The Angels

Press, 16 July 1987, Page 8

The Angels

The Angels, supported by Knightshade, at the Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium last evening. Show running time, 8 p.m. to 10.35 p.m. Reviewed by Alistair Armstrong. Doc Nelson’s broken knee looked a little unsteady but his raspy vocals showed no sign of wavering as The Angels ploughed their way energetically through a mixture of old and new songs. Nelson, a veteran of more than 10 years of live performances, was obviously not deterred by the handicap of having to sit in a specially mounted barber’s chair crutches at his side. The almost full Town Hall was quickly made to forget the singer’s lack of mobility as his arms waved frantically to such familiar hits oas “She Keeps No Secrets” and "Shadow Boxer.”

At Neeson’s right side, feet firmly anchored and showing little emotion, was the other central Angels figure, theguitarist, Rick Brewster. Brewster likes to let hi fingers do

the talking and this was particularly evident when he played an Edward Van Halen-like feedback solo after 30 minutes.

Other highlights included the Beatle-like “Don’t Waste My Time,” a melodic, swinging tune from the Australian band’s latest LP, “Howling,” and the hard-hitting Angels staple, “Take A Long Line.” The audience saved its biggest reception of the evening for the reworked Animals standard. “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.”

Here, the other strengths of the band, its New Zealand drummer, Brent Eccles, a muscular figure at the back of the stage, and the bassist, Jim Hilbun, made thier presence felt with a rock-solid heat.

Moments of interest were also provided by the lively rhythm guitarist, Bob Spencer, and an enigmatic organ player dressed in desert headgear introduced as Mr Habib Habib, “on work experience from Kuwait.”

Mr Habib, lurking behind dark glasses, seemed to take great pleasure in photographing the crowd with an Instamtic camera and at times wrestling with Eccles. The boisterous downstairs audience demanded and encore and was given a raucous “I Can’t Shake It” and the 1970 s classic, “Am, I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?” both with help from the support act. A fitting way to wind up The Angels’ New Zealand tour. Latecomers to the show missed a treat in the form of Hamilton’s hard-rock quintet, Knightshade. At the peak of a halfhour performance, Knightshade’s blazing twin guitar leads, which were reminiscent of Thin Lizzy, had even the conservative balcony audience tapping toes.

“Caroline” and “Sheila At The Wheel,” the former from the band’s new mini-LP, "The Physical You,” were particularly appealing. Wayne Elliott’s precise vocals were put to good use on some memorable melodies.