Artist

Gang of Four

1977-2011·Leeds

Formed at Leeds University in 1976, Gang of Four built a sound where Marxist theory and dance floor physicality had to coexist, whether they liked it or not. Andy Gill's guitar avoided rock's power chords almost entirely, drawing instead from free jazz and Dr. Feelgood's wiry pub-rock attack to produce something scratchy and abrasive. Jon King hectored over the top while bassist Dave Allen and drummer Hugo Burnham locked into grooves that owed as much to funk as to punk. The band managed to be political without turning into a lecture and danceable without ever feeling comfortable, and that tension is what later dance-punk and art-rock acts kept coming back to.

At a glance

Active
1977–2011
From
Leeds, UK
Records in the issues
1 (1979), 1 of them a Start here pick
Original label
EMI
Listening guide track
“Damaged Goods”

Listen

In the UK Post-Punk listening guide: “Damaged Goods”

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In the issues

  • UK Post-Punk
    Supporting cast · 1977-1984

    UK Post-Punk is a music scene from United Kingdom, 1977–1984. Its principal artists include Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Fall and Public Image Ltd. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 18 dated events.

Records