{"id":110,"date":"2026-08-27T15:20:20","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T03:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/?p=110"},"modified":"2026-08-27T15:30:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T03:30:18","slug":"beat-rhythm-fashion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/2026\/08\/beat-rhythm-fashion","title":{"rendered":"Beat Rhythm Fashion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">Beat Rhythm Fashion were a post-punk band formed in 1980 by brothers Dan and Nino Birch. Originally from England and raised partly in Hong Kong, the Birch brothers brought an introspective and international sensibility to Wellington\u2019s small first-wave scene that included the nihilistic punk of bands like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2025\/06\/wallsockets\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"605\">Wallsockets<\/a><\/strong> and the more experimental post-punk of acts like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2025\/11\/naked-spots-dance\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"349\">Naked Spots Dance<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading has-icon has-icon-right\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">Read more<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--hidden=\"state.isHidden\" data-wp-on--beforematch=\"actions.handleBeforeMatch\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">Their music blended sharp, rhythmic post-punk drive with shimmering, melodic textures, drawing comparisons to <strong>Gang of Four<\/strong> and <strong>The Cure<\/strong>. The Birch brothers initially performed as <strong>Westown Quintet<\/strong> at the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/1980\/05\/1980-june-1-2-billy-the-club\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12522\">Queen\u2019s Birthday Weekender<\/a><\/strong> in June 1980 before renaming themselves Beat Rhythm Fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">BRF emerged from Wellington\u2019s first wave of punk and post-punk, centered at venues like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/08\/billy-the-club\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5103\">Billy The Club<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/last-resort\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1049\">Last Resort<\/a><\/strong> and the so-called \u201c<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/the-terrace\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"749\">Terrace Scene<\/a><\/strong>\u201d, which appears in a Chris Knox produced documentary on the capital\u2019s punk community. The Birch brothers appear for a short interview providing cryptic answers to Knox\u2019s questions before declaring \u201cAnarchy is the answer!\u201d and then cutting to a performance of \u201cNot Necessary\u201d in one of the Terrace flat lounges on a sunny afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">\u201cNot Necessary\u201d had been recorded at Sausage Studios in August with new recruit Glen Stewart on drums. Along with \u201cNone In The Universe\u201d it was one of two songs by BRF included in Four Stars, a compilation which captured the zeitgeist of Wellington\u2019s punk\/post-punk scene, featuring BRF, Wallsockets, Life In The Fridge Exists and Naked Spots Dance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">Beat Rhythm Fashion\u2019s first public show came on April 3, 1981, at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/1981\/04\/1981-april-3-wellingtonzone\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12532\">Wellingtonzone<\/a><\/strong>. A sold out town hall show organised by members of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/steroids\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"485\">Steroids<\/a><\/strong> and also featuring <strong>The Digits<\/strong> and <strong>The Mockers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">\u201cNext up was the long awaited unveiling of Beat Rhythm Fashion. BRF go all out to paint aural pictures, musical evocations of mood and atmosphere, with no concessions to traditional notions of rock as good-time dance music. At last an avant-garde act with the musical chops to deliver the goods.\u201d<\/p>\n<cite><a href=\"https:\/\/paperspast.natlib.govt.nz\/periodicals\/RIU19810501.2.34\">Rip It Up, Issue 46, 1 May 1981, Page 18<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">The band were quickly signed to local label <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2024\/04\/bunk-records\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"12537\">Bunk Records<\/a><\/strong> which over the following year released a trio of 7\u201d singles and a live recording of the <strong>Wellingtonzone<\/strong> show. Their second single \u201c<strong>Turn Of The Century<\/strong>\u201d, released in October, 1981, showcased BRF\u2019s distinctive, ethereal atmosphere with lyrics that tapped into New Zealand\u2019s undercurrents of anxiety at a time of social upheaval. Critics hailed &#8220;Turn of the Century&#8221; as a masterpiece and BRF as a band to watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">By late 1981 the band was going through its own disruption with Glen Stewart leaving and being replaced by <strong>Caroline Easther<\/strong>, with the new lineup touring the South Island in early 1982. However, Wellington and New Zealand were already looking a little too small to the cosmopolitan Birch brothers. Their final gig took place at Wellington\u2019s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2025\/05\/clyde-quay-tavern\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17653\">Clyde Quay Tavern <\/a><\/strong>on July 31 with the band making an ill fated shift to Australia, marking the end of BRF\u2019s initial era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">In 2007 the compilation <strong>Bring Real Freedom<\/strong> was released on <strong>Rob Mayes<\/strong> label <strong>Failsafe Records<\/strong>, bringing together the band\u2019s singles and live recordings and reigniting interest in BRF\u2019s legacy. Tragically, Dan Birch passed away in 2011 leaving Nino to resurrect Beat Rhythm Fashion with Caroline Easther and Rob Mayes on bass, releasing two critically acclaimed albums, <strong>Tenterhooks<\/strong> (2019) and <strong>Critical Mass<\/strong> (2024) that have continued the band\u2019s tradition of thoughtful, melodic post-punk into a new century.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Add To This Post<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:15px\">To contribute info, photos, corrections contact mail@upthepunks.co.nz<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><table><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Origin<\/strong><\/td><td>Wellington<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Genre<\/strong><\/td><td>post-punk, shoegaze<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Years Active<\/strong><\/td><td>1980 &#8211; 1982, 2017-now<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Labels<\/strong><\/td><td>Bunk Records, Epic<br><a href=\"https:\/\/failsaferecords.bandcamp.com\/\">Failsafe Records<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Associated Acts<\/strong><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/naked-spots-dance\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"349\">Naked Spots Dance<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/steroids\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"485\">Steroids<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/wallsockets\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"605\">Wallsockets<\/a>, <br><a href=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/life-in-the-fridge-exists\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"311\">Life