He pārongo atu anōEmulsifier Fails at Orientation Gig

Description: This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 6th March 199.

"First Year Bash, featuring Emulsifier and Bassett Road, Massey University, March 1. Reviewed by John Saunders. Yo Dudes! Orientation kicked off in Massey's revamped social hall last week, as first-year students and assorted hangers-on fired themselves up for a great night out with mutoid-metal funksters Emulsifier.

The beer was frothing uncontrollably as local support Bassett road took the stage for their final gig, their traditional "rock band" sound of the past now roaring away into something much harder and nastier., Bassist John Copeland's vocals were sounding particularly impassioned; guitarist Des Kerr harder-edged and much more interesting. Despite their patchy career, the band ended on a high note.

Emulsifier then hit the stage, and three songs into the set, I'm plotting their early demise. This trio would like to sound like Red Hot Chilli Peppers, their funky Gary Clail beats overlaid with all the usual Jesus Jones/PWEI guitar, but what we got in reality was a bunch of pretentious prats who apparently had no idea their barking monotone raps were bypassing most people completely.

Admittedly, it wasn't much help having a chap on the mixing desk who believed the muffled sound outside the hall was what everyone inside was hoping to hear. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and changed location, listening to a few more songs. Still no luck. All I noticed was a drummer and bassist who had the funky groove thing well in hand, with the drummer taking lead vocals in many songs.

Perhaps the cover (We're Gonna Rock) Your Radio had some sense of urgency, the heavy metal posturing at least provided a laugh. A slight ripple of applause was heard. But by the time Hendrix's Manic Depression was dredged up, I was beginning to feel a little that way myself. An early retreat seemed the only solution."