Liquid Liquid - Slip In And Out Of Phenomenon (Domino) Released 19/05/08

Liquid Liquid were a post-punk band from NYC that had an influence over the scene far outlasting their brief spell at the start of the 80s as their sound still contiunes to haunt clubs far and wide. Released on the 99 label (pronounced nine nine) – original pressing scan now provide an alternative pension for those in possession - Liquid Liquid also formed an essential link between the uptown (rap) and downtown (rock) communities of the era with their song ‘Cavern,’ the instrumental track of which was sampled for the iconic hip-hop track ‘White Lines (Don't Do It)’ by Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel. Ironically, it was a lawsuit involving this track which partially led to the Liquid Liquid’s demise in 1984.

Roll round 2008 and Domino Records have decided to release a comprehensive retrospective of the New Yorkers entitled ‘Slip In and Out of Phenomenon.’ This follows Mo’Wax’s (Grand Royal’s in the US) collective reissue of the bands first three EPs and some live stuff. Domino have gone one better remastering the same three EPs and throwing in ten previously unreleased bonus tracks with the artwork coming from original member ‘Richard McGuire,’ an established graphic designer in his own right

Standout tracks include the pairing ‘Lock Groove (In)’ and ‘Lock Groove (Out)’ whose progressive beat rolls relentlessly against a crescendo of jingles and jangles. ‘Optimo’ – Scottish electroists named themselves after it - begins like the Brazilian World Cup Song before a delicious mix of fast-paced vocals and an incessant beat juxtapose with a cowbell, a signature of the Liquid Liquid sound. The irrepressible ‘Cavern’ deserves another mention here for its funk-fuelled bassline – it is hard to know why anybody had a line in the first place? If Melle Mel says no, then say no kids, ha.

Although their music was essentially groove based, it’s influence comes from many sources including not only funk but dub reggae and the do it yourself garage approach of punk. Their deep bass lines, minimalist percussion, and spacious, echo-laden production aesthetic marked the unique sound of the experimental quartet. Indeed, the likes of ‘The Rapture’ and ‘LCD Soundsystem’ owe a great debt to Liquid’s groundbreaking reverberations. If you rate your collection in this field then this repetitive groove retrospective is an essential purchase.