DEPRESSING N.Z. ROCK

Press, 16 September 1976, Page 26

DEPRESSING N.Z. ROCK

By

JUDE FAHEY

“New Zealand’s lop 12 Groups” (TMA Records 1): Rock in New Zealand is in a disastrous state and here’s the proof: a collection of original songs to leave the country by. It is depressingly obvious that we, live in a rock wilderness anyway, but TMA Records make it look even worse than it is.

They include Dragon and Split Enz, two groups we are proud of — but with inferior old songs that don’t even do them justice, for heaven’s sake.

The song writing of our best-known groups, believe it or not, is up to 10 years out of date: some still live in mid-60’s pop. And when it is not old-fashioned the writing is generally copied or just, plain dull instead. In dullness and dowdiness the album cover matches perfectly: TMA is not even aware of cover, art, or dares to ignore it. For pretentious, appalling rock hear Ragnarok; for laborious dated pop try Link or the Inbetweens. Fortunately however Space Waltz, Waves and Rockinghorse save one from total despair and in this context their songs are gems. The cast, in order of appearance:

:: Dragon “Education”: forgettable song that doesn’t approach their LP standard.

Quincy Conserve “Rocking Chair”: strong, heavily percussive funk with loads of drive. I have never enjoyed Malcolm Hayman’s harsh singing but at least Quincy had identity (I didn’t hear the words about “stoned-out freaks” in there).

:: The Inbetweens “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”: insipid vocal, weary song, saved only by clean guitar interplay. Entire words are

“I just can’t stop loving you I just can’t stop needing you I just can’t stop wanting you”. (Repeat endlessly and fad ). :: Link “Break the Ice”: organ churns out ugly fuzzy riffs and vocalist Dave Kennedy strains to keep above. The song comes right out of mid-60s pop balladry and its performance from late-60’s heavy.

:: Headband “Drummer’s Lament”: The old Headband type thing of spectacular violin climaxes and ecstatic cheering crowds dresses up another thirdrate boogie song. : : Waves “Elouise”: quiet, listenable song with fresh, clear acoustic guitars. In this environment, a most pleasant interlude. :: Space Waltz “Fraulein Love”: class, at last. Distinctive crowded phrases half sung, half spoken by the energetic Alistair Riddell. He’s got the talent, the looks and style and needs a good push. :: Rockinghorse “Through the Moonlight”: For once they’re not failing asleep on the job. This is a lively, up-tempo Mariachitype song, cleanly performed.

:: Beech “Ready to Run”: Good musicianship here fut dull writing. Brent Parlane’s singing appeals, but he has written far better songs.

:: Father Time “You”: the sort of slow, uncertain ballad that might have been a hit in the mid-60’s, dressed up with heavy riffs.

:: Ragnarok “Caviar Queen”: spectacularly bad. Drummer beats out a jerky, jagged foundation on tin cans and singer Lea Maalfrid struggles away over it with her Maggie Bell impersonation. Organist states with a wall of trickling that has nothing to do with it.

:: Split Enz “It’s No Bother to Me”: An old song that barely even hints at their originality. PFM “Chocolate Kings” (Manticore MC 58508): Franco, Flavio and Mauro may sound like a fine bunch of Roman senators but actually PFM are just an Italian group imitating ELP five years later. The singer thinks he is Greg Lake or Jon Anderson and the organist is Keith Emerson No. 2, and of course such schizophrenic renders useless their own talents.

Those natty little organ runs may have hit us hard in 1970, but who wants them now? The album starts with what I call an SRO — standard rock opening (the old fast and showy buildup of keyboards that has become such a cliche) — and settles straight into the old ELP formula of grand and extravagant sound. The violinist and organist reach some top speeds as the notes' ripple and sizzle off their instruments, yet still manage to sound dead and dull must of the time because of their coldness.

Only the title track has a strong enough melody to stick, and then it stinks of Genesis anyway.