On June 6th Family Cactus release their second album “Spirit Lights” through Arch Hill Recordings
A lot has happened for this Wellington band since they released “Come Howling”, their critically acclaimed debut album in 2009.

During these two years Family Cactus released “Come Howling” in the USA, recorded “Spirit Lights” in Wellington (The Surgery) and Auckland (Roundhead Studio), mastered it in New York (Sterling Sound), lived for a few months in an apartment in Brooklyn, played shows in New York and Washington DC, had a number of line up changes, had a close and mutual friend of the band pass away and moved to a new record label.
None of this has been easy, but it has made their album “Spirit Lights” all the better for it.
Following the initial tracking and mixing of the album in New Zealand, the band relocated to New York and all seven of them moved into a Brooklyn apartment. The aim of the trip was to play some shows and soak up the inspirational atmosphere that only New York can offer.

Back in New Zealand, with a great album under their belts and energised by their overseas sojourn, the band immediately got stuck into building their Blue Barn studios in Wellington. It is an old warehouse that acts as band rehearsal rooms, a studio and a home. They also filmed and re-recorded most of the “Spirit Lights” album, live in the dilapidated Erskine College – to document and capture a different version of the band.

All of these experiences have helped make “Spirit Lights” the great album it is. Filled with songs that creep up on you, wide-open sounds and a mysterious depth.

Spirit Lights is released in the U.S. on Arch Hill Recordings, and is distributed via Parasol.