-2: The Joy Of Return (an LP from members of The Terminals)

-2 formed from the remnants of Christchurch band The Terminals after Peter Stapleton and Brian Crook relocated south to Pūrākanui and Port Chalmers in the mid-1990s. The distance between band members created more sporadic gatherings of the Terminals from this point on however Stephen Cogle, Mick Elborado and John Chrisstoffels continued to rehearse and performed a handful of live gigs as a three piece in Christchurch. They never ventured out of the city.

It’s a dark, moody sound, like the Terminals unplugged, combining John’s droning cello, Mick’s swirling keyboards and the paired back guitar riffs and leads by Stephen. All of this is overlaid by Mr Cogle with one of the most unique and beautifully rendered vocal styles you’ll ever hear in New Zealand’s alternative music scene.

Originally recorded in 2002 or 2003, we’re actually not sure when exactly, and released as a limited edition CD in 2009 The Joy of Return is now available as an LP for the first time. The Joy of Return features 10 songs including versions of the classic Cogle / Stapleton tracks Touch and Crocus along with several other songs that never made it onto the Terminal’s set list. Also included are stunning covers of Builders Alien and Dadamah’s High Tension House.

It’s a Christchurch vibe, with covers hand-screenprinted in Lyttelton! Edition of 250.