Flesh D-vice- Secrets of the Estranged

The capital city that houses New Zealand's politician was also home to punk band, Flesh D-vice. This 1985 album was reviewed in the US punk fanzine, Maximum Rock and Roll by Pushead who stated: "Reminiscent of the first RED ROCKERS LP, this changes and burns with a strong medium-paced feel. Grinding twangs from the guitar are the focal point in the mix and the work's choice. Well-delivered with a fluid drive, the compositions are musically thought out and catch harmonious notes soon to bounce around the brain."
The band were looking for international release of this album according to this old MRR New Zealand scene report by Neil Cartwright.

This album is probably best known for containing the song "Flaming Soul" but that's hardly the only worthy song here. With songs titles such as "Legends of Lugosi" and "Science Faction" plus that cover you know these guys all have a healthy interest in horror.


Flesh

Grant Hart 2010 New Zealand tour

Hit your head sent us this info about Grant Hart's New Zealand tour in a couple of months

GRANT HART (USA - Husker Du/Nova Mob) NZ TOUR 2010 w/ DEVILS ELBOW
American punk icon, Husker Du’s Grant Hart is heading to NZ for first time this February to tour the country in support of his latest solo album, Hot Wax.

His NZ dates are:
Wednesday, 3rd February, KING'S ARMS, AUCKLAND, 8pm
Thursday, 4th February, THE CABANA, NAPIER, 8pm
Friday, 5th February, SAN FRANCISCO BATH HOUSE, WELLINGTON, 8pm
Saturday, 6th February, AL'S BAR, CHRISTCHURCH, 8pm
Sunday, 7th February, CHICKS HOTEL, DUNEDIN, 8pm

Support at all shows by DEVILS ELBOW www.myspace.com/devilselbowofficial

Tickets for all shows are on sale now from .www.Undertheradar.co.nz

Known as one third of the legendary Husker Du, who were hailed as one of the most important and influential US bands of the 1980s. Following their break up in 1987, Grant Hart has continued to pursue his musical and artistic vision. His records have been eclectic, subtle, thematic affairs. ‘Hot Wax’ was recorded largely as a one-man affair in Montreal and Minneapolis studios, features guests including members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Silver Mt. Zion and Rank Strangers.

Grant Hart has created an organic rock album using classic tools to make modern art, creating psychedelic pop/rock soundscapes loaded with strong melodies, vintage instrumentation and a style that he admittedly owes in parts to his devotion for his friend Patti Smith. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see acclaimed visual artist, singer, songwriter and punk icon, Grant Hart, play exclusive solo shows this February.

Merry Christmas

Reptiles At Dawn - Naked In The Wilderness

Back in the late eighties while staying in Taupo with a great aunt, I first read of Reptiles At Dawn in the UK Heavy Metal magazine, Metal Hammer, in an issue which came free with a huge foldout poster of Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson holding a box of the game Risk whilst surrounded by topless women. The review stated that they were a New Zealand band who had moved their reptile house to France. Back then, I had no idea they were the same band as The Henchmen and The Dum Dum Boys whose records I would often see for sale new in the local second hand record and book shop. The Stooges sound stayed and a dedication to Radio Birdman mixes things up just a little. All the references to reptiles and lizards would have made Jim Morrison's leather pants tighten as the blood rushed from his brain to another place or at least made him smile. Jimmy Dean would just drive his death machine.

Get this cold blooded creature

Dead Wrong

Vorpal Blade are a hardcore from Christchurch, New Zealand. They really like American bands such as Converge, Dillinger Escape Plan and some guys from years back who called themselves Black Flag. Vorpal Blade made a video for their song "Sticks and Stones"






This year they made an album entitled "Dead Wrong"this year and made it available for download.

Get it here.

Dum Dum Boys - Let There Be Noise

As you can probaly tell from their name alone, New Zealand's Dum Dum Boys wore their influences on their sleeves. This '81 release was possibly the first NZ release to be more influenced by US punk than the UK stuff. The story goes that the band sold their beds and whatever else they owned and could sell to get this vinyl record released. These guys liked The Stooges a lot and there's certainly nothing at all wrong with that.

Get their noise.

Sneaky Feelings - Husband House

This was the first ever Flying Nun video I saw. It was on a music show called Radio With Pictures in the mid 80's. The show was renowned for playing much less commercial music than Ready To Roll, which concentrated on top 40. RWP would play Motorhead, Iron Maiden back to back with XTC and The Smiths.
Often watching Radio With Pictures meant going to bed, waiting for other familty members to go to bed so I could crawl back out into the longue, close the doors, turn the tv on, watch the show and then watch the Sunday horror movie that usually followed and ended around midnight. Usually the following day at school, the horror movie would be the topic of conversation.