After much consideration, Rong Music has compiled a (somewhat) new take on the early-'80s New York City no wave sound. They've even coined their own name for the new sub-genre-- "Notwave." Included on this 12-inch vinyl promotional sampler for DJs, fans, and collectors are three songs off the album-length compilation of the same name.
Striplight starts things off with their track "No Search No Entry." The band was formed in an 11th floor flat of a Peckham Tower block, and strode onto the London gig scene with the same pointed confidence with which they approach everything they do. Always dressed in black and white with a sardonic if not a little scary glamor, Striplight delivers pin-sharp shards of guitar and unique vocal stylings over jackhammer tribal drums and heavy, melodic bass which all contribute to an edgy and exciting new sound. The band has spent the last year-and-a-half playing with such bands as Clor, Roland Shanks, The Crane Builders, Elephant, Dolium, Chris Chinchilla, and The Three Johns, to name but a few.
With no need for a singer or a guitar player, Tussle delivers their dancefloor candy with an extremely proficient rhythm section consisting of a dub-loving bass player, two disco-crazy percussionists, and a pair of talented noise specialists. This exclusive unreleased mix of "Elephants Meandering" from the Notwave compilation was done by none other than Sal Principato and Dennis Young of Liquid Liquid fame. The duo add new vocals, a harmonica, and a mountain of percussion (that does actually sound like a herd of elephants), creating a dizzying club mix.
Welcome Stranger's "Smoke Machine" is a mid-tempo dance heater from Thomas Bullock of Rub N Tug/Map Of Africa. With its relentless hook, thumping kick, and haunting vocals, the track should be a surefire hit this summer on the more discerning of dancefloors that prefer things slow and sinister.
