Thela were an improvisational three-piece active in Auckland during the 90s. They released 2 albums on Sonic Youth member Lee Renaldo's Ecstatic Peace! record label.
History
In 1992 Dean Roberts and Dion Workman were flatting together in Auckland and began jamming, writing fiddly rock instrumentals with prog leanings. When Paul Douglas, more commonly known as Rosy Parlane, moved up from Wellington he joined the pair and Thela began. Their sound moved into more improvised, noise-based territory by the time they started releasing music.
Thela were infamously unpopular with Auckland venue owners due to the racket they played and Dion said in 1995 that "There's a small group of people that we know, less than ten probably, that really like us and give us good feedback, I don't think anyone else cares."
Dean sent a tape of improvisations to Sonic Youth's Lee Renaldo and recieved positive feedback, which ultimately resulted in two albums released on Renaldo's Ecstatic Peace! label, one self-titled and the other called Argentina.
Thela broke up in 1997 due to fraying friendships. All members have continued making music separately. Dion and Rosy have also continued working together, both as the musical duo Parmentier, and as owners of the label Sigma Editions.
Members
Dean Roberts - Guitar
Rosy Parlane - Drums, Piano
Dion Workman - Bass, Guitar
Discography
Albums
EPs
- 1994 - Thela 3x8" (Crawlspace Records)
- 1994 - Thela 12" (self released)
Trivia
- Their first album was recorded by La Gloria's David Coventry.
Relevant links
Jan 1992 - Dec 1997
