Shake Summation

Rip It Up, Issue 111, 1 October 1986, Page 32

Shake Summation

Ponsonby DCs G’Day Mate (PDC 7”) ' An Alexei Sayle-like litany of New Zealand catchprases, backed by an acoustic guitar-lead band which swings, particularly the sax. After a shakey start the song finds itself, it’s good fun while it lasts, which isn’t long. A ‘Tea in Te Kuiti’ for the 80s; there’s the seed of a

trans-Tasman novelty hit here. The flip, ‘Looking for the Action,’ is a fresh, uncluttered pop song driven by Dexys horns, excellent bass and smokey backing vocals. They sound like they’re having fun and have come up with the B-side of the year, when so many bands aren't even making the effort to find a second song. Soul on Ice

I Want Love (WEA 7”) Tastefully produced nightclub pop, a nine-piece band and everything-but-kitchen sink arrangement, but nothing’s lost in the Graham Myhre mix. Earcatching opening from the toms, pumping horns perfectly restrained, plus a great tinny synth behind an unusual high vocal line which stays with you. Good fun.

The B-side dub mix goes on a bit, and somehow loses that fun feel; aren’t they supposed to be more

fun? Chris Bourke

Cement Garden

Only One (Meltdown 12”) Unfortunately, the first thing that strikes me about this record is the subdued nature of the recording. This sadly collides with the nature of the music — energetic pop from Palmy North. The six songs were all recorded at Dolphin Studios, and my picks are ‘Jodi’ from side one and Just Couldn’t Stay’ and ‘The Valley’ from side two. ‘Burning’ is the only “standard” song here, but I think the recording tends to lessen the impact clnd sparkle of the Cement Garden’s first record. It seems they have the songs and energy though ....

Paul McKessar