The Bats are back.
After five long years, the iconic Dunedin indie rockers have released “Loline”, their first official single since 2020’s Foothills.
Robert Scott, Kaye Woodward, Paul Kean, and Malcolm Grant – still the same lineup after a remarkable four decades – bring “Loline” to life, an homage to the beloved New Zealand-made bicycle of the same name.
Directed, filmed, and edited by Martin Sagadin (with support from NZ On Air), the accompanying video features the band cycling through sunny Ōtautahi, including a tandem ride, mixed with live concert footage from the James Hay Theatre. You can check it out below.
Recorded at Chicks Studio in Port Chalmers by Tex Houston, the song comes to life with extra keyboards from local Christchurch instrumentalist Ryan Fisherman.
From the heart of the Dunedin Sound alongside bands like The Chills and The Clean, The Bats’ influence is undeniable. Spanning 40 years, The Bats have released ten albums, packed with Robert Scott’s prolific songwriting. Add in countless singles, b-sides, EPs, and compilations, and they’ve solidified their place as one of Aotearoa’s finest indie acts.
And with the promise of “album number 11 in the pipeline,” there’s plenty more new music on the way.
The Bats’ “Loline” is out now via Flying Nun.
