Pop Art Toasters - Pop Art Toasters (1994)

With neither of their bands touring, or in the recording studio, New Zealand music scene veterans Martin Phillipps (guitar/vocals) of The Chills and David Kilgour (guitar/vocals) of The Clean,  bassist Noel Ward, keyboardist Alan Starrett and drummer Noel Ward joined forces to create perhaps the closest thing to a “super group” that New Zealand ever had, the one off group, Pop Art Toasters. Released in 1994 the group’s sole release, the self-titled Pop Art Toasters, proffer five fluffy covers of obscure and semi-obscure vintage pop gems.

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The Chills & Chris Knox "In Space" BFM Radio Live (23-3-1985)

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The Chills - Live at De Melkweg, Amsterdam (20-2-1987)

The Chills in the early days: simply electric.

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The Chills - Live at the Rumba Bar, Auckland (22-5-1982)

Early Live Performance without Keyboards

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Martin Phillipps & The Chills - Come Home (1996)

It’s difficult to recognize the first fragment from the project’s fourth record as a crushing one. Classic, simple rock vibe didn’t resulted as a straightforward value in case of "Come Home". For some reason, this song lacks the alluring melodies, catchy motives or any sparkle of genius, which so often appeared in Phillipps creation over the last several years. Only the keyboard sounds near the chorus and a warm sentimental aura can be regarded as small advantages.

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Martin Phillipps & The Chills - Sunburnt (1996)

It makes sense that the group once known simply as the Chills is now Martin Phillips & the Chills -- for the group has always been a template for Phillips' distinct pop vision. In fact, throughout nearly a dozen lineups he has been the only consistent member. The players employed this time around weren't even the present members of Phillips' group, as those three were turned back at Heathrow Airport, their work permits denied, and sent home to New Zealand. So "the Chills" brought in this time around are XTC's Dave Gregory and Fairport Convention drummer Dave Mattacks. On the title track, Phillips addresses his precarious group situation, specifically the 1992 implosion of the Chills, when seemingly at the peak of their career that version of group dissolved into legal battles and a creative standstill. However, Sunburnt finds Phillips' lush pop muse intact and full of sweet melodies, unique arrangements, and ringing guitars -- particularly on timeless gems like "Come Home," "Swimming in the Rain," and "Dreams Are Free." Put quite simply, this is music that makes you feel good. Craig Leon, known for his work with Blondie and the Ramones, produces.

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Martin Phillipps - Sketch Book. Volume One (1999)

Anyone who has followed Martin Phillipps and the Chills over the years should find poignancy and a little illumination in this, an oddly charming, occasionally wacky album assembled from the songwriter's home demos. The 17 tracks, which include some sketchy ditties, date mostly from the nineties. Only one song, the hymnal Secret Garden, had made it to a Chills album proper.

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