Liquid Liquid Return

Cult New York band play for Domino anniversary.

03 October 2008 - Nearly a quarter of a century after they split up, cult New York band Liquid Liquid played a rare gig at London's Barbican Hall last night to celebrate 15 years of Domino Records.

The label, home to the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand, recently reissued Liquid Liquid's entire body of work, which includes underground hits Optimo and Cavern.

The latter was famously borrowed by Grandmaster Flash for the basis of his hit with Melle Mel, White Lines, in 1983.

Frontman Sal Principato's often indecipherable lyrics were buffeted by characteristically complex and rapid bass riffs from Richard McGuire as the band tore through their relatively brief back catalogue.

The quartet looked no less sprightly than during their days in the American post-punk scene, with all four members playing percussion on some tracks and Dennis Young playing a huge range of instruments with great energy.

There was also not a single computer or digital instrument in sight, the band relying entirely on acoustic percussion, vocals and a bass guitar.

'What was great is that they haven't dated at all.'
Fan who caught the gig

In recent times only Sal and Dennis have continued to pursue music full-time, with Sal working with several of New York's high profile venues and dance music producers, and Dennis collaborating with artists including British electronic duo Padded Cell.

Most recently Liquid Liquid have been cited by the likes of James Murphy from LCD Soundsystem as a major influence, and it was easy to see the influence that their four year period has had on punk-funk and more recent electronic music.

A thrilled crowd, which included fellow Domino artist Kieran Hebden (better known as Four Tet), was also persuaded to abandon the seating plan and stand for most of the latter half of their set, which finished to a standing ovation.

Domino's anniversary celebrations continue tomorrow night at the same venue, when Tricky, Wild Beasts and dubstep producer Skream play.

Rodrigo Davies