Continuing to dig deep into the sepia-flecked archives of our dark distant past, Failsafe Records have rediscovered the short-lived but much-loved delights of The Newtones ...
Forty-five years after they lit up the Christchurch music scene, pioneering post-punk/new wave trio The Newtones are back with New Way, a long-awaited comprehensive collection that captures the band at the height of their powers.
Active in 1980–82, The Newtones were among the first Christchurch acts to fully embrace the proto-indie spirit, self-funding their releases and maintaining complete creative control at a time when major label support was virtually non-existent. Their fiercely independent approach and high-energy live shows helped shape the vibrant local scene that inspired Flying Nun Records to turn the Christchurch sound into an international success. That same DIY ethos also spurred Failsafe Records to launch after being floored by the band — particularly their blistering instrumental “Four Ships”, which never made it to a record, until now.
Blending sharp indie powerpop with post-punk energy, the trio — singer/guitarist Tony Peake, bassist Mark Brooks and drummer Graeme van der Colk — built a devoted local following during their prolific 18-month run. Known for confident, eclectic performances, they mixed original material with inventive covers, developed songs on stage through improvisation, and added an extra edge with front-of-house effects and experimental tapes from soundman Fred Kramer. They regularly packed venues and helped establish the DB Gladstone Hotel (now legendary) as the cornerstone of Christchurch’s original post-punk and independent music scene.
New Way is available in stores nationwide from April 10th at all 23 JB Hi-Fi stores, as well as fine independent retailers including Ride On Super Sound (Christchurch) and Relics Music (Dunedin).
The album is also available now for digital download and mail-order CD via:
- The Newtones Bandcamp: https://newtonesnz.bandcamp.com/album/new-way
- Failsafe Records webstore: https://www.failsaferecords.com/catalogue/index.html#newtones
CD purchases include a complimentary download code with bonus live tracks not featured on the physical album.
This is the definitive document of a cult “best kept secret” that helped lay
the foundations for one of New Zealand’s most influential music eras. Crank it
up — and finally hear The Newtones as they sounded on those unforgettable
nights at the Gladstone.
For more information, images,
or interview requests, contact Failsafe Records or visit the links above.
Here's 'Paint The Town Red' ...
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