Rhythm Cage at Hot Lava

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 296, 25 July 1989, Page 10

Rhythm Cage at Hot Lava

I Rhythm Cage, who play Hot Lava this week, was formed in late 1986 and started gigging, including a Powerstation D.D. Smash support, in early 1987.

From this gig they igained the interest of ,Pagan Records resulting in the release of their first recording "Freeze City" on a Pagan compilation album of new bands "Shake Down." j The song received good reviews and resulted in two nominations in the 1987 Music Awards. One of a few demo tapes done over this period came to the attention of Neil Finn and resulted in the support slot for the 1987 "Crowded House" tour of New Zealand. Later in the year the band featured on a live "Radio With Pictures" special along with "Herbs". Christmas '87 saw the band touring again, meeting up with "Ardijah" on their L & P summer tour and culminating in the very successful 1988 T aranaki Music Festival.

Later in 1988 the band was lucky enough to be asked to play a the "Kiwi Aid" concert at Waitemata Stadium with Bob Geldof following the cancelled "Neon Picnic". In Jupe '88 the band recorded its next single and three other songs, "The Phone is Ringing" is due for release in late June 1989 with accompanying video and national tour which will bring the band back into the public eye. Hot Lava 27th & 28th July. Mastermind finalist Ross Smith, currently ruiining second in Mastermind run each Sunday on T.V. spent some of his early years in Ohakune. His mother was June, nee Dixon and his father Laurie was first assistant at Ohakune School for a time.