In The Fridge Exists<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Current Members<\/strong><\/td><td>Nino Birch (guitar, vocals 1980-now)<br>Caroline Easther (drums 1982-now)<br>Rob Mayes (bass 2019-now)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Past Members<\/strong><\/td><td>Dan Birch (bass, vocals 1980-82)<br>Glenn Stewart (drums 1980-81)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Websites<\/strong><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/beatrhythmfashion.bandcamp.com\/\">Bandcamp<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BeatRhythmFashion\">Facebook<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Links<\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.audioculture.co.nz\/profile\/beat-rhythm-fashion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Audioculture: Beat Rhythm Fashion<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Releases<\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\" style=\"font-size:15px\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Title<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Date<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Label<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Type<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Format<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Four Stars<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1980, Dec<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Sausage Records<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">compilation<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">12&#8243;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Wellingtonzone<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1981, July<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Bunk Records<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">live compilation<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">12&#8243;\/ tape<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Beings Rest Finally<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1981, July 27<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Bunk Records<br>Bunk 008<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">single<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">7&#8243;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Turn Of The Century<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1981, Aug\/ Oct<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Bunk Records<br>Bunk 012<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">single<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">7&#8243;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Art And Duty<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">1982<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Epic<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">single<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">7&#8243;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Bring Real Freedom<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2007<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Failsafe Records<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">compilation<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">CD\/ DL<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Beings Rest Finally (rarities)<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Failsafe Records<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">compilation<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">CD\/ DL<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Tenterhooks<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2019, Feb 11<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Failsafe Records<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">album<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">CD\/ DL<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Critical Mass<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2024, May 3<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Failsafe Records<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">album<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">CD\/ DL<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-square\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row columns-3\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_beingsrestfinally_01.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_beingsrestfinally_01.jpg?resize=588,588&#038;strip=info 588w\" alt=\"\" data-height=\"588\" data-id=\"5383\" data-link=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/beat-rhythm-fashion\/brf_beingsrestfinally_01\" data-url=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_beingsrestfinally_01.jpg\" data-width=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_beingsrestfinally_01.jpg?resize=588%2C588\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_turnofcentury_01.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_turnofcentury_01.jpg?resize=587,587&#038;strip=info 587w\" alt=\"\" data-height=\"587\" data-id=\"5386\" data-link=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/beat-rhythm-fashion\/brf_turnofcentury_01\" data-url=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_turnofcentury_01.jpg\" data-width=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_turnofcentury_01.jpg?resize=587%2C587\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_nogreatoaks_01.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_nogreatoaks_01.jpg?resize=518,518&#038;strip=info 518w\" alt=\"\" data-height=\"535\" data-id=\"5391\" data-link=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/2022\/06\/beat-rhythm-fashion\/brf_nogreatoaks_01\" data-url=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_nogreatoaks_01.jpg\" data-width=\"518\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_nogreatoaks_01.jpg?resize=518%2C518\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Timeline<\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1980, May<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Brothers Dan and Nino Birch start a band as The Westown Quintet (?)\/ The Mixers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1980, June 1-2, Billy The Club<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">The Westown Quintet play the Queens Birthday weekend Rock extravaganza at Billy The Club. Soon after this they changed their name to Beat Rhythm Fashion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1980, August, Sausage Studios<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">BRF record 2 tracks for the Four Stars compilation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\" style=\"font-size:15px\">1980, December, <em>Four Stars<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"900\" src=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/fourstars_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-748\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/fourstars_01.jpg 898w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/fourstars_01-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/fourstars_01-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/fourstars_01-768x770.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 898px) 100vw, 898px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:15px\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:15px\">That honour goes to&nbsp;<strong>Beat<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Rhythm<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Fashion.