Music Box August 24th 2024

Blood Cultures is an American experimental indie pop group from New Jersey. First known as a single person and now recognized as a collective (a quartet as of 2019), the band's members remain anonymous, their faces obscured by black hoods in all photos. Here’s song Cabin Fever Freestyle, from their third LP Luno (Pack records 2021)  Buy here

The Distractions were an English punk rock/new wave band from Manchester, formed in 1975 who released their debut E.P. in 1979.  This led to their follow up single being released by Factory, Time Goes By So Slow (Factory 7" 1979 cat no. FAC12). After this they signed to Island, but only survived one LP before disintegration. A shame, as this single is brilliant.

The Lost Jockey were an aggregate of musicians active within the realms of modern classical and the avant-garde in the late 80's with minimilast compositions led by Andrew Poppy, Orlando Gough and John Barker.  Named after the painting by Belgian surrealist René Magritte, all versions of which are featured in my video. Here’s track Matters of Theory, from their sole LP The Lost Jockey (Les Disques Du Crépuscule 1982 cat no. TWI 062). Mesmerising.

Next up, a classic from Australian garage psyche-rockers Tol Puddle Martyrs, and Time Will Come (Spiral 7” 1967, re-released by Pacific 7" 1967, both Australian only releases). This fantastic single needs to be better known.

We conclude with a double bill from Ashmont Massachusetts band Pernice Brothers (website). First, the mesmerising Crestfallen (check that amazing coda), from their debut LP  Overcome by Happiness (Sub Pop 1998), and then the rocky  Flaming Wreck (check that guitar!), from their follow-up The World Won't End (Ashmont Records 2001). Excellent. Until next week …