LIVE

Rip It Up, Issue 44, 1 March 1981, Page 19

LIVE

Broken Dolls Jaggers, February 27 New in Auckland are the Broken Dolls, featuring ex-Valentinos Dave Spillane (sax and vocals) and Simon Lynch (guitar and vocals), plus one-time Dudes Bruce Hambling (drums) and Les White (bass). They have a residency at Jaggers, and have already scored a record deal with CBS. The Broken Dolls’ sound generally revolves around Spillane’s soulful sax. Coupled with some fluent guitar from Lynch, and an unassumingly tight rhythm section, his cool expertise adds depth to a very professional unit. Though still danceable, their originals are often laid back. Titles like ‘Drifting’ and ‘Falling In Love’ reflect the romantic feel which the band is after. Although Spillane’s ‘What Does It Take’ has now been through three bands, it still maintains its interest. The handful of covers all date back to the sixties Roy Orbison’s ‘Pretty Woman’, The Monkees' 'Last Train To Clarksville’, and the Velvets’ 'What Goes On’ and everyone is superbly executed. But the highlight of the set is their own 'Typical girls’, a sparse yet complete song that just screams to be a single. Though musically adept, the Dolls do lack on-stage personality. This is not improved by Spillane repeatedly turning his back on the audience. Still, that’s a minor gripe. They are already an able live band, and their recording potential is obvious. Mark Phillips Late News New Magazine guitarist is Ben Mandelson, the Amazorblades’ violin player and an old college friend of Devoto. Their new studio album is near completion... Techtones 45 is delayed as band missed final sessions while confined to SI by an industrial dispute. Same kept Top Scientists in Picton ... darlings of Sydney mod scene are the Allniters an eight piece ska/reggae band with David Bebb (ex Primmers) and Graham Hoods (ex Normals). Green Records will release a 45 and an EP in April.