For all the information dispensed throughout this weekend's Live Earth broadcasts on NBC, Bravo and the Sundance Channel, one burning question remained without answer: who in the hell was that band playing for the penguins on an ice floe in Antarctica and is their manager still employed after getting them that gig?

In order to complete the 7 continents portion of the Live Earth spectacle, Nunatak, comprised of scientists affiliated with the Rothera Research Station studying climate change in the Antarctic peninsula, happened to be on the right frozen tundra at the right time. "The original idea was for a headlining act at Live Earth to use Rothera station as a venue on that 'elusive seventh continent.' But it's nearly impossible to get an aircraft or ship into the area. So officials with the British Antarctic Survey suggested using the existing Rothera band," communications engineer/fiddler Tristan Thorne told NPR.

Are they ready to conquer the populated continents? Well, they've mastered the indie-rock art of understatement. "You've got to remember, although we've got a very big following within the British Antarctic Survey and in particular, Rothera station (population 17), we may not have the worldwide renown that some of the other acts have," said Thorne. Five environmental scientists playing killer indie-rock: if they solved mysteries as well, they would be a 1970's Saturday morning cartoon.

After rocking it in 10 degrees below Celsius weather, these boys are going to find the dingiest of clubs as swanky as Radio City Music Hall.

Labels: Nunatak