The 5th Anniversary Hamilton Circle Jerk

Almost as much as a staple as NZ Music Month the annual Circle Jerk is back again this may to attempt the impossible... 14 bands in 5 hours.

This year Sora Shima, Dynamo Go, The Deadly Deaths, Dick Dynamite and the Doppelgangers are just some of the bands playing, as well many other established and up coming bands on the music scene. Have attached a band list...with more to be announced!

It will on the 23rd of May Flow Bar Victoria st 8pm start $ 10.00 on the door

Press release:
If a tradition becomes a tradition at the half decade mark Hamilton's so called 'Circle Jerk' is about to qualify. Held annually since 2005 Circle Jerk is the brainchild of long time local musician Mark Tupuhi, a kind of sarcastic response to New Zealand music month and the perceived slights often visited upon the Waikato region during May. Tupuhi's concept is simple, and has proved effective. It involves Hamilton talent covering the material of their peers and predecessors, playing three song sets comprised of one original number and two by other local bands.

The masturbatory act referenced in the event name deliberately sent the message that Tupuhi and his collaborators were not overly precious about 'celebrating' the culture. The 2005 poster rammed the point home. Despite this the inaugural gig saw twelve bands of diverse genres and age groups play a wide range of music, referencing the mainstream with covers of the likes of "Split Enz" and "Dragon" and "48 May" as well as championing cult acts like "Wendyhouse", "Book of Martyrs" and "Spatula Death".

A couple of trends emerged from the first show that have persisted ever since. Firstly, Circle Jerk provided the impetus for the temporary reformation of long defunct bands. 2005 saw the resurrection and the last performance to date of "Schrodinger's Cat" and "Disjecta Membra". Secondly, it became apparent that some material lent itself more to reinterpretation than others. The satirical, obscene lyrics of local legends "Mobile Stud Unit" have a continuing popularity, as does Chris Thompson's parochial anthem "Hamilton".

The 2006 Circle Jerk saw a change in organisational personnel and in venue, with a literal shift underground to Ward St's Yellow Submarine. The format remained essentially the same, with bands like "The Shrugs" and "Amy Racecar" returning and perennial favourites "Rumpus Room" and "Dick Dynamite and the Doppelgangers" making their debut. In a night of young pretenders arguably the best performance came last, from veteran covers band "Johnny Fist", with blistering versions of "Dogs of Prozac"'s 'Fonzie Gets The Girls' and "MSU"'s story of Pete Sinclair, 'Marmite Man'.

It was perhaps not until its third year that Circle Jerk truly lived up to its potential. The 2007 gig was held at the Ward Lane tavern and attracted a huge crowd. It also saw a greater range in the line up than ever before, from the acoustic singer-songwriter "Kimbra" to the hardcore punk act "Gawj". In between these extremes there was melodic pop from "Dynamo Go"and "The Gills", rockabilly from "Dick Dynamite and Doppelgangers", the indie synth sound-scape of "The Deadly Deaths", and the only live performance from the "Mobile Stud Unit", whose 'poop remix' of "48 May"'s 'Leather and Tattoos' was a highpoint. Also notable was the contribution of "Ministry of Hypocrisy" whose electronic replication of 706 Hamilton songs simultaneously was nothing if not different.

Last year saw Circle Jerk return to its original venue of Digger's back bar on Hood St. Utilising two stages for the first time the transition between bands was achieved with record speed. The greater space also afforded more electronic acts than hitherto possible, seeing the debut performance of "Doteyes" "DJ Handbreak" and a polished, professional effort complete with music video from the all round genius of "One Fat Man". Other highlights included some distinctive ukulele stylings and percussion from the 25 year veterans "The Big Muffin Serious Band", a bizarre set from event founder Tupuhi which somehow blended "Crowded House" with "MSU", and a show stopping version of "Dead Pan Ranger"'s 'California Dream' by a "Rumpus Room" line up bolstered by radio personality Kerry Cooper.

The fifth anniversary of Circle Jerk, also set for the back bar of Diggers, promises much. An effort will be made to further diversify the music on display, minimising repeat performances and incorporating reggae and dub into the line up.

Whilst its origins were relatively humble the Circle Jerk premise has proved a robust one, showcasing a wide variety of Hamilton performers and song writers. In its short history it has already become a musical focal point and social highlight of the year, breaking down the artificial barriers between differing styles and 'scenes', catering for as wide an audience as possible while retaining the uniqueness and integrity of individual acts.