Legendary Post-Punk Band The Newtones Unveil First Album in Decades ‘New Way’
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 brings together all their studio recordings – including the 1981 Paint The Town Red EP, the 1982 My World single, and the Propeller Records Class of ’81 track New Way – plus restored live material from Tony Peake’s personal tape collection. The 15-track album delivers the band as they always deserved to be heard: remastered and restored with modern techniques for maximum impact. Long-lost highlights include the powerful instrumental Four Ships that directly inspired the creation of Failsafe Records. The deluxe CD edition features a striking double gatefold cover with a 24-page booklet containing extensive liner notes by David Swift, plus classic artwork by long-time collaborator Robin Neate.
