Alastair Riddell and Modern Contours Myke Forse and Flatmate

Rip It Up, Issue 68, 1 March 1983, Page 29

Alastair Riddell and Modern Contours Myke Forse and Flatmate

George Kay

Gluepot, Feb 18. Myke Forse (aka Mike McGirr) is a singer from Christchurch accompanied by Stephanie Toomer on electric piano. They provided a tasteful opening act. Forse's voice is not unlike one Tim Finn's, especially on the Enz's 'Stuff 'n' Nonsense'. Originals are few, but 'Garden City Overnight Success' impressed. Look out for their version of the Pye Isotronic theme. Alastair Riddell has been around for years and one wonders whether hell ever make the big time again, but with the current electropop boom performances like this might do the trick. Riddell's confidence on stage tends to overshadow the competence of drummer Simon Hannah and the band's three keyboardists. Special mention should be made of Hannah's imaginative playing which kept the whole thing together. The album Positive Action was given a good airing and highlights were “Let Her Know', 'Sex Becomes Love' and the excellent 'Dial My World'. Last year most of the country's promising young bands split up, leaving us with the old school. Of this school, Riddell is one of the few to retain his credibility in 1983. Alister Cain Netherworld Dancing Toys Captain Cook, March 5. The last performance of the present NDT lineup was an event, buddy. They broke pub attendance records (two nights in a row) and delivered the clenched-fist horn blows that they've been promising since their inauguration eight months ago. There were few twin sax and trumpet squeaks. Instead you got one in-tune, on-key integrated brass shout and a riddum section (Brent Alexander and Graham Cockroft) that was greased muscle. So naturally the songs were better, slicker, especially the new original 'A Change To The Contrary' and 'Thrill Of It All'. Rillstone and Perry have left so now it's time for reorganisation. Possibly keyboards? Whatever, they'll be back, bet on it.