KIKX were originally formed as a ‘new wave’ band from the ashes of the band Lizard, in Geelong 1979. By 1981 they had dispersed, citing ‘musical differences, drug and alcohol problems, and sheer exhaustion’ as the reason. Almost four decades later, the original band members reformed in 2017, and have now released their first original material since: Lost Poets Now – 1979-2019. Featuring eleven original tracks, written during the 80s years of the band, recorded now. The album is interesting, and gives a view into what it would be like if an 80s band released music now. Paired with interesting collages of old photos, the album produces a grungy, alternative aesthetic.
Album opener ‘Nova Express’ tells that story of a fantasy heroine from Venus. Coming to life with distorted electric guitars and crashing drums (which could be raised a little on the track to really drive it). The verse vocals become monotone, however the bass can be heard operating brilliantly from behind. The chorus vocals become messy, and the closing drumbeat almost needs to be a crashing closure. Second track ‘I Get my KIKX’ caused controversy for the band, alienating them when released as a B-side in 1980. Now, 39 years later, you can almost tell why. Based from the historical story that Cleopatra was a sadist that stuck pins through the breasts of her servants, the chorus of this track yells “I get my kicks from sticking pins in your tits”. It just doesn’t seem to quite work as the song. You have the realise it’s a satirical song, however, it doesn’t come across as appealing.
‘French Curves’ is a grungy and darker song, the bass once again really pushing it along. The deep, almost spoken chorus consists of one line repeated “I wish I had a set of French curves”. The way it is spoken comes across as creepy, not really jumping out from the track. ‘Paris’ is one of the finer tracks of the album, well constructed and pumping along. This track doesn’t seem messy, like others on the album, and showcases a well-rehearsed KIKX coming alive. ‘Pigeon French’ follows the French theme of the previous two tracks, vocalist Kerry Hunter taking the lead in the foreign language for the first half. She sounds great, and holds her time well. The drums are another highlight of this one, with vocalist Monty Osewald taking over in a thick Australian accent for the second half. The closing minute is probably the finest display of KIKX’s musical ability.
There are little things littered through this album that are great. For example, in the middle of the fourth minute of ‘Science Speaks to Me’ there’s an electric lead lick that sounds pretty cool, sliding seamlessly along. Unfortunately, there are spots on this album where the instruments sounds slightly out of place, and times where the vocals fall out of time. This album is definitely one for fans of Aussie pub rock, and the sounds of 80s new wave music that those from Geelong might remember.
Independent
Reviewed by Thom Devereux