Weekend Rewind: The Exponents on screen

The Exponents.

Opinion

By Nicky Harrop of NZ on Screen

Telling the story of one of our most iconic bands, The Dance Exponents - Why Does Love? screens Sunday night on TVNZ 1. NZ On Screen's Nicky Harrop reflects on some of the group's many memorable moments.

For over 35 years, The Exponents (or, depending on your vintage, The Dance Exponents) have held fast among our musical elite, responsible for a string of anthemic hits, and tours that remain the stuff of legend. Along the way, there have been more than enough trials, tribulations and rock 'n' roll tales to fill a feature-length drama.

The Dance Exponents rose to fame in 1982 on the back of their debut release Victoria. The single quickly landed them a top 10 hit, and remains one of their most-loved songs. Here, songwriter Jordan Luck reveals the story behind the song, and how the real "Victoria" responded to its success.

See Jordan Luck on Through the Eyes of Love here:

After cultivating a strong local following, The Dance Exponents relocated to London in the late 80s. Cracking the UK market proved tough - though Kiwi expats supported them in droves - and the band returned to New Zealand in 1990, rebranding themselves as The Exponents (after a brief stint as Amplifier) and releasing the chart-topping Something Beginning with C. The album generated an impressive five hook-laden singles, among them 1992's Sink Like a Stone:

See the video for Sink Like a Stone here:

Unlike their name, The Exponents core lineup has remained relatively stable over the years, with Luck as both principal songwriter and frontman. Here he discusses his approach to making music, recalling his first steps at Geraldine High School and the realisation that he could write his own material. Using Victoria as an example, he analyses the mechanics of a hit, sharing some of the band's studio secrets along the way. Also given an outing is an early version of Finesse - a song that would later resurface on last year's Jordan Luck Band album Not Only ... But Also.

Watch Making Music - Jordan Luck here:

In addition to his songwriting skills, Luck has also earned a reputation as a fairly colourful character. This segment from 90s TV show Newsnight finds him in animated (and rather tipsy) form, running rings around increasingly bewildered interviewer Mark Staufer. Promoting a new album (described by Luck as a "magical recording of ancient times") and summer tour, the band perform Erotic, La La Lulu and more from a rooftop on Auckland's Karangahape Road.

See The Exponents on Newsnight here:

Live performance has always been one of The Exponents strengths, with their killer songs, skilled musicianship and Luck's irrepressible charisma making for a potent mix. This 1983 footage captures the band at legendary Auckland venue Mainstreet, showcasing the talent that would play a huge part in their future.

Watch Dance Exponents - Live at Mainstreet here:

As witnessed in the stands at every All Blacks test, Why Does Love Do This To Me? remains the quintessential Exponents (and arguably New Zealand) anthem. More than 25 years after its original release, the track still incites spontaneous sing-along whenever it is played - making it the perfect inspiration for a screen tribute to one of our most-loved bands.

See the video for Why Does Love Do This to Me? here:

You can find more Exponents footage here in NZ On Screen's Spotlight collection on the band.