David Kilgour's 11th solo album, Bobbie's a girl is a quieter affair than fans may associate with the pioneer of New Zealand indie rock.

"I tended to shy away from too much guitar playing for a point of difference and to mix things up for myself a little," Kilgour continues.

The style set in at the beginning of sessions, as he and the Heavy Eights (i.e., longtime collaborators Thomas Bell, Tony de Raad, and Taane Tokona) headed to Port Chalmers Recording Services with producer Tex Houston.

"We have worked on these songs for a number of years now, so that's different because I usually can't wait to get them out," Kilgour says.

Why the delay? Like with the themes of the album, Kilgour doesn't want to elaborate too much.

"Everything's related to the music and mood," he says, "but I'd rather not say how. I like a little mystery."