Best-known for his work with the Verlaines (during which time he appeared on a total of seven albums), singer/guitarist Graeme Downes set off for a solo career in the early 21st century. In addition to writing and performing music, Downes also works at University of Otago in New Zealand, where he serves as a lecturer on contemporary rock music. Although he finished recording his solo debut in 1999, it wasn't issued until August of 2001 under the title Hammers and Anvils. ~ Greg Prato