Biography

So named in honor of the Elvis Costello song, Sneaky Feelings formed in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1980. Comprised of guitarists Matthew Bannister and David Pine, bassist Kathryn Tyrie, and drummer Martin Durrant -- all four of whom contributed to both vocals and songwriting -- the group first appeared on the 1981 compilation released by the just launched Flying Nun label, Dunedin Double, which they quickly followed with the single "Be My Friend." A long layoff was next, as Durrant spent an extended period overseas; in 1983, Tyrie was replaced by bassist John Kelcher, further deterring the group's progress, but in 1984, Sneaky Feelings finally released their acclaimed debut LP, Send You. The classic single, "Husband House," followed in 1985, with "Better Than Before" surfacing a year later. Sneaky Feelings' sophomore effort, Sentimental Education, appeared to lukewarm reviews in 1987; Hard Love Stories, issued a year later, proved much more successful, although it marked the group's final recordings with Durrant, who was replaced by drummer Ross Burge. When Kelcher exited in mid-1989, Sneaky Feelings disbanded; Bannister went on to form the Dribbling Darts, while Kelcher resurfaced in Creeley and Pine joined Death Ray Cafe. A 1990 Sneaky Feelings reunion gig yielded three live tracks later appended to a CD reissue of Send You. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi