His notion is for poetry in motion

In the early 80s, especially in Britain, spoken word and poetry emerged to share stages with punk and rock bands.

Among our local contenders was David Eggleton, who took his verbal arts to Europe and the United States, won the London Time Out Street Entertainer of the Year award and, back home, won the PEN best first book award for poetry in '87 for South Pacific Sunrise.

Eggleton released an album in '93 (Poetry Demon) and appeared on the collection of interpretations of James K. Baxter's poetry.

This new album will be a tough call for those used to modulated poetry readings. It has Eggleton working with electronica and rock artists such as Joost Langeveld, Martin Phillipps and Jay Clarkson.

Titles might put off the casual buyer (Electric Puha Telemarketing Ode - sounds unpromising, huh?) but persistence is rewarded. Eggleton's implosion of words can be confusing but eerie and disconcerting images emerge, and the musical settings are complementary. Approach with an open mind. Graham Reid

* David Eggleton, Versifier (Yellow Eye CD)