The Newz play well

Press, 8 September 1980, Page 4

The Newz play well

By

NEVIN TOPP

The; Christchurch rock music group, The Newz, stole the show at a. benefit concert in the' ‘.Christchurch - : Town Hair last' evening. : ‘ The concert was organised by the North Christchurch chapter of the Jaycees to raise funds for community projects. ' ‘ After, curtain- raisers by two other Christchurch rock ’ bands, Wolf City .and the Jets,. The Newz came out like challengers .for the Ranfuriy Shield.' The band performed an Impromptu “haka”.singing ■“You Can’t Stop The'Music.” ■ in'a z throw-off at th? Village People film which is screening in Christchurch ,at the moment. ‘ '

After a month off because of a throat operation, the lead vocalist, r Simon Darke, really had' .the band and the crowd sizzling, in What has to-be one of the most entertaining. performances, given

by a rock'group in the Town Hall. Each time The, Newz get better, and the concert atmosphere really suits them. Occasionally the band was offside, and there was the ‘odd penalty against • them, particularly • when Darke drifted off into an . extended humourous ad lib in the song “Scones,” which is based on the old' Bad Company hit, “Feel Like Making Love.”

Even the cover versions of “Road Runner" (Modern Lovers), “(Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” by the Rolling Stones, and a sub-one minute world record attempt, at the rock classic, “Johnny B. Goode.” 'stood out. The members themselves enjoyed the concert and the group were confident enough- for Allan Cattermole to swap his drum kit with; Darke for the lead vocals, and for Brian Colechin and Phil Jones to swdp bass and lead guitars. Wolf City did not. make a marked impression because

there seemed to be an element of indecision in the choice of material between rock songs and new wave. The Jets on the other hand, lifted the spirit of the show showing a crisp style of playing, particularly from the two lead guitarists, Kit Randell and Brent Williams. However, there was .some immaturity in the presentation and in the. content of the songs. From pub band to concert group is a difficult transition, and full marks to the'Jaycees for allowing groups! to gain this experience. It does seem a pity that the North Christchurch chapter could not have obtained a good out-of-town band, say Toy Love, to guarantee a full house. At the same time, though, the idea is the right one, particularly for The Newz, which on last evening’s effort must be the most Underrated band in New Zealand at the moment.