Elevators music

Press, 14 May 1981, Page 14

Elevators music

muskworld war '’SjasSr

nevin topp

' Christchurch had a taste of 21,The Elevators music when ’-’they played the opening i.-J.spots of the Split Enz shows '£last month. Those who packed the, intown hall for the Enz shows L were interested in the main but The Elevators a lot of interest also. not a hard act to follow iireallv.

The Elevators are a “garage" band. They come from Dunedin, but have generally avoided playing at the main venues in the south, occasionally coming out of the woodwork to a club or pub. For all that, they were highly commended for their act in Dunedin's Battle of the Bands competition earlier this year, and that is what secured them the opening

spot for the Enz show? in the south. .

They only play one cover •‘Mr * Average" by the Steroids — but have beenlikened to such diverse types as Adam and the Ants, The Swingers, the 8525, the Gang of Four, Patti Smith, new wave, classical, jazz, rock, African, and the military two-step. In addition, The Elevators were among four Dunedin bands to be filmed for the television programme, “Dropakulcha.” They have also been prepared to work at their own pace, and for this reason their lack of commercial leaning for hotel work has meant that they have missed out on the odd occasion.

At the same time it is this independence "• that has endeared the group to a sizeable following in Dunedin.

The Christchurch dates, so far from next Monday to Wednesday at the Gladstone Tavern, should give the Garden City a better, more intimate taste of the Elevators. The Christchurch shows are part of a northern South Island tour.