HANDMEDOWNS: Free set of steak knives

More classic guitar pop from Adelaide’s finest. It’s real hard to find bands which actually put the right dose of rock´n´roll in their "power-pop" cub of tea, so treat those who are doing the pop thing RIGHT the way they deserve it! Celebrate them! Celebrate the HANDMEDOWNS! Recorded by the original line-up in 1987 this 6 track EP features 4 previously unreleased tracks. Goodbye was previously released on a limited edition white vinyl by Swedish magazine Sound Affects. Quarter to 12 once graced the Greasy Pop compilation Oasis 2. The other four fine tracks are Slip Away, What’s in a Heart, Reflections and Really Hot Woman. A must have for all you power-poppers and fans of the Australian "school of pop" out there.

Soundflat Mailorder, Haan-Gruiten, Germany

The Handmedowns: Back To Yourself / Free Set of Steak Knives

Australian only import of late 80`s Australian pop band that has `that Australian sound`. You know the one, spunky `n fast rhythms, big open chorded jangle, lurching yet sunny, shiny guitars, lively vocals flying over the band-driven melodies and sounds that recall most fondly and vividly such bands as The Stems, Died Pretty, Hoodoo Gurus and Mad Turks. On the more obscure side, The Sunnyboys and The Marigolds. But much of this material will remind folks not familiar w/ these bands of classic, prime time stuff from The Plimsouls. It’s Nuggets-styled rock with that 80`s Australian jangle pop energy and the material on both their releases (Back To Yourself and Free Set Of Guitar Knives) is just classic in this genre. Both releases are great...but if you aren’t drooling and going for both at the same time, we’ll give the edge to "Back To Yourself".

Not Lame Recordings, Fort Collins, Colorado USA

THE HANDMEDOWNS
Six-track CD: Free Set of Steak Knives - Smashed Records SMA 103 2004

This Handmedowns a beauty!

The Handmedowns CD EP was recorded with all the original members, and although Belton played with this band for a while he only has a minor role on these recordings. Again, the songs are in the power pop mould and I am reminded on a couple of occasions of the best work of the Hoodoo Gurus if you need some reference point. The band has recorded new material, except Quarter to 12 which they have recorded. Again the sound harks back to the'60s which makes the recording so timeless and easy to listen to: lush jangly guitars, harmonies, good production, strong melodies. I look forward to hearing more releases from this label, and I hope these projects encourage other bands to do the same.

Chris Spencer - Collectormania (Melbourne) 25 May 2004 www.collectormania.com.au

THE HANDMEDOWNS
Free Set Of Steak Knives (Smashed)

'Free Set of Steak Knives' (what a title!) from Adelaide lads The Handmedowns, gloriously captures the sound of guitar driven melodic pop that was so fitting of the late eighties. Reminiscent of The Sunnyboys, The Church and The Stems this EP gets you hooked instantly with memorable riffs, gutsy guitar sounds and sweet melodies. From the sparkling opening chords of 'Goodbye' to the swamp thrash of 'Really Hot Woman' the refreshing quality of this recording sizzles and kicks its way through your mind, leaving you waiting for more. Not bad considering it was originally a demo. It's not surprising that mainstream SAFM once awarded a prize of some recording time to these guys on the strength of these tunes. It makes me want to go out and rock.

BJ. Street Assault (Qld.)

THE HANDMEDOWNS
A Free Set Of Steak Knives - Smashed Records

The jingle-jangle pop rock from this Queensland four-piece features some moments that do shine through. But unfortunately, they tend to be few and far between. The drummer’s grooves rely too heavily on the cymbals and by track three, it just becomes too tip-tappity to support an authentic drive. The overall song construction is a little too stock standard to warrant any major display of ingenuity, but ‘Reflections’ almost gets there and each track has its redeemable factors. ‘What’s In a Heart’ contains a deliciously wretched guitar solo and ‘Goodbye’ demonstrates some tasty riff work. But all round, this is a rather plain Jane affair that bears a small amount of potential.
Evan Alexander 2.5/5 - Tsunami Magazine April 2004