<\/strong>&nbsp;With only two songs, they have to make it count. &#8216;None in the Universe\u2019 is excellent with a riff in the Swingers mode. It grabs hold and doesn\u2019t let go. Not Necessary&#8217; is slightly messy, but still shows great potential. <\/p>\n<cite><a href=\"https:\/\/paperspast.natlib.govt.nz\/periodicals\/RIU19801201.2.23\">Rip It Up, Issue 41, 1 December 1980, Page 14<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">1981<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1980, December, Wellingtonscene <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">BRF appear in a Chris Knox documentary exploring the Wellington &#8220;Terrace Scene&#8221;.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Mck8a8W_70k?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1981, April 3, Wellington Zone<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:15px\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Next up was the long awaited unveiling of <strong>Beat<\/strong> <strong>Rhythm<\/strong> <strong>Fashion.<\/strong> BRF go all out to paint aural pictures, musical evocations of mood and atmosphere, with no concessions to traditional notions of rock as good-time dance music. At last an avant-garde act with the musical chops to deliver the goods.<\/p>\n<cite><a href=\"https:\/\/paperspast.natlib.govt.nz\/periodicals\/RIU19810501.2.34\">Rip It Up, Issue 46, 1 May 1981, Page 18<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\">1981, July, <em>Wellingtonzone<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"521\" height=\"514\" src=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/wellingtonzone_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/wellingtonzone_01.jpg 521w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/wellingtonzone_01-300x296.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 521px) 100vw, 521px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\">1981, July 27, <em>Beings Rest Finally<\/em>\/ <em>Bring Real Freedom<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"588\" src=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_beingsrestfinally_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5383\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_beingsrestfinally_01.jpg 600w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_beingsrestfinally_01-300x294.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CLI3VKfGTyM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1981, July 29, Rock Theatre<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:17px\">Not The Royal Wedding: Beat Rhythm Fashion, + ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1981, August 4, Mount Victoria<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"701\" src=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/1981_08_04_thecure_10-1024x701.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3176\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/1981_08_04_thecure_10-1024x701.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/1981_08_04_thecure_10-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/1981_08_04_thecure_10-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/1981_08_04_thecure_10-1170x800.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/1981_08_04_thecure_10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\">1981, October 1, <em>Turn Of The Century\/ Song Of The Hairless Ape<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"587\" src=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_turnofcentury_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5386\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_turnofcentury_01.jpg 600w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_turnofcentury_01-300x294.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KXBH21UjLvU?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1981, October 22-24, Mainstreet, AKL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1981, late<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Caroline Easther replaces Glen Stewart on drums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">1982<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1982, January 21-23, DB Gladstone<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"396\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1982_01_21_gladstone.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18906\" srcset=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1982_01_21_gladstone.jpg 396w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/1982_01_21_gladstone-227x300.jpg 227w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\">1982, <em>No Great Oaks\/ Art And Duty<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"518\" height=\"535\" src=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_nogreatoaks_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5391\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_nogreatoaks_01.jpg 518w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_nogreatoaks_01-290x300.jpg 290w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Db6tR3iq9D8?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1982, April 28-29, Bar Rumba, AKL<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1982, April 30, Reverb<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1982, July 22, 23, 24, Gladstone, CHCH<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1982, July 31, Clyde Quay Tavern<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Beat Rhythm Fashion play their last gig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">2007<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\">2007, <em>Bring Real Freedom<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"709\" height=\"712\" src=\"http:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_bringrealfreedom_01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5394\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_bringrealfreedom_01.jpg 709w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_bringrealfreedom_01-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/BRF_bringrealfreedom_01-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 100vw, 709px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2019, <em>Hard As Hell<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uK8dZObbZbs?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\">2019, February 11, <em>Tenterhook<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=766561437\/size=large\/bgcol=333333\/linkcol=e99708\/tracklist=false\/transparent=true\/\" seamless=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beatrhythmfashion.bandcamp.com\/album\/tenterhook\">Tenterhook by Beat Rhythm Fashion<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\">2024, May 3, Critical Mass<\/h5>\n\n\n<p><iframe style=\"border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;\" src=\"https:\/\/bandcamp.com\/EmbeddedPlayer\/album=2892041969\/size=large\/bgcol=333333\/linkcol=9a64ff\/tracklist=false\/transparent=true\/\" seamless><a href=\"https:\/\/beatrhythmfashion.bandcamp.com\/album\/critical-mass\">Critical Mass by Beat Rhythm Fashion<\/a><\/iframe><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beat Rhythm Fashion were a post-punk band formed in 1980 by brothers Dan and Nino Birch. Originally from England and raised partly in Hong Kong,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21145,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[242,240,241,166],"class_list":["post-110","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bands","tag-caroline-easther","tag-dan-birch","tag-glen-stewart","tag-nino-birch","two-columns"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pe2JUk-1M","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/beatrhythmfashion_01.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110"}],"version-history":[{"count":60,"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24700,"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110\/revisions\/24700"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/upthepunks.co.nz\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}