Halcyon Drift

1989  Halcyon Drift were formed when Matt Middleditch (Guitar) and Gregor Kempt (Drums), from the band The Climb, joined Steve Hands (Guitar and Vocals). They were joined soon after by Adam Manterys (Bass) and Fred France (Vocals). The name Halcyon Drift comes from a science fiction book sitting in Matt’s bookshelf the night we were struggling to come up with a name! We rehearsed in a communal band room on Hopper Street (Wellington) with bands including Shihad and Head Like A Hole.

1990  Fred moved to England so we found a new vocalist and album producer, Craig Sengelow.

1991  The band paused then reformed with Keith Taylor on Bass and Steve taking on Vocals. 

1993  We recorded our first EP of six tracks at Broadcasting House.

1994  Matt stepped back from the band and we became a three piece. 

1995  The band went on a hiatus when Steve moved to Australia and Keith moved to Christchurch. 

2008  Steve returned to Wellington. Steve and Matt were writing again. 

2009  Scott Roy joined on Bass and the band was back gigging.

2010  Scott left us to refocus on his other band, so Ev Charles from The Djretts took on Bass and shared Vocals. Shortly after, Ev asked to focus just on Vocals and Keyboards, so suggested a friend of his, Matthew Wear to take on Bass. 

2011  This line up recorded the Cars and Comic Books EP, recorded and produced by Ev and Steve. 

2012  Ev moved on to focus on his other band, so we became the four piece we've been ever since, with three of our founding members.

2022  We thought it would be a  good time to record our best songs as an album. We partnered with our ex vocalist Craig Sengelow to record and produce. 

2023  Album tracks recorded and being produced.

2024  Four tracks released as an EP "taster" Prelude, in Nov.

2025  Our album Fading Light is released in Oct.