The Portage evolved from Lawrence Kennett & Lisa Preston’s Christchurch group Nux Vomica, who had an underground hit with garage rock screamer ‘TV Producer’ in 1986.
Active in Dunedin & Christchurch from '87-'89, The Portage released seminal 12" EP ‘Thirteen; Thirteen’ as a duo — later expanding to a 5-piece with the addition of Norman Dufty, Vikki Wilkinson, and Chris Small — and played gigs with Snapper, The Puddle, and The Terminals.
Long desired by fans of outsider music, remastered Nux Vomica & The Portage vinyl will be released by Leather Jacket Records in 2024. Ahead of the vinyl release, digital single Hands is presented in both its final form as a 5-piece band in 1989, and the original version recorded by Lawrence & Lisa in 1987.
“I was lucky enough to see The Portage supporting Snapper in '88 and The Terminals in '89 and they were a very tasty appetiser to the main meal on both occasions. They played sharp, melodic songs that were a lot of fun to hear. Apart from their strong originals, they also did a cool cover of Buzzcocks' 'Late For The Train', which gives you a good idea of their style and influences. It was always good to hear them on Radio One, Dunedin's student radio station, too. I occasionally see The Portage's singer-guitarist, Lawrence Kennett around Dunedin. It's a tribute to the quality of his songs that Leather Jacket is reissuing The Portage & Nux Vomica on vinyl.” - Grant McDougall, Dunedin, December 2023.
“Great stuff! Hands has a very 80’s Christchurch underground scene feel to it with that frantic driving rhythm, high Devo-esque vocals and repeated guitar hooks. The earlier version is like a different song, evolving from an extended synth keyboard instrumental through to the more stripped back but still frantic song sung in a lower register." - Paul Kean, Christchurch, December 2023.
credits
released December 23, 2023
A. Hands. Recorded in 1989 as a 5-Piece by Lawrence Kennett (Vocals + Guitar), Lisa Preston (Yamaha Electone Organ), Norman Dufty (Guitar), Vikki Wilkinson (Bass), Chris Small (Drums). From The Portage cassette, recorded by Mike Chirnside on a 4-Track Reel to Reel.
B. Hands. Recorded in 1987 by Lawrence Kennett (Vocals / Guitar / Bass) and Lisa Preston (Organ / Drums). From The Portage 12” EP ‘Thirteen; Thirteen’, recorded on a Portastudio and mixed by Rob Garett at Radio One Dunedin.
Remastered by Steve McGough at Stebbings, Auckland 2023.
Where do songs come from?
This just happened one day at home with the catalyst of Kaye's sweet vocals and strummed acoustic along with Hamish noodling on a bass recorder in the adjoining room while I felt my way with my bass guitar and recording the moment in our home "studio". Hamish added drums and Kaye an iPad Beebot keyboard. Then Alec added his wonderful guitars.
Mix the ingredients together and bake the cake. Consume. Paul Kean