Zuma 85

It's not often that a group that impressed you quite a bit live a few years ago comes back with an album that is barely off your plate. It was eight years ago when Allah-Las performed at the Maifeld Derby in Mannheim on a late sunny afternoon and surprised the audience with a set, quoting the music of the last 40 years and yet making everything seem like it was from them. Now they are back with Zuma 85 and celebrate the past again in their songs, with other influences added. Now they also incorporate elements from krautrock and Soft Machine into their semi-instrumentals, dare to approach relaxed and partly dreamy melodies, but do not forget to strike hard tones from time to time. This little band from Los Angeles is great today and worth to give them a listen.

Dub Housing

 

A few days ago while I looked for something other I found Dub Housing by Pere Ubu. I almost forgot that I had a CD version from their 1978 album. Formed in Cleveland in the late 70's they created their very own version of rock music. Inspired by punk as a new form of music they added elements of krautrock and free jazz to their cosmos. Seldom heard a darker and dangerous sound like on their first albums. If any music can hurt than theirs. I know this is not the cup of tea for everyone and lots of people would annoy this kind of music but if you are willing to to go to the darkest chapter in punk/new wave influenced music you have to listen to this. A tour de force of experimental sound. On the other side many bands were influenced by them. Once I read that they were the link between Velvet Underground, Captain Beefheart, Soft Machine, Brian Eno and This Heat and I have to say this is true.

Pere Ubu - Codex

Pere Ubu - Dub Housing

Pere Ubu - Ubu Dance Party