Pop Mechanix was a New Zealand pop music band that played in New Zealand and Australia from 1979 to 1988. Their hit single, "Jumping out a Window", reached number 87 of the all-time top 100 singles for APRA NZ, and number 12 in the all-time top 50 singles for The Press
Pop Mechanix was involved in a precedent-setting lawsuit. An Australian band, Popular Mechanics, sued WEA, the Pop Mechanix record label, over the use of their name in the Australia. Popular Mechanics won the case, forcing Pop Mechanix to change their name, first to NZ Pop, and then to Zoo. The band eventually returned to New Zealand, where they continued to work as Pop Mechanix.
Pop Mechanix has a large, but sporadic discography. Starting with three classic and collectible 7-inch singles in 1980 and 1981 "Now/Radio Song"(Ripper Records), "Ritz/Brains Are Dumb/Talking" (RCA) & "Jumping out a Window/Way I Dance/Private Military"(on the XSF label XS001) before moving to Australia.
A further single "Texas/Cowboys" and the single "Holidays/Ritz", under the new band name NZpop were released before Snoid left the band. Under the new band name Zoo, the record label released the album Cowboys and Engines.
In 1983, the band returned to New Zealand, where Snoid rejoined them. Moore left Pop Mechanix and guitarist Brent Williams joined them. In 1985, their new label, Hit Singles, released a four-song EP Virginia Purple/Here She Comes Again/Eyes of Love/No Surprise, and a 7-inch single of "Here She Comes Again". The last single with this lineup was "Celebration of The Skin/Land of Broken Dreams", released in 1986.
In 1988, the record label released one final single "Pale Sun/Alright Here" with Peter Warren and Mark Bell added to the lineup. Pop Mechanix split after this release.
In April 2005, Failsafe Records released five discs covering four phases of Pop Mechanix.
In March 2010, Failsafe released a compilation of the band's singles from the 1981–1986 period.
Two discs remain in the series.