In this ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks.

This time we've enlisted the help of New Zealand's premium underwater alt-rock outfit Mermaidens to bring to you their quintessential 'New Zealand Music for Dummies' playlist.

Formed in 2013, friends Gussie Larkin (vocals//guitar,) Lily West (vocals/bass) and Abe Hollingsworth (drums) initially bonded over a mutual love of musical cult heroes including Warpaint, PJ Harvey and Fugazi, before revealing their own brand of darkness-steeped dreampop in the form of their 2014 debut EP O.

With their first album Undergrowth serving as a promising mission statement, Mermaidens soon signed with respected NZ record label Flying Nun leading to an influx of international praise for their 2017 sophomore record Perfect Body. Catching our attention at the time with their stand out track 'Satsuma' and subsequently their more recent singles 'You Maintain The Stain' and 'I Might Disappear', the trio's third album Look Me In The Eye dropped just last month. Backed by their first UK tour and various dates in Europe, Mermaidens put their heads together on the road to share a specially curated slice of home, so sit back relax and enjoy.

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1. The All Seeing Hand - Lizard Brain

What happens when a world-renowned turntablist, a Mongolian-trained throat singer and a punk drummer get together? Absolute mayhem and an absolute Wellington treasure! This video gets me every time. Try make it to the end.



2. Grayson Gilmour - Hundred Waters

Low key genius art pop with a dash of lush strings for good measure. Music to have big revelations to. Bonus points if you check out his legendary band So So Modern.



3. Aldous Harding - Blend

Aldous at her most perfectly unsettling. It’s a definite vibe.



4. Womb - Feeling Like Helium

Dreamy sibling/twin trio from Wellington (they’re from the same Womb, get it?). Their debut album ‘Like Splitting the Head from the Body’ is so good it makes me float around like an idiot whenever I hear it.



5. Orchestra of Spheres - 20,000 Years

Fantastic experimental freaks who always put on an amazing show - complete with costumes, projections and homemade instruments.



6. Street Chant - Pedestrian Support League

I idolised Street Chant as a teenager and almost lost my shit when we played our first gig ever alongside them 7ish years ago. Something about this song is unmistakably New Zealand-y. Probably that accent.



7. The Mint Chicks - If My Arm Was A Mic Stand, Would You Hold My Hand?

Essential listening! The Mint Chicks was formed by Kody and Ruban Nielson - who you’ll know as the brains behind Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Plenty of noisy disjointed riffs and pop hooks.



8. Death and The Maiden - Dear____

Delicate moody synthy stuff from the deep south.



9. Sheep, Dog & Wolf - Glare

Wonderful songwriting from Daniel McBride. This whole album is incredible and needs to be heard by more people.



10. Bic Runga - Drive

This playlist wouldn’t be complete without some Bic. One to make you truly homesick!



Look Me In The Eye is out now via NZ label royalty Flying Nun.

-Holly Mullineaux