Redlightsyndrome

"She has seen the future of Rock'n'Roll, and it is Pluto"
- NZ Listener Headline

"They look like rock stars. They act like rock stars. They sound like rock stars. So it's no surprise that brilliant new Auckland band Pluto, are a bunch of boys who have 'star' written all over them."
- Pavement

They have undergone line up changes, a stint in Europe and a new name, all of which has culminated in them being an outstanding New Zealand pop band that are going up, up and away!

Pluto began in New Zealand in 1994. But after two years the band left for London, and as Johnny Custard they attempted to find fame in Germany. A disastrous tour ensued, a tour from which the band did not survive. Key members, Milan Borich and Tim Arnold went back to London and continued writing together. It was during this period that many of the songs, which now appear on 'redlightsyndrome', were written.

Returning to New Zealand in 1999, Milan and Tim began recording some of the great tracks that will now appear on 'redlightsyndrome'. The next year was spent touting these recordings to local record companies and completing a line-up.

After signing to Antenna Recordings, Pluto released their debut EP A1A2, in September 2000. The EP has been a stand-alone success as Pluto has continued success on student radio and Channel Z. While recording, they met Matthias Jordan whose work as a jazz pianist is quite phenomenal. The addition of Matt's keyboards to Pluto's music has helped make it the distinctive sound we hear today. 'Matt brought a new level of musicianship to what Milan and I were trying to do' says Tim.

The talented trio then saw the addition of Michael Franklin Brown who had previously been drummer with New Zealand rock band HLAH. Then, completing the line up was Mike Hall, of Balance and Brunettes fame.

With this stylish and experienced team there is nothing to stop them taking New Zealand by storm and veteran New Zealand musicians Neil Finn and Bic Runga have been quick to recognise this. Pluto played with Finn on his provincial tour earlier in 2001 and have recorded songs with Bic Runga for her forth-coming album.