The Go-Betweens

Press, 9 February 1985, Page 8

The Go-Betweens

The Go-Betweens, supported by the Bats, at the Gladstone Tavern last evening. Reviewed by Tony Green. The opening gig of the Go-Betweens’ short New Zealand tour last evening was in sharp contrast to previous visits by members of Australia’s burgeoning “alternative” scene. The Birthday Party, Hunters and Collectors, and, most recently, the Hoodoo Gurus, opted for a total audience blitz via volume and rock ’n roll power, but this four-piece unit got its message across by far more subtle means. This does not mean another wimpy pop band — their recent English stay has brought their already sparse, melody-oriented pop closer to the tough-edged bands of the New York scene of ’75-77 (Talking Heads especially, Richard Hell, and Television) that they so admire. The rhythm section of Lindy Morrison (drums, looking like an 80s version of Abba’s Agnetha) and Robert Vickers (bass) was most effective, contorting their beats round the lurch-

ing tunes of the guitarist / vocalists, Robert Forsterand Grant McLennan. The guitars played a trebly foil to the twin vocals, with McLennan seeming to have a smoother edge than the occasionally edgy Forster, who, in spite of a perpetual “what’s going on here” expression, scored with some fine songs. At times the crowd seemed unfamiliar with the material — which is hardly a surprise, given the patchy releases of Go-Betweens vinyl in this country — but when McLennan introduced “Bachelor Kisses,” the ace new 45, all resistance vanished. This song was just one of the high spots, however. “Five Words,” “A Little Unkind, A Little Unwise,” a slowish version of the classic “Cattle And Cane,” and “Part Company” were all well received. Towards the finish,, the. band upped the tempo with. “Rare Breed,” a sizzling “Man O’Sand, Man O’Sea,” and then encored with their early single, “I Need Two Heads,” a song fondly remembered by those insom-

niacs among us who tuned into Barry Jenkin’s radio show, before its demise. Occasionally, the twists and tumbles of the GoBetweens songs were a little irritating .- why is it that so many Aussie bands refuse to play in 4-4 time? But their set was mostly an unpredictable and thrilling example of music that did not have to blast the audience away with noise, given their emotion-packed and economical songs. Their new L.P., “Spring Hill Fair,” sounds like recommended listening on this evidence, and I suspect many people will be back this evening for some pop magic, Go-Betweens style. Once again, the Bats were great value in their support band role, with a series of cheerful songs that drew many of the rather sluggish crowd to its feet. The only problem they have is over-exposure to Christchurch audiences, but last evening their music was the perfect coipplement to the main act — play “United Airways” one more time, boys.