NAFFI SANDWICH - Hoochie Pooch/Space Alligator: Freddie Viaduct at Naffi H.Q., 1979-83

"Delving further into the Brenda Ray/Naffi multiverse, following EMs releases of Brenda Rays Walatta (EM 1071CD) and her work with Naffi in DYa Hear Me!: Naffi Years, 1979-83 (EM 1108CD/LP), here is Hoochie Pooch/Space Alligator. This release focuses on the contributions of Freddie Viaduct to the delightfully strange world of the variously-named Naffi Sandwich/Naffi, the former being the earlier incarnation of the group as a trio, the latter a duo. Less vocal-driven than the poppier DYa Hear Me! tracks, these mainly instrumental pieces emphasize the groups instant or not at all" ethos, an emphasis on spontaneity and in-the-moment freedom, allied with the creative freedoms offered by the bands ever-growing mastery of their Naffi H.Q. recording studio. The strong influence of American funk and Jamaican roots music is clearly felt in Viaducts forceful and spacious bass playing; Jamaica is also present in the dub-influenced use of reverb, echo, and other effects. Captain Catchpoles drums and Rays multi-instrumental work fill out the trio sound, resulting in a pleasingly vast aural territory, with the aforementioned reggae/dub elements blending with Euro-improv, free jazz and post-punk viruses to create a subtly mind-bending, rhythmically compelling, and texturally-varied DIY dandy, described as "weird instrumental psychedelic dub-up reggae funk" by one learned aficionado. Originally released on cassette and vinyl and extremely rare, released under the Naffi Sandwich and Naffi monikers, the tracks have been compiled here, along with two previously-unissued pieces and three previously-unissued full-length versions, as Hoochie Pooch/Space Alligator and are presented for your listening pleasure. This release is a vital companion piece to DYa Hear Me!, the two releases together providing the yin-yang dichotomy essential to full comprehension of the Naffi Sandwich circle. Liner notes written by Freddie Viaduct and Captain Catchpole in English and Japanese text, including rare photos." - EM