. In New Zealand, the group received nominations for 'Best new band' and 'Best unreleased song' at the BNet awards.
Midway through 2003, Two Lane Blacktop embarked on their first tour of the United States with performances in Los Angeles and New York. After returning home, they recorded initial sessions for a new album at Wellington’s Language of Love Studios; however, these tracks have not been officially released.
Shortly before commencing an East Coast Australian tour alongside American band Modey Lemon in late 2003, Two Lane Blacktop dissolved amid reported internal disagreements.
Group members
Core Members
- Matt Harrop – rhythm guitar, lead vocals
- Pip Brown – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Luke Hutching – bass guitar
- Phil Smiley – drums
Former Members
- Nato Hickey – bass guitar
- Ben Fraser – bass guitar
Albums
- The Girl (2003) (unreleased)
EPs
- Live (2001)
- Mechanic Demo (2001)
- The Mechanic (2002)
Singles
- "The Rat/Hellhound" (2002)
After disbanding
Following the breakup, Brown pursued a solo career under the name Ladyhawke. Hutching continues as bassist for Wellington rock group The Accelerants. Smiley plays drums with Melbourne-based band The Rise and Demise.
External links
- Two Lane Blacktop at amplifier.co.nz
- Interview with Brown, as Lux Curfew in NZ musician