Review: Mi-Sex
Music Review by Caleb Garfinkel
What: Mi-Sex – Peep Show Tour
When: Saturday 23rd August, 2014
Where: Ding Dong Lounge
New Zealand new wave rockers Mi-Sex were prominent fixtures of the Australian and NZ music charts in the late 70s/early 80s with their hits Blue Day, Castaway and the iconic Computer Games. Following the unfortunate death of lead singer Steve Gilpin in 1992, the band entered a unanimous retirement. Fast-forward roughly 20 years, the band were coaxed out of their hibernation by Noiseworks bassist Steve Balbi’s offer to front the group. On the back of a series of well-received shows over the past year, Mi-Sex performed a ‘peep show’ of new material and nostalgic classics at Ding Dong.
I have to be honest at the forefront of this review: I’m not exactly an 80s fan. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t around for most of it, but to my ears it has always sounded like it’s had its day. Why mention this? My reflection and acknowledgement of music that is performed today hinges on its ability to transcend the age of its conception, and exist as a living, evolving creation, not just to serve as a nostalgic reminder for those who were there in its heyday. My question heading to the show was, “is it possible for the sound of the 80s to be enhanced, polished and rocked up to sound modern, retaining the essence of its heritage but cleansed of its kitsch?”
Hi Caleb, I don’t normally read reviews because they are often written in pre judgement ( positive or negative) Your review, though favourable, seemed honest and as a reader felt I could trust you. I actually think that if you were to come to another show and didn’t enjoy it would you would clearly say so. We need more of this kind of critique.
Keep up the good work.
I’m glad you enjoyed the show
Thank you.
SB.Steve Balbi, Mi-Sex Vocalist, 31/8/14 (Facebook)
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