Icehouse plays

Press, 15 August 1984, Page 8

Icehouse plays

Icehouse, supported by Maiden China, at the Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium last evening. Reviewed by Tony Green. Few surprises occurred at the Town Hall last evening, when the Australian band, Icehouse, played to a capacity audience. The band played a meticulously professional set, the material drawn largely from their most recent album, “Sidewalk." The first half of the set began with dry ice billowing ominously from behind the drum kit, and the two keyboardists combining to create a vast, cathedral-like sound.

It sounded suspiciously like “rock” music to this reviewer, but most of the youthful audience stood gaping in awe as the lead singer, Iva Davies, assumed total control. Influences such as Roxy Musfc, Bowie, and, especi-

ally, Simple Minds, are obviously important in Icehouse music. Davies is pure Jim Kerr on the track "Sidewalk,” and the bassist has definitely listened to “New Gold Dream” a few times too many. Although Davies was in charge K it was the former Jo Jo Zep frontman, Jo Camilleri, who captured all eyes at the front of the stage. Wearing a natty 50s style suit, and playing a shocking pink saxophone, Camilleri danced, sang, and at one point in the song, “I Can’t Help Myself,” held an impromptu gospel meeting. It was entertaining stuff, even if he did occasionally looked out of place among the more sedate members of the band.

Songs that stood out included “Love in Motion,” an excellent early single, the , current 45 “Don’t Believe Anymore,” and “Beautiful,”

from the new LP. However, the band were usually reluctant to work very hard, preferring to let the keyboards dominate on slower numbers, that began to sound turgid as the gig wore on.

Apart from songs such as "Love in Motion” and the closing encore, “Walls,” the gig did not really captivate the crowd.

It is hoped that the continued presence of Camilleri will encourage Davies to add some much needed punch to the music of Icehouse.

The support band, Maiden China, played a vigorous set, with a sound far better than usual for an opening act.

The set was fairly “ragey,” however, with little room for individual songs to impress. They should improve with slightly more care in the songwriting departmew.