Despite releasing their first single less than a year ago, rising Ōtepoti trio [Allophones] are already on their second national tour. 

Following the release of Human in December, the band embarked on a 13-date tour which skipped Ōamaru on its way to the Aidan Theatre in Timaru, but this time they're putting that right with a stop at O-Town's Settler Theatre this Saturday (October 7).

The latest run of dates arrives in the wake of third single Casings + Threats. Like Human – and second single Eyeball – it's a melodic yet apocalyptic piece of artful alternative rock, as anguished as it is atmospheric, with a touch of Straitjacket Fits or Radiohead about the guitars. Or, as the band put it, "altrockfolkshoegazingslackerprog". 

"The people of Ōamaru can expect to see us perform live music that they probably wouldn't normally be exposed to, but in a very family-friendly atmosphere," [Allophones] guitarist and singer Barney Connolly said.

"While we have just spent the weekend playing rowdy shows at pubs in Auckland, we are totally capable of toning down the intensity and loudness of the songs. This music can be experienced in a nice and safe environment.

"Depending on the song, it can be loud and shouty with electric guitars and drums, or soft with piano and gentle singing. Something for everybody!"

As for those [brackets] around the name . . .

"The square brackets are how you denote an allophone in linguistics. It's a bit boring to get into but if you're feeling curious feel free to research it," Barney said. 

Support comes from Douggie and The Moonrocks, led by Ōamaru-born Doug Nuttall, who'll be playing his first hometown show in 20 years. Doug has connections to New Zealand music that go way back, and was heavily involved in the Dunedin scene in the early 90s, pasting posters, opening practice rooms for young musicians, and putting the Crown Hotel on the map.

Doug's CV also includes a stint playing drums for Rampant, whose excellent Burn Baby Burn sounds like The Doors' LA Woman played by a gang of jittery punks. So it promises to be a lively evening all round.

Tickets for Saturday's show at the Settler Theatre are available from Under The Radar for just $15 or at the door.