The Neighbours finale

Press, 8 March 1984, Page 18

The Neighbours finale

THE NEIGHBOURS “Vocal At The Local” (Choice 4). The Neighbours are in the final weeks of their final tour before splitting up, and it seems appropriate that they should release this live album through Jayrem Records, of Wellington. The band has been going for more than three years now, in various forms, but recently there appeared to be more independence among

the members with Rick Bryant working in Jive Bombers. What is good about “Vocal At The Local” is that there is only one track on it, that was also on last year’s EP, “The Only One You Need.” Fans will also use it to remember the characteristic mixture of soul and rhythm and blues that the Neighbours were renowned for.

Personally, I find the sound on the live album disappointing. The tracks lack the excitement that usually seegis to spring from live recordings, although Trudi Green’s introductions are lively enough. The longest track, “Funky Kingston,” is wooden and drawn out as every instrument must be given a solo.

But the quality of the songwriting is definitely

present. “Watching Westerns,” probably the most alive of the eight songs, shows this, as does “First Love,” the track that was on the EP.

Recorded at the Ponsonby Club Hotel, Auckland in August, “Vocal At The Local” has all the qualities of a pub recording, but it definitely has a place for its historical value. —NEVIN TOPP.