Liquid Liquid

Liquid Liquid
Origin New York City, New York, United States
Genres Dance-punk, post-disco, no wave
Years active 1980-1983, 2008-present
Labels 99, Mo' Wax
Members Scott Hartley
Richard McGuire
Sal Principato
Dennis Young

Liquid Liquid is a New York City no wave and dance band, originally active from 1980 to 1983. They are best known for their track "Cavern," which was covered by the Sugar Hill Records house band as the backing track for Melle Mel's old school rap classic "White Lines (Don't Do It)."[1]

In 2008, the band reformed, playing in various venues around the globe.

History

Liquid Liquid emerged from downtown New York's no wave scene.[1] The group's original records were pressed in very limited quantities on 99 Records, and can now fetch high prices. "Cavern" originally appeared on the EP, Optimo, recorded by Don Hunerberg. Though the pressings were small, the music has had a lasting and far reaching impact. A music video for "Cavern" was produced by Michael Sporn.

After "Cavern" was sampled for Grandmaster + Melle Mel's old school rap classic, "White Lines (Don't Do It)," 99 Records took Sugarhill to court over its unauthorized use, and after an expensive court battle, won compensation. Before they could collect, however, Sugarhill went into receivership.[2] The song was also included on the Disco Not Disco compilation album.The first three EPs, plus live material, were reissued in 1997 by Grand Royal (US) and Mo' Wax (UK). After the collapse of both these labels as well as their entire lives, Domino Records released the music from all three original 12"s plus extra tracks and early live recordings as Slip In And Out Of Phenomenon in 2008.

In October 2008 the band returned to the UK after a prolonged hiatus, playing at London's Barbican Theatre alongside the Glasgow-based DJ duo Optimo, who named themselves after the eponymous Liquid Liquid song and EP. Liquid Liquid performed in 2009 at the Villette Sonique Festival in Paris, as well as in Lincoln Center, where they followed the 200 Guitar Orchestra. On April 2, 2010, the band performed "Cavern" with The Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and announced they were to play more shows in Britain, at the Offset Festival and ATP Release The Bats in London. On April 2, 2011, LCD Soundsystem played their farewell gig at Madison Square Garden in New York City with Liquid Liquid as supporting act.

Musical style

Liquid Liquid's music is essentially groove-based and influenced by a variety of sources, including funk, dub reggae, Afrobeat, and punk in its do it yourself garage approach.[3] Their songs do not follow standard pop song form, having no defined verses or chorus. Vocalist Salvatore Principato is known to use his voice as an instrument, focusing more on pitch and rhythm than words and lyrics.[3]

Band members

The band is made up of drummer Scott Hartley, bassist Richard McGuire, vocalist Salvatore Principato and marimba player Dennis Young. Richard McGuire is a graphic designer and filmmaker. Sal Principato produces remixes and often tours as a DJ. Dennis Young plays in various musical projects.

Discography

Legendary DJ Bill Bahlman spun his mix of New Wave, Industrial & Punk sounds at most of Liquid Liquid NYC performances. He also recorded many of these live shows. These live tapes were incorporated into the studio EP's.

References

  1. 1 2 Spear, Justin. "Punk-Funk-Adelic", Mojo, September 2006.
  2. ↑ "ESG: South Bronx Story CD booklet". Soul Jazz Records. 2000
  3. 1 2 "Rhythm Infections; Liquid Liquid`S Ecstatic, Eerie Funk: Fact Magazine". Web.archive.org. 2008-03-10. Archived from the original on March 10, 2008. Retrieved 2015-04-29.

External links

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