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L Y R I C S |
As originally published in ? 13/5/91 by Dominic Roskrow Patience is not so much a virtue in New Zealand's music scene, it is a prerequisite for any serious career. But even by this country's tough standards, Jan Hellriegel has had to serve the lengthiest of apprenticeships since Cassandra's Ears folded. Her performances have been rare as she has waited for the major record company she has been signed to to give her the go-ahead to record. Now it seems, that day is just around the corner. Really. That she is ready to make an album of international quality is beyond any doubt. While she remains a fraction shy, her music pokes and prods in all the correct ways. With some sensitive production and the right guiding hand, Hellriegel could be massive. The Pretenders comparison has been made before, but it is valid, not only in Hellriegel's vocal style, but in the way her hand balances between "alternative" unindulgent postpunk guitar music, and more traditional westie rock. If there was a fault on Saturday, it was that the guitar was not allowed to cut harder and give the band more punch. But the line the group walks on is a fine one and such shortcomings are understandable. And that is picking into the heart of a set that has few failings. Familiarity could well be an advantage with Hellriegel's songs, and they require listening to. But with a fine band, an essential conribution from singer Zan Wright (and a good song from guitarist Mark Peterson), Hellriegel has everything at her feet. And it just about makes the wait worthwhile. [continues to review the Bagmen...]
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