The Checks

Aucklanders The Checks were invited to join NME's 2005 New Music tour of England just two years after forming, thanks to their 60s-inspired brand of blues rock. They soon moved to London to make Hunting Whales, kicking off what was originally set to be a four album deal. It spent a month in the Kiwi charts; single 'What You Heart' debuted at number 16 in the UK indie charts. High-profile gigs followed, as support to Oasis and Muse — as well as second album Alice By The Moon (2009). The Checks split in 2012, the same year their eclectic Deadly Summer Sway was named Best Rock Album at the NZ Music Awards.