UT
Le Public Space, Newport. Sat 20 Apr
Out of the original no wave scene in New York, the best and most interesting band were Ut. Developing a racket that synthesised experimental guitar noise, free jazz aesthetics and austere grooving, the trio switched between genres and vocalists while retaining a brutal fierceness of purpose. Adding spoken word and squawking sax improvisation to their guitars and drums, they were ostensibly a rock band in the same way Lionel Messi is just a bloke who kicks a ball around.
Their move to London in the early 80s brought fruitful relationships with both John Peel (three sessions) and Blast First, the label that would release the three, very belting, Ut studio albums. Since reforming in 2010, a reissue programme has been giving the deluxe treatment to all the Ut albums and EPs, and this Newport date arrives at the same time as Conviction, their studio debut from 1986. Like being put through a mangle, in the most rigorously enjoyable way, it locates Ut in a great cosmology between Patti Smith and Sonic Youth, and leaning into PJ Harvey, Huggy Bear, Savages, and newer kids like Rakta. A great coup for Le Public Space, this gig is a terrific match of stellar band and fantastic venue, and is totally unmissable.
Tickets: £10. Info: 01633 221477 / lepublicspace.co.uk
words Will Steen