Imperial April Album Release Show with Best Bets & Emma Dilemma (solo)

Get ready for a great night of melodic punk and gritty pop as New Zealand’s sweetest grunge band Imperial April celebrates the release of their self-titled debut album. Join us on November 4th, 2023, at Space Academy in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, alongside the exceptional talents and top notch banter of Emma Dilemma (solo) and Best Bets.

Imperial April burst onto the scene during the global standstill of the pandemic, showcasing the captivating vocals of bassist Victoria Knopp, jangly guitars, and ’90s pop-rock influences. Their debut single, Peachy, set the stage with its infectious energy and biting vocals, garnering comparisons to Courtney Love, The Beths, and Garbage. Now, finally, the full album is here, and it’s been worth the wait. Imperial April is a carefully curated masterpiece, diving into themes of self-reflection, anxiety, and the human experience. From the fuzzed out “Peeling Away” to the anthemic chorus of Everything Is Okay, each track is a gem, and tracks like “Baby Blue” leave a haunting impression that lingers long after the music fades.

Imperial April has already left their mark on the local live scene, wooing audiences while supporting Australian psych-rock act The Lazy Eyes and kiwi alt-rockers Midwave Breaks, as well as performing at Go Live and the beloved Nostalgia Festival. Now, they invite you to celebrate their debut album release with some of their favourite local acts – Best Bets & Emma Dilemma (solo).

Emma Dilemma (solo), the self-described ‘patron saint of self sabotage’ combines her penchant for viewing life through an absurdist lens with her love for melody and storytelling to create serious music that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Best Bets (many solos!) are a power pop band formed by Olly Crawford Ellis and James Harding (Transistors), with Matt Phimmavanh and Joe Sampson (Salad Boys, T54) rounding out the lineup. They released their debut album On An Unhistoric Night earlier this year via Melted Ice Cream and Meritorio.

Imperial April drops on November 1st on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.