Juvenilia

'Juvenilia' is a compilation of the Verlaines' brilliant early singles and EPs. First released in 1987, and reissued in 1993 with bonus tracks, it documents the band's early history and is the perfect introduction to one of New Zealand's great bands. Opening with the irrepressible "Death and the Maiden", a song that for many is archetypal of the group's deft ability to capture a pop hook. The album also features their first two tracks, "Angela" and "Crisis After Crisis", recorded on Chris Knox's four track and released on the infamous 'Dunedin Double' EP.

'Juvenilia', complete with orchestral and brass flourishes, is a constant display of the unstoppable songwriting skills of vocalist/guitarist Graeme Downes. From the single "Doomsday" through to their perfect love song "Joed Out", 'Juvenilia' is a compilation filled with all the elegant and often magnificently moody elements of the Verlaines.

The Verlaines formed in 1981, and have gone on to release nine albums, all the while gaining fans around the world with songs that combine classical composition, romanticism and pop.