Various - AK79

Roll out the red carpet for history! The definitive document of Kiwi first wave punk finally sees a comprehensive reissue via who else but Flying Nun. If like me you've often wondered just how so many life-changing bands were able to emerge from New Zealand in the early-mid 80s, AK79 might just shed some light. As well as including Toy Love, who of course include Tall Dwarfs' Chris Knox amongst others, there's a DIY spirit here that sets the foundations for all that golden Flying Nun business. It's in the whimsical band names themselves - the aforementioned Toy Love, Suburban Reptiles, Primmers - it's in the proto jangle of the Swingers 'Certain Sound', there in the 60s-like 1234-go of the Terroways 'She's A Mod', and even the off-kilter scuzz of the Features 'Victim' which foreshadows Pin Group and the Stones. If you've even just a passing interest in music from New Zealand, this is utterly essential. Should also add that this re-press also adds extra tracks by the original artists and some associated acts, including shop faves Marching Girls.