Shriekback, The Bats

Press, 8 April 1987, Page 8

Shriekback, The Bats

Shriekback, supported by The Bats, at the Town Hall last evening. Reviewed by Tony Green. Phew! At this rate the English band, Shriekback, are in danger of becoming honorary Christchurch citizens, a la Norman Bowler... Bounding on stage, it seemed their Carlton gig last year was just yesterday as a packed dance floor lapped up every move, eventually calling for, and getting, three encores. Visually striking as they were — the frontman, Barry Andrews, particularly, so in an outfit straight from a Tibetan , men’s wear shop — it was

perhaps Inevitable that something would be lost moving from pub to Town Hall. Shriekback really only have themselves to blame for being so brilliant last time. Here, the intimacy suffered with a typically loud mix, the opening version of “All Lined Up,” especially, was a full-on sonic barrage. As well, the set list was very similar to the previous gig, with only three new songs. Still, even your cynical reviewer admits to being eventually won over. “Faded Flowers” was the •closest they got to the at the Carlton (where was “Pretty

Things”?) and soon after, the long "Feel It” was also Shriek black magic. We also got “Nemesis,” “Underwater Boys,” a great new song introduced as a “blues” by Andrews, a superb repeat of the Defunkt song, “Razor’s Edge,” “The Reptiles and 1”... all enhanced by Dave Allen on bass, a near perfect union of man and instrument Another triumph for these champions of the organic, but The Bats also shared the honours, the Christchurch band playing one of their best gigs. ln Blue,” their new 45Btaeserves a spot on yourJrumtable.