TAPE ONLY

Rip It Up, Issue 70, 1 May 1983, Page 23

TAPE ONLY

Russell Brown

The Squirm Squirm Songs A parting gift from Chris Burt, Steve Roach and Ramon York (the Squirm have disbanded after three nights at the Rumba). This really is accomplished stuff busy, fascinating music that makes good use of stereo sound. The vocals are considerably higher in the mb< than for their live performances, so the lyrics can be deciphered if you wish. It's just a pity it's not on record vinyl. Available for five bucks from PO Box 47-295, Ponsonby Auckland. Fetus Productions Self Manipulation (Last Laugh) Schmeel Brothers EP (Last Laugh) Two very different releases from the one studio. A shift well left from the near popism of Fetalmania ,■ Self Manipulation is the "other" side of Fetus Productions. Experiments with sound, its synthesis, its transformation. In many respects this is real synthesiser music it tests the limits of machine and studio. But don't be scared off it's not so ambient as to be unlistenable.

There are 10 tunes, some even feature singing! Just try going places with this on your Walkman. The Schmeel Brothers are almost at the opposite end of the musical spectrum. They're acoustic, thoroughly human and, in some places, funny as hell. The guitar's almost incidental, the vocals vary from so-so to good but the lyrics are great. Really pretty neat. Both of them can be had for five bucks each from Last Laugh at PO Box 6884, Wellesley, Auckland. Ralph Bennett Daze In the Country / Nites On the Town (Ima Hitt C6O) - A sort of concept album from the Palmerston North-based Bennett. Side One is the "country" side and features a collection of not particularly exciting (well, to these ears anyway) songs. Things go electric for the "town" on Side Two and things get ' interesting. There is some weird and wonderful almost Beefheartian urban blues here and some of it is quite startling. Some "good friends" helped Bennett out on this album. The friend who played sax on 'No Phone Blues' did a very good job for him. Seems to me that. Mr Bennett's future lies with electricity. Available at $7.50 from Ima Hitt, PO Box 407, New Plymouth.