Wolfgang Press, The

Definitely a group that defies any categorisation - The Wolfgang Press rose out of the ashes of their previous two noise-incarnations, Rema-Rema and then Mass, merely couple of recordings each; TWP's early works are to some extent connected to these noise-merchant groups but on the verge of the 90s, they confidentially slided from oblique hermetical sound-renditions to impressive dance music with subversive edge - the key record to make such a twist is undoubtedly 'Queer'; using multiple sampling technique (hence Kraftwerk's 'Europe Endless'), it was still a non-approachable version of 'white funk' (especially if you choose to cover a Tom Jones song the way TWP did). Covering, of course, is not a sole attempt here alone, they already made impressive take on otis Redding's 'Respect' just as effectively. If I can chose my personal favourite out of their constantly excellent discography, then 'Standing Up Straight' is just the one - sentimental and brutal at the same time this album is so rich with emotional impact that it is not recommended to the heart-broken. Its closing number 'I Am the Crime' (also worth a mention for Liz Fraser guesting on vocals), undoubtedly sounds like the truest end of the world everytime I put it on. You take your pick.