MNZ Interview: Cross Section S03 / E09 – High Dependency Unit

Aiming to dissect the cross section between the creative process and the industry side, Cross Section is an exciting interview series hosted by Shannon Coulomb.

After nearly a decade away from the stage, Dunedin legends High Dependency Unit return this November for their first live shows since 2016, including a headline slot at The Others Way Festival and an all-ages hometown show in Port Chalmers to kick things off. Since forming in 1993, HDU have carved out a space unlike any other in Aotearoa’s music landscape, blending shoegaze and psychedelic noise into hypnotic, body-shaking soundscapes that have inspired generations of musicians. Known for live performances that border on the transcendental, the trio of Tristan Dingemans, Neil Phillips, and Constantine Karlis now return to remind audiences why they remain one of New Zealand’s most powerful and uncompromising live acts.

After nearly a decade away from the stage, what made now the right moment for HDU to return?
Saturn is in opposition. Also, Stephen Hawking came to me in a dream and told me he’d run me down if we didn’t go on tour this year.

Over the years HDU has played only on rare occasions. How do you decide when it’s the right moment to come back together on stage?
Generally we wait for auspicious astrological events and visits from dead physicists. Last time around it was the Jupiter-square-Saturn aspect and Marie Curie.

Your live shows are often spoken of as legendary. What can audiences expect from this run of shows?
At least one of us will pull a sword from a big rock.

The tour begins with an all-ages show in Port Chalmers. Why was it important to start there?
Despite only one-third of us living there any more, Dunedin and Port Chalmers are HDU’s home turf. All-ages because we want to feel like we’re still relevant, share with “the youth,” and see what’s happening. We were all part of a very young DIY scene in Hawke’s Bay, so we’re emotionally connected to young music scenes and want to support them as much as we can.

The Wellington show pairs HDU with W.I.T.C.H., pioneers of 70’s Zamrock. What makes that combination stand out to you, and what do you think the audience will take away from it?
It’s an unusual and excellent combo of different styles. I think the audience will take away that W.I.T.C.H. are totally awesome.

As you prepare these shows, has revisiting your recorded work changed how you hear or think about it today?
It reminded me that I actually quite like these tunes. They’re a lot more energetic than what I’ve been playing lately. It’s been a blast getting in shape for the shows.

Are there particular songs you’re especially excited to bring back into the live set?
We are excited to play all our songs. We wouldn’t do it otherwise. Having said that, there’s a couple of new ones we’ll add to the set.

Touring always comes with its own challenges and rewards. How are you approaching it this time compared to earlier tours?
A lot healthier.

What do you hope this tour represents for HDU and for the people coming to see it?
It’s an opportunity to reconnect with friends and fans and have a good time. Can’t wait.

High Dependency Unit – November 2025 Tour Dates
Thu Nov 20 – Pioneer Hall, Port Chalmers (All Ages)
Fri Nov 21 – Dropkicks, Dunedin
Sat Nov 22 – The Loons, Lyttelton
Wed Nov 26 – Meow Nui, Wellington (with W.I.T.C.H.)
Thu Nov 27 – Paisley Stage, Napier
Sat Nov 29 – The Others Way, Auckland

Tickets and info at Banished Music.

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Shannon Coulomb is the Head of Music at Birkenhead College (Auckland) and Curriculum Specialist for music education at AUT University. He is also a member of post-punk recording project Impostor Syndrome.

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