Reviews

Biting Tongues Live It LP reissue

1981’s Live It was this Manchester post-punk band’s second album, originally released on cassette only due to financial constraints by the BUZZCOCKS’ New Hormones imprint. These dense, tightly wound tracks are marked by prominent basslines—like GANG OF FOUR, stripped of any pop sensibilities—keening saxophone, and an abrasive, art-tinged assault reminiscent of the POP GROUP. Punk in sensibility but drawing from a wider palette of influences, Live It is dark and claustrophobic music; when it lets loose, it channels ALBERT AYLER more than, say, the PISTOLS. This first-time vinyl reissue features liner notes from guitarist Graham Massey (later to make it big with 808 STATE etc.) and a handful of bonus tracks.