Skeptics

Hailed for their spirit of experimentation and use of sampling technology, the Skeptics are also known for a single music video: macabre abattoir clip AFFCO. Formed in 1979 by Palmerston North high schoolers Robin Gauld and David D'Ath, with friends Nick Roughan and Don White, the group forged a distinctive yet evolving sound. D'Ath provided impressionistic vocals and an uninhibited live presence. The band launched Wellington studio Writhe Recording, and were involved with varied side projects. They were no more after D'Ath died of leukemia in 1990, at age 26. The band are celebrated in 2013 documentary Skeptics - Sheen of Gold.