Bird calls

Press, 16 January 1986, Page 14

Bird calls

BIRD NEST ROYS “Whack It All Down.” (Flying Nun FNOO4). At last — The Bird Nest Roys, the band that made going out the most fun in 1985, finally make it onto vinyl with the five-track EP, “Whack It All Down.”

Credited on the reverse are “Beatles, Bats, Buzzcocks, Byrds,” a fair pointer to the Roy’s bittersweet mix of guitar pop and harmonies, but no indication of their live prowess — this band can be the definitive "good night out.” Their live feel is duplicated pretty well on “Whack It All Down,” except for the track featured on the memorable “C’mon”-style video screened a month ago, “Ain’t Mutatin’.”

Nevertheless, when played loud, this is the standout track, with its beautifully simple melody and strange lyrics, including a chorus of “remind me not to stick it in my eye” — pardon? “Batcave” is the weakest track, a ponderous song that only a mother could love, but the three songs on side two more than make up, especially the surging “Cresta” — a live favourite.

“Severed Days” has a neat guitar line to finish on, and the connection with the Christchurch band, The Bats, is obvious on “Womcat Stones,” a breathless hillbilly stomp. In spite of the occasional clumsy melody, The Bird Nest Roys are just the kind of band to rekindle enthusiasm, and not just appreciation, for local music. I still rate their live form as better, but for an Auckland band, this is good stuff. -TONY GREEN.