K4

Post-Punk band formed in 1983 in Auckland [Birkenhead], New Zealand.

Musically K4 started to evolve quite quickly from the early sound of post punk to experimenting in electronic atmospheric darkness. The line up originally consisted of Hugh Thomson (Drums) and Peter Denniston (Bass). Stephen Bolton (Guitar) and Ray Albon (vocals) both ex Public Enemy joined shortly after. It was then decided that they needed more vocal variety so Helen Goudge was enlisted. The next 3 months were spent writing and learning to play (properly). From memory I think their first gig was at the underage venue SPAM in upper Symonds Street. The early sound was definitely angst, pseudo punk political and a bit more than three chord thrash. After the initial shock of playing to a live audience things started to happen. K4 played right through the end of 1983 to their last gig around 1985.

Studio Recordings- Their first recordings were done at Progressive Studios in 1983 where they recorded "Six Million" and "Chauvinistic Convictions" which were both submitted to ROIR Records in New York for an upcoming "World Class Punk Compilation", thanks to Neil Cartwright. Six Million was selected as best to represent the NZ sound. This compilation was released originally on cassette 1984 then later on CD during 2000. The second batch of recordings were done on the 02/05/84 back at Progressive Studios and consisted of four songs "New Years Song", "Ants", "Brothers of the Head" and "Lovely Summer". These tracks were originally laid down for an EP titled "Legs for Pensioners". Unfortunately due to financial difficulties (spending too much on expensive band equipment) and no support from the small labels, including Flying Nun they never got round to releasing them. They recorded a song in their practice room using a four track, named "Kiwi Animal" around late 84. This ended up on a compilation LP in the UK released by Dick from "Subhumans". The fourth and last time K4 went into a studio was in 1985 at the Lab Studio. They recorded "Immunity", "Entropy" and "Plains to Escape". These were probably their most experimental songs in the studio compared to the other sessions and more indicative of the evolution that was taking place. Here they played with synths, harmonizers and digital space enhancers.

But sadly they had lost direction and things were about to change bigtime. Stephen Bolton quit the band and K4 now had no guitarist. K4 played just about all the live venues in the Auckland pub and club circuit including The Rhumba Bar, Mainstreet, Performance Cafe, Windsor Castle, the Unicafe at the University and also used several Churches from 1983 to the end of 1985. As mentioned before, after Stephen left the band they took the decision to carry on without replacing the guitarist, and as a result a new name and a new sound was created. This was PARADOX.