Vinyl first for YFC

Press, 14 June 1984, Page 23

Vinyl first for YFC

YFC “Between Two Thieves” (Hits 15). Pop Svengali, Malcolm McLaren, would no doubt approve totally of the events leading up to the release of “Between Two Thieves,” the first vinyl offering from the Christchurch band, YFC.

This follows some controversy over the band name, and a report that there was allegedly a threat to sue because the name YFC could lead to people confusing the band with the religious body, Youth For Christ. The band have ignored this publicity, however, and concentrated on their music.

YFC music is stark, rhythmic, and refreshingly

hard to label — the band have been described as “disco” in one Sunday paper, but were refused a varsity gig for being too “boot” — confusing indeed. The drummer, Michael Daly, dominates the record with his busy drumming, all other music coming courtesy of the two bassists, Grant Horsnell and Jonny Ogilvie. The sharp, clear production makes the rhythmic strength of the band even more obvious — “Son Of A Gun,” “Emperor’s Clothes,” and “Lynch” are all brilliant dance songs.

The dual-bass and drums line-up is intriguing, but ultimately it sees the songs

become rather samey, especially as vocalist Ogilvie voices the politics of the band in a staccato, unmelodic fashion.

“Between Two Thieves” is a brave attempt at a hard, new funk music, but, in the absence of colour and melody, it is forced to rely too heavily on bass and drum rhythms — another member would make a lot of difference to this band.

Footnote: With Ogilvie now in America, and Daly living in Wellington, it may be some time before YFC are seen again in Christchurch.

-TONY GREEN.