Hands, by The Portage

Hands

by The Portage

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	1.	Hands 1989 01:41		buy track
	2.	Hands 1987 02:02		buy track

about

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.

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about

The Portage Dunedin, New Zealand

The Portage evolved from Lawrence Kennett & Lisa Preston’s group Nux Vomica, who had an underground hit with garage rock screamer ‘TV Producer’

The Portage released seminal 12" EP Thirteen; Thirteen as a duo, later playing as a 5-piece for gigs with Snapper, The Puddle, and The Terminals.

Long desired by fans of outsider music, remastered vinyl will be released by Leather Jacket Records in 2024! ... more

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