Style and sass from Ardijah

Press, 23 September 1988, Page 26

Style and sass from Ardijah

ARDIJAH “Take A Chance” (WEA 220088). The sweetest voice in New Zealand at the moment belongs to BettyAnn Monga, one half of Ardijah’s current two-per-son line-up with her husband, Ryan (and kudos to her for not joining When The Cat’s Away, when asked in 1986 — the Cats may be entertaining, but they are also a prime example of New Zealand creativity going to waste). Listening to Monga soar on the South Auckland

band’s hit “Watchin’ U” — which has succeeded in spite of some nonprogramming on Christchurch radio — it is hard not to be impressed by her style and sass. “Take A Chance” is a compilation of new tracks and those from their 1987 self-titled debut, and it is seriously funky in a way few local bands get. All the singles are included, from the Princelike bop of “Give Me Your Number” to the slick pop of “Watchin* U”

and. last year’s excellent “Time Makes A Wine,” yet another New Zealand “should’ve-been-a-hit-but-got-no-airplay” award winner. But it is among the other tracks that the real gems are found. The title track is bass-propelled magic, as is their version of “Which Way Is Up,” the Stargard hit of yesteryear. Ryan Monga is responsible for bass, and most of the sound of Ardijah. Occasionally he uses rather

ordinary synthesiser backing, as on “Jammin” and “You Are The One,” but the newer material has a far more relaxed and organic feel, showing him developing into a fine allround musician. Ardijah are a great popfunk band who seem somehow never to get the credit they deserve. Do yourself a favour and get “Take A Chance” — certainly the best New Zealand LP released so far this year. —TONY GREEN