The Checks

Originating in New Zealand during 2002, the Checks operated as a blues-infused hard rock group and later shared stages with acts including Muse, Oasis, R.E.M., the Hives, and Jet. Their debut appearance took place at a birthday celebration in 2003, which helped secure national notice by 2004 through victory in the Most Promising Band category at the Bnet Radio Network Awards. After completing a recording contract, the group shifted base to England in 2006 to capture its first album. Ian Broudie produced the resulting collection, Hunting Whales, which reached stores on October 1, 2007.