Live

Rip It Up, Issue 82, 1 May 1984, Page 26

Live

Alister Cain

Party Boys Mainstreet. April 29 Sort of an All-Stars Sing the Classics’. 1 think ‘sing’ was a more appropriate term than play', given the less than stellar instrumental work at times. Not that anyone was slouching mind Dobbyn's keyboard work was always there when needed; Chunn and Warren nailed things down with precise assurance just that some songs could have used a little more lilt and a little less hammer. No, the real assets of this band lay in its vocal potential. The initial question facing any covers' band is whether to rework the material to their own style or to simply face up to the originals. The Party Boys chose the latter approach and, thanks to their vocal strength and an astutely

chosen repertoire, generally made a respectable fist of things.'. ..

There were some notable solos. Brazier, still one of the country's best rock voices, had no trouble coping with a Springsteen ('Hungry Heart') or a Graham Parker (‘Hold Back The Night' - ' a great set opener). McArtney has just the ready, urgent tone to handle the Beach Boys’ Darlin" although his Motown and R&B attempts were not particularly successful. Drummer Peter Warren led a rousing version of the Small Faces' Little Tin Soldier'. Even local mate Larry Morris came onstage for his recently recorded Animals' update. Only Dave Dobbyn seemed underutilized vocally.

But the real surprise (lor me anyway) was the remarkable command of Jenny Morris. She

took on songs ranging from Aretha Franklin to the Supremes and the Pretenders, sounding convincing every time. She was able to capture a dance-oriented audience with a beautifully

rendered Coin' Out Of My Head She also sang great backup Australia is lucky to have her.

' Then there were the duets: Brazier and McArtney saluting Iggy Pop, Brazier and Morris rejoicing Sly and the Family Stone...

The main criticism of The Party Boys show is that the wellrehearsed highlights contrasted markedly with the thrown-together bluster of a handful of three-chord-thrash' standbys. Still, I'm very grateful that the band eventuated at all. Maybe it could even be made an annual outing. (After all; there's heaps more great old songs that could stand a dustdown and dress-up.) Peter Thomson Izona Band War Gladstone, April 2-14 Let's get this straight from the start. This year's Band War was exceptional only in its mediocrity. In fact none of the bands reached the dizzy heights attained by last year's finalists. Still, it was well organised and, apart from a rather unfortunate decision regarding Southern Front, incident free. Of the semi-finalists who dipped out, perhaps the Kefflins and Horizon were the most unlucky.

The Kefflins were loud and disorganised yet they had real presence, a rare commodity, and lead singer Sparks at least put some oomph into his vocals. More time spent with the songbook in the practice room could be the making of them.

What Horizon played wasn't exactly reggae, nor was it jazz, but it was very easy to listen to and they've improved greatly since last years appearance.

If you are going to stick to a tried and true rock 'n' roll format then you require something different to separate you from the competition. Audio Sane had nothing of the sort and they re-

mained faceless, both in content and appearance. The Milky Bar Blues Band played far too many obvious covers.

The grand finale wasn't exactly eagerly awaited but I've had worse nights.

Sub Title were a rare commodity a threepiece, non-Dunedin band from Dunedin. They typified the stodgy, stuffy type of music that some of us . unfortunately tolerate. Trite, brainless lyrics offset by a bland, uninspiring backdrop of sound. Under the Rug (aka Frenchette) were rather like the Neighbours without Rick Bryant or Sam Ford and with a pale imitation of Trudi Green singing. A small-time MOR band trying to be something else. File under "resident band." On the other hand, all-women band Wayward Witches deserved every accolade they received. Now here was a band starting at the grass roots level trying to be just a little bit different. More strength in the drumming department would do wonders for those catchy little pop songs that actually mean something.

In all of these events, someone gets a little further than perhaps they should. Monitor were a case in point. If you crossed Siouxsie and the Banshees with Pat Benatar you would probably end up with something looking and sounding like this band. Singer Suzie worked very hard and was probably the classiest frontperson on display but their set reeked of sameness. -

At first glance it appeared that eventual winners Maiden China had sat down and contrived a plot to win the contest. But they were the most refreshing band and they were also quite funny (ha ha). Anybody who plays Light My Fire' in the shambolic way. they did deserves some recognition. But they definitely need a guitarist to

fill put their sound. The bass/drums/keyboards/brass approach sounded a little thin in places, as did Raoul Bridges' vocals and trumpet playing. If they work at it, Maiden China could be . better than average. Madness! Never! ' ‘ And when it was all over I sat back with a chilled Steinlager and dreamt of the Bats, .the White Boys, YFC, the Triffids, the Venetians, the Expendables, the ...