Noise, home and away

Press, 31 March 1983, Page 10

Noise, home and away

NO TAG “Can We Get Away With It?” (Propeller REV2O, ABRASIVE WHEELS “When The Punks Go Marching In” (Music World MUFP-34). No Tag, live, were a blast of fresh air, as anyone who saw them in Christchurch last week-end would tell you. A pity, then, that their album does not come up to that standard. Anyone who bought their first EP, and then spent a few dollars in cover charges at the weekend is better off. The pressing quality of “Can We Get Away With It-” is dire. The instruments get poorly treated in this live mix, and the drums sound as if they were cardboard boxes. The only clarity is with the hi-hat, which, as with all bad productions, scratches above everything else. The 14 tracks would have been better served in the studio, as the band have

already shown what they can do in that regard. If the stereo is turned up really loud, the power of No Tag starts to come through, but it is no substitute for the show. Unfortunately, there are rumours of a split, just as they are growing musically. If you are put off by that review, you may turn to the Abrasive Wheels’ LP instead (assuming that you like this 1980 s punk. I am undecided yet, there is too much rubbish about). This is another licensing special by Music World, which has dealt with Riot City Records of Bristol, one of Britains top independent punk labels. Abrasive Wheels have a singer who can’t sing, and they make lots of noise. Is that a surprise? Many record shops are now in possession of a double compilation album called “Burning Ambitions” (A History Of Punk), a

quantity import. It covers the period 1976-1982. At around $25, it is dear, but try and pay it off or something. The Sex Pistols, Clash, and Jam weren’t allowed on it due to label problems, but otherwise, it’s everything you’ve always wanted to hear, etc .’.. MILTOWN STOWAWAYS “Hired Togs EP” (Propeller REV 23) This band includes several former Newmatics, and the sound is brassy. But, like the Newmatics’ discs, the record only hints at the quality of the Miltown Stowaways. “Forest Rangers” alone stands out, as the instruments are fuller on it than on the other three songs. The lead vocals (uncredited) are often weak elsewhere. The tunes are "funky” and “danceable,” and so on, but I will wait for them live, instead.

DAVID SWIFT.