On Tape

Rip It Up, Issue 85, 1 August 1984, Page 28

On Tape

Neil Cartwright

Bill Direen Live At the Gladstone ($6, PO Box 2190, Christchurch) A pretty rough recording of Direen and guitar, solo at Christchurch's perennial music venue. Very interesting in terms of the selection of covers, alternative versions and previews of Direen’s forthcoming album. But the sound probably means it's more for Direen completists than someone looking for an introduction to the man. RB Luke Hurley At one time you couldn’t move for singer/songwriters everybody wanted to be Neil Young's first cousin. Now, they're a rare breed, and this is where Dunedin’s Luke Hurley comes in, a singer/guitarist/protest song-

writer who’s making a few fans in Dunedin. This tape, although it’s great four track quality, doesn't capture the craziness or humour of his live performance, but songs like 'Disco', 'Nobody Knows’ and 'Japanese OD’ have the required message and hooks to make the grade. To buy the tape please send $lO (includes postage) to 2 Marlow St, St Kilda, Dunedin. GK Political Asylum Fresh Hate (Rites, Box 25-004, Auckland) "You can write 'Punks not dead’ on your back, it's only intelligence that you lack." Straight to the point, these guys mean business anti-violence, anit-war, anti-rip-off ... anti-everything? Nihilistic noise? No, this Scottish combo are definitely pro intelligence and their insightful lyrics are set to such inspiring music no amateur thrasharama, superb guitaring which leaves no questions as to why people overseas are making positive noises about this band. 'Winter' is the standout track, a slow, floating tune, wonderfully atmospheric, a gem. This is Rites’ hottest release and should put them up there with "Corporates" like Industrial and Failsafe. Don't let it pass you by.