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A Brazilian hard rock outfit first formed in 1994, Dipnoi's music harks back to a less 'produced' era when bands basically pulled what they were playing at the time & transferred it onto tape. This is apparently the band's first ep, first started in late 1996, seeing the light of day in 1999.

There's a great raw edge to the songs here that defy comparison with other bands, Dipnoi having their own unique sound. The first 3 songs here didn't grab me greatly, but the final 3 of 6, "FKDDD", "Hide" & the final, "Lack Of Me", which is a song in various parts, really has some style & changes that will satisfy even the most hardened listener. Very interesting.

For more information, write to PO Box 2313, Sao Paulo, SP, 01060-970, Brazil or dipnoi@uol.com.br

FISH THE MUSIC - EMERGING BANDS SAMPLER

Anyone who is under the impression that Japanese music is best characterised by the stereotypical 1970s inspired electronic dance pop we've seen so much of, will be in for something of a culture shock when they hear this sampler. Put together by the Fish The Music organisation to promote Japanese music to the world, there's a wonderful selection here.

Opening up is a great rock track called "Teresa" from Bungee Jump Festival, while the massive surprise of the high energy raw edged rock of Downy with "Tsuki Yadoru Zenryo" is just amazing & well worth you check out more of if you're into rock.

There are a few English vocals on this sampler, none better than the wonderful pop song "Headphone" from Rika Shinohara, while some electronica from Slytraibs on "Style" sits well in this company. Loads to check out here & a real eye opener if you haven't been fortunate to come across anything from Japan before.

For more information, write to Fish The Music, 34-1-406, Sugaogaoka, Miyamae-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-0014, Japan or info@fishthemusic.com

LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT - (SELF TITLED)

A truly remarkable ep from this 3 piece Queensland based group, whose music has to be heard to be believed. It always makes me wonder when I hear anything as good as this why they haven't succeeded in a bigger way yet, but their prodigious live sets seem to be building the much needed vibe.

Once a few more people catch the sound of this band's music though, the vibe will explode around them & the hype will build - of that I'm sure. There's not too many comparisons to be made here, but think the guitar sound of L7 & the great pop sounds of SPDFGH & you'll be somewhere close.

There's little doubt as to the main highlight here for me, "Endless Charade" is class all the way, from the outstanding vocals & instrumentals, to the violin backing which really sets this apart. All other songs here are excellent too, from the rocking pop sounds of "Fade" & "Wasted", through to closer "Less Than Real", there's a lot to like here. Keep an ear out for this band - a great deal of promise already delivered.

For more information, write to PO Box 144, Underwood, QLD, 4119, Australia or lhotl@logicworld.com.au

REPTILICA - NURSE

A while back, this band sent me a release called Chrome Feather Future & this, as nearly as I can tell, is the band's second release & it's a remarkable beast, sort of a cross between total deconstruction, Devo & Sonic Youth, all wrapped up into one very interesting album.

The album starts & finishes with a great sparse sort of feel, especially opener "Smack In Your Ass Through Airports", which pulls a great distortion effect on the large amount of percussion throughout the length of the song, moving into a very simple melody on second track, "Empire Builder".

On other tracks, the band get into a more traditional sort of sound, like "Pioneer", which reminded me of Metallica's One without the loud guitars. Picks for me here are the very interesting "Birdbuilder", which Sonic Youth fans will love to pieces, as well as the closing number "Filmstar", which runs along similar lines to the opening cut. Definitely lots of interesting stuff here & well worth your while taking a listen.

For more information, write to Lens Records, 3023 N Clark St #187, Chicago, IL 60657-5200, USA or lens@lensrecords.com

STRAW DOGS - ANY PLACE AT ALL

Coming out of that famed musical spot Seattle, Straw Dogs are certainly unlike a lot of music to have come from there, giving a fresh faced sort of sound & songs which are as intelligent as they are catchy. The style is an interesting collection of great acoustic based guitar & vocals, backed up very well by other instruments such as piano, which really fills out the sound.

There are a stack of songs which will make a lot of people really take notice, such as my favourite "Always The One", though others like "These Ashes", "Sunslide" & "Laura" really showcase a great style. Relatively few bands have the ability to take it to the songwriting skill of bands like R.E.M., but this band do it with ease & a style all of their own.

For more information, write to Crafty Records, PO Box 31113, Seattle, WA 98103, USA or strawdogsmusic@usa.net