Live

Rip It Up, Issue 76, 1 November 1983, Page 28

Live

Lorraine Allen

Mockers, Diehards Mainstreet, Oct 15. Dammit! I thought the Diehards were going places. Poor, misguided souls that they are, whatever promise originally shown seems to have disappeared. While they haven't got any worse they don't appear to have improved. What's lacking is that real excitement that every great pop band should have. Hurry up lads, the bus to fame and fortune is leaving shortly, be on it! For a band with probably the finest string of singles in this country, the Mockers live used to be as drab and uninviting as a wet Sunday. But T Andrew Fagan's perseverance is finally starting to pay off. The Mockers now have that undeniable air of confidence about .them’; With all the unfortunate trappings off an industry band, they manage to stimulate interest and generate an excitement previously missing. The evening's surprise came from Steve '.Thorpe. Now a drummer, not just a drinker, he and bassist Geoff Hayden provide the perfect rhythms for Fagan's rather unique gyrations. But

Fagan's limited vocal range combined with a few songs best described as average means that your attention isn't held for the whole evening. Nevertheless, there are some real classics in their set, even if a few are a little dated. ‘ Okay, see j you jon the next scooter run then. 1 out for the i ace, face, 1 ! he'll 1 be in a bright mink" budgie suit. Alister Cain Bruce Cockburn Trillo's, Oct 21. Many from the large Christian representation - were expecting something more evangelical. But this guy with the blue guitar, denim jacket and granny glasses didn't really fit the bill? He sensed their {expectations, however, concluding both the first set and his encores with as close to Bruce Cockburn gets to an overtly Christian song. Otherwise the predominant direction of his lyrics and between-song comments was likely , to be about the politics of , self and society, whether expressed in gentle didactism, ironic humour or floating fantasy. Even “Wondering Where The Lions Are' was introduced as something born of his fears about nuclear war.

Cockburn could obviously, too, feel a certain bristle of righteousness when his lyrics incorporated the odd profanity. With a wry admonishment of "Close your eyes and think of Chaucer" to those offended, he added, 'Those words are in there for a purpose you know."

The material spanned his long career, from the early folk days through to five numbers from the new album. Before beginning The /Trouble,With"Normal' Cockburn grinned: "You'll have noticed there's a notable absence of band members," yet the songs worked remarkably well with just voice and guitar. But then he is an extremely fluent guitarist, as the rich, full backing and dancing instrumentals attested. (An occasional 'judicious and subtle touch of phasing also helped.).

"- Trillo's proved a very comfortable setting, even if Cockburn, was {the only one able to get a beer - and thats about the worst criticism I can make of an excellent 100-minute concert. Who knows, if the new album sells as it deserves, a bigger venue may be needed next time he tours: he may even be able to afford to bring the I band mm Peter Thomson E.C.F. j Gladstone, October 14 E.C.F. - love them or loathe them, you can't ignore them. At a time when Christchurch's music scene is somewhat lacking in fresh ideas, it's a relief to see a band with the enthusiasm and drive of E.C.F. For those who don't know, the band comprises Shayne (guitar), (drums), Chris (vocals) and Ljinon (bass). Chris enforced absence earlier this year doesn't seem to have handicapped them in any way*ln] fact they are back with a vengeance and the sky's the limit. E.C.F. have polished up their act considerably since their early days - the sound is much tighter, Chris' vocals have improved greatly, and there is a sense of professionalism - about them not there before^UnpH In addition to this, no one could ever accuse E.C.F. of not knowing how to have fun .“Despite a minor hold up when Bratt was indisposed ’out] back, the band played with intensi ty] and were 1 well 1 received \ j by, the audience? Highlights of the evening were 'Holocaust', 'Poltergeist', 'Policeman', and of course the E.C.F. anthem 'Filthy Punk Rocker' (played twice due to public demand). Also featured : were songs from their ('Drop Me Off', 'Call Girl', 'Sadists & Masochists') which will be out in the shops by the time this goes to print.

Indications are that E.C.F. may well be a force to be reckoned with in Christchurch, and personally 1 hope they make itTMOBMi