The performances were provocative, cutting edge, sharp, sophisticated and had touches of Kabuki imagery. The band used mediums of recording, photography, graphics, video and performance with their original music and selective covers of other songs. Kikx were a reflection of minimalist electronic and “art school” bands at the time such as Kraftwork, Television, Gang of Four, The Slits, Stranglers, The Ramones, Ultravox and Devo. Previous influences came from The New York Dolls, Roxy Music, Lou Reed, Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground.The band worked extensively, rehearsing, performing, experimenting, consistently recording and documenting and assessing their work.
Played many shows in Geelong and inner city Melbourne venues such as
the legendary Crystal Ballroom in St Kilda, Exford Hotel, Hearts Carlton, The Tiger Room Richmond and the Eureka Hotel in Geelong.
The first single Nova Express/I Get My Kicks was recorded on 24 Track 2 inch format at Richmond Recorders with Eric Gradman producing, Tony Cohen engineering and a guest performance from Bob Kretschmer on guitar for Nova Express. 500 copies of the single were independently pressed at Astor records and distributed through Au Go Go, Missing Link and Musicland records.
The first single Nova Express/I Get My Kicks was recorded on 24 Track 2 inch format at Richmond Recorders with Eric Gradman producing, Tony Cohen engineering and a guest performance from Bob Kretschmer on guitar for Nova Express. 500 copies of the single were independently pressed at Astor records and distributed through Au Go Go, Missing Link and Musicland records.
It received extensive airplay and support from 3RRR and 3PBS radio and the music press. Astor’s reaction to the single prompted negotiations to record and release an album.
