Following short tours of Switzerland, Britain and Germany, they went to the studio between 4 and 7 May 1983 and recorded "Man O'Sand to Girl O'Sea" and "Newton Told Me" with John Brand producing.

"[4] In a review in The Age newspaper, Chris Johnston said ""Man O'Sand" is typically (Grant) McLennan and (Robert) Forster in that it wraps up a simple sentiment in obtuse poetic constructs.

"[5] Steve Bell of TheMusic.com.au states "While musically the song is all terse and fiery post-punk and features excellent percussion from Morrison to offset Forster’s deft guitar lines, the lyrics are desperate and pleading but couched in vaguely highbrow imagery – hyper-literacy was always one of the band’s strengths, yet seemed easily confused with pretence by the more casual listener.

"[6] In a review of Spring Hill Fair, Allmusic's Ned Raggett describes the song's "pounding chorus one of the band's best captured moments of desperation.

And burn the band did, in its own soaring, strong way, Forster's guitar reaching a prime post-punk fire and kick, clear, ringing, wiry, but not trying to imitate the Edge."