Today’s video of the day is Liquid Liquid – “Cavern” released in 1982.
Liquid Liquid’s “Cavern,” an anthem birthed amidst NYC’s No-Wave scene, took flight in 1982. The band, composed of four close-knit friends, resonated with their distinctive basslines, notably Richard McGuire’s unmistakable groove.
This track, a cornerstone of their EP, emerged from the Radio City Recording Studios, engineered by Don Hunenberg, under the label’s owner, Ed Bahlman’s keen eye. Its launch was swift, finding favor with the revered DJ Franky Crocker on WBLS, spiraling into a three-month sonic frenzy. However, fate pivoted swiftly. As swiftly as the buzz erupted, a new artist, “Grandmaster Flash,” debuted with “White Lines,” sparking the world’s inaugural “Sampling Law” battle. Liquid Liquid’s journey with “Cavern” was fleeting but impactful.
This iconic track finds its place in Liquid Liquid’s EP and encapsulates their experimental, genre-defying essence. The band’s trajectory, tightly woven within the No-Wave fabric, reveals their artistry evolving beyond conventional bounds. The 1983 music video for “Cavern,” a testament to innovation on a shoestring budget of $500, stands as the sole visual representation commissioned by NYC’s legendary 99 Records. Produced by Michael Sporn Animation Studios, this visual masterpiece, helmed by a first-time music video creator, left an indelible mark despite limited resources. Liquid Liquid’s sonic journey extended beyond “Cavern,” branching into uncharted territories with subsequent albums. Their innovative spirit, palpable in this track, resonates across their discography, imprinting their mark on the vibrant NYC music scene of the ’80s.
At 99 Records, a mecca for the avant-garde, Liquid Liquid’s allure was just a fraction of the scene’s eclectic mix. The store, an unexpected nucleus, drew in luminaries, foretelling the rise of future icons like Sonic Youth, Lydia Lunch, and more. Liquid Liquid’s “Cavern” may have faded from the spotlight, but its impact reverberates through the annals of music history, a testament to a band’s experimental fervor and NYC’s thriving underground scene.
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