Back catalogue: Post Rock/Experimental

Review: The box set Huge, Large and Electric: Hugo Largo 1984-1991 offers a deep dive into the experimental art-rock quartet's full discography, bringing together studio albums, rarities and live recordings. Emerging from New York's 1980s No Wave scene, Hugo Largo stood out with their unorthodox lineup of two bass guitars, violin and powerhouse vocalist Mimi Goese, creating a sound that blended dream pop, ambient and avant-rock. Their debut album, Drum (produced by Michael Stipe), set the tone with eerie, minimalist arrangements and haunting vocals. Tracks like 'Eskimo Song' and 'Second Skin' became standout examples of their melancholic yet intense energy. Goese's theatrical voice, often described as a powerful instrument of its own, added a sense of danger to their art-rock atmosphere. On their second album, Mettle, Hugo Largo took their avant-garde roots and added more pop sensibility without sacrificing originality. Songs like 'Turtle Song' and 'Hot Day' introduced playful tension, showing Goese's vocal range and the band's willingness to experiment. This box set, lovingly curated by Missing Piece, revives a pivotal chapter in American post-punk history.

Review: Les Rallizes Denudes' live recording from Yaneura, September 1980, brings their raw, avant-garde sound into sharp focus. The CD format captures every detail of the distorted guitars, hypnotic basslines, and feedback-soaked atmospheres that defined their performances. Tracks such as 'Enter the Mirror' stretch into lengthy, chaotic soundscapes, blending haunting vocals with relentless, repetitive rhythms. The balance of noise and melody is uncompromising, creating a listening experience that feels as challenging as it is immersive. A rare opportunity to delve into the intensity of the band's live presence.