The Verlaines was a band from Dunedin, New Zealand, signed to Flying Nun Records. Named after French poet Paul Verlaine, they formed in 1981 and released their last album in 1997.
The Verlaines went through a number of line-ups over their existence, though always led by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Graeme Downes , currently a lecturer in contempory music at the University of Otago. Normally a three-piece band (guitar/bass/drums), a fourth member was present for some of their career.
Noted for their angular, "difficult" song structures and wordy, downbeat lyrics, the band released several albums, notably their debut Hallelujah All the Way Home, Bird-Dog (1987) and Way Out Where (1993). The compilation Juvenilia contained many of their early singles, including their signature song Death and the maiden.
External link
Flying Nun's article on the band
Downes' University home page
The Heady Remembrance: Verlaines InfoSite
