Riddum Circus

Rip It Up, Issue 93, 1 April 1985, Page 8

Riddum Circus

David Taylor

In a Cuba Street loft, sunlight shafting through cigarette smokes, I sit j discussing music with three of the Circus Block 4 collective. The immediate impression is one Of contrast. Jeff Thorp (bass) is articulate, intelligent and wears a colourful jersey. Dean Hutton (percussion) is ? quiet, possessed of a dry wit and clothed in low-key,fashion. kg® '****' , _r iw. WMB Darryl Rothery (manager) sports a hand-crafted leather jerkin, moustache and goatee, and sprinkles hip-isms in conversation. The differences are important; they’re reflected in the melee of sound that is Circus Block 4s music., *. Painstakingly crafted, the recorded songs exhibit the individual talents of the band. Though covering a variety of moods, the key elements are a punchy rhythm, innovative percussion and washes of harsh guitar. Melody takes a back seat and the- lyrics have limited meaning. As Jeff explains, the band “shy away from lyrics. We’re more interested in making music and are afraid of the concept of a frontman someone plus Circus Block 4. We probably need another guitarist so we could put more effort into singing. Now we just concentrate on the music.” The band is young. It was formed in September 1983 as a fivepiece. The present team has been together since drummer Caroline Easther joined last November. Gavin McLean on guitar and soundman Mark Ingram complete the Circus Block 4 family. Jeff sees Circus Block 4 as “a long-term band. We're not going to make a hit. We're not writing pop songs or raunchy stuff. We re going to have to build ourselves." Darryl believes “we’ve resigned ourselves to creating a sound rather

than mimicking one ... We’re probably making it a bit harder for ourselves because we’re not applying ourselves to the pub circuit or the Ready To Roll Top 10 little girl syndrome either. We're not trying for those markets and therefore it’s a lot harder to survive.” The two records released to date, 'ln Stone In Steel’ and 'Take Another Look’ were recorded on 24 tracks using sophisticated technology. Both records are currently being considered for UK release by two independent labels there. According to Jeff, the next release will see the band use less equipment in an effort to realise songs as the band envisages them rather than re-writing ideas in the studio. The next goals? “We’ve got to relax and enjoy the music,” says Jeff. Darryl agrees: “Yeah! We're never gonna have to do that first record again. It’s our head space. Now we’re going to go out and trash the road." Jeff continues: “Our sole touring experience is 10 days in Auckland. At our own gigs we hacf good audiences. We also supported Coconut Rough at the Gluepot. Not a lot of people came to see Coconut Rough, but it just didn’t work. We spent a lot of time fretting if people didn't want to dance. Now we're more used to the idea and I prefer it of people coming to listen because we’ve spent so many hours structuring things you’ve got to listen quite carefully to appreciate them.” Take a(nother) look at Circus Block 4. Theirs is a sophisticated music presented on its own terms for dancing or listening. And in case you're wondering, the band’s name was adopted from a painting by a Wellington artist.