Presentation and Reality (Black Vinyl LP) + The Body Electric (12")

The Body Electric are often referred to as the pioneers of electronica in Aotearoa, emerging in 1980 from the remains of the infamous Wellington Terrace Scene - which housed some of NZ's most emblematic indie bands including The Steroids and Shoes This High.

The mid-to-late 70s saw the rise of German electronic trailblazers, Kraftwerk and Neu!, bleeding into the likes of Gary Numan and The Human League, who found themselves with a strong fanbase in New Zealand. Alan Jansson and Andy Craig, the earliest members of The Body Electric, took notes and began experimenting with synthesisers and drum machines.

"Electronics have meant a complete shift from the performer to the composer. People don't realise that synthesizers mean you've got an orchestra at your command. You can alter the tonal quality of sounds." - Alan Jansson to Rip It Up Magazine in 1983.

The pair were later joined by Garry Smith and eventually Wendy Calder, creating a synth-pop soundscape that was the first of its kind to breakthrough Aotaeroa's music charts. They released their first 12" EP, The Body Electric in November of 1982, with the help of Jim Moss from Jayrem Records. This was followed by their debut album, Presentation and Reality, in 1983.

This release is brought to life by Flying Nun Records in collaboration with Propeller Records, and is the first physical reissue since the early 80s