The story of ROBERT began with ?FOG, an ever-changing collective tied to Auckland’s underground music and art scene, centered at The Red House. Formed in 1984 by Roger Allen (RIOT 111) and Lindsay McKay (THE LAUGHING CRIPPLES), ?FOG blended heavy rhythms with noisy grooves and an anarchic, anti-success attitude.
After a brief stint as a trio, Sam Swan (LIFE IN THE FRIDGE EXISTS) joined as vocalist, adding a confrontational edge. Known for bold stage antics — including scaring off skinheads with a fake-blood Easter egg stunt and accidentally setting her face on fire — Sam’s cutting vocals spanned from absurdist to sociopolitical themes.
When recording, Blaise Oarsman, Peter Henneveld, poet David Eggleton, painter Paul Linaker, and bassist Lindsay Fog contributed vocals and instrumentation. Following their 1985 EP (reissued by Bunkerpop) and a national tour, ?FOG became ROBERT. A grant from the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council enabled the band to release their 1986 LP, ROBERT THE RECORD.
This 40th anniversary reissue includes a 16-page color booklet with photos, an interview by Stuart Page (THE AXEMEN) with Roger Fogorelli and Lindsay Fog, plus a reprint of the original release’s bonus questionnaire.
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