Built for the future
loteq | Regensburg | 05/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There's no doubt that Dif Juz are one of the most underrated and most mysterious bands of the '80s. Entering the music scene in 1981 with the stunning EP releases "Huremics" and "Vibrating air" -- as the art-rock of the '70s had already turned into the overblown arena-rock of the '80s -- they were one of the very few really progressive bands of that time. When I was listening to Dif Juz for the first time, I thought it sounded like Cocteau Twins without vocals. Meanwhile, I guess they transfer the free-form arrangements of '70s fusion jazz into 4AD's brand of ethereal, dreamy independent rock music. Instead of the normal rock approach where guitars and keyboards are the predominant instruments, Dif Juz invert the formula, letting inventive polyrhythms and arpeggiated bass lines lead the way for the sharp-edged guitar cuts of the Curtis brothers. Well, and exactly this focus on rhythmic elements is the most important characteristic of today's post-rock and techno music. Beautiful, gripping, and at times quite futuristic, "Soundpool" is Dif Juz at its challenging best. Dif Juz's only full-time album "Extractions" (1985) was produced with the help of the Cocteau Twins and proved to be a more gentle and polished affair than the early EP releases. Nevertheless, the sound of this album was even more far-out, with impressive, dense rhythm constructions and transparent, extremely complicated compositions of otherworldly beauty. Unfortunately, the band hasn't released more stuff of this sort."
One of the best records in the 4AD history
loteq | Regensburg | 07/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This new compilation of old Dif Juz tracks comprises all titles from the 1981 12" releases "Vibrating Air" and "Huremics" as well as their 1987-track "No motion" from the lovely "Lonely Is An Eyesore"-Sampler. Parts of the two 12" releases have appeared on the CD "Extractions", but this is the first time the whole tracks are available on CD format. Dif Juz sound can be described as an "avantgarde-jazz-band" playing Cocteau-Twins-soundscapes. Swirling layers of ethereal guitar-sounds are backed by strong bass-playing and polyrhythmic drumming, mostly evident on the very complex "No motion". For anyone who has an ear for 4AD-artists like Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance and Clan Of Xymox, this is a must- hear and must-have recording."
Finally, THE overdue recognition for four talented lads!
Michael C. Tellison | Chicago, IL USA | 04/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Dif Juz's Vibrating Air and Huremics EPs in the early 1980s while working on air as a disc jockey at college (Northern IL Univ.). They were masters of some incredibly sensual and memorably ethereal guitar pieces. The lack of vocals made them all the more unique and passionate. The video to NO MOTION on another 4AD soundtrack (Lonely is an Eysore) combines some incredible camera work capturing this band in motion. David and Alan Curtis, along with Gary Bromley and Richard (not John Boy Walton) Thomas fashion an incredible wall of sound and It's gratifying to hear these tracks again and together on cd. I play this one often! Every cut is hot and if you appreciate Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, Throwing Muses or Bauhaus, you'll absolutely be thrilled with this. Impress the daylights out of your friends and Buy it NOW!"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1
