Pluto

Pluto earned recognition for its aggressive sonic edge, embrace of old-school rock excess, and goal of rescuing contemporary music from creative stagnation. Formed in 1994, the New Zealand group from Auckland advanced gradually within indie circles by methodically developing its catalog and cultivating early supporters ahead of a first release. The independently issued Red Light Syndrome appeared in 2001 and later received wider distribution through Antenna Recordings, yet its modest sale of 2,700 units stalled forward progress and dampened morale. National tours commenced soon after the album surfaced, followed by Australian dates beginning in 2003 and a performance at the South by Southwest festival in 2004. Upon returning home, the band turned its attention to a second album, drawing on road experience to generate fresh songs and explore alternative creative paths. In the buildup to the release, members described the group in local interviews as “a band’s band” and the act positioned to “breathe life back into rock n roll.” With that momentum and self-appointed rescue mission fully engaged, Pluto hit the road again to promote Pipeline Under the Ocean across New Zealand and Australia. Shared bills with Golden Horse and Goodshirt placed the music in front of its biggest crowds yet, generating notable visibility and regional recognition. The album subsequently appeared on indie rock charts throughout the English-speaking world.