Z-Gun Review

Italy’s 8mm label is famous for releasing super limited records by somewhat known and completely unknown bands whose vinyl platters seem to vanish in a matter of hours. This Dragsters one-sided LP in an edition of 113 copies is a prime example of such an artifact that fewer people than are currently standing in your local unemployment line will ever get a chance to experience. Dragsters is yet another incarnation of Italy’s Neokarma Jooklo ensemble, an ever-changing constellation of musicians who play all manner of cosmic and wastoid musics in the higher key stylee, and who have released records on labels such as Qbico, Troglosound, Conspiracy and others. Dragsters features Maurizio Abate on electric guitar, David Vanzan on drums, Virginia Genta on saxophone and Luca Massolin on electric bass. The four tracks on this disc push a helluva lot of air with their acid, dub n’ funk-fueled psych moves that make me think of a boogiefied Bardo Pond were those Philadelphians ever to attempt a run through of the Funkadelic songbook. These Dragsters strut and bounce like nobody’s business, lemme tell you. Of course, their use of 100% pure uncut distortion will forever prevent Dragsters from getting spun at all but the most rarified of block parties where gin n’ juice would most definitely give way to hops n’ herb. I’d be lying if I told you I couldn’t use another few dozen records like this one propped up next to the stereo, but I suppose it’s the scarcity of such treasures that truly makes one appreciate a record like this one when it lands on your doorstep. Consider me grateful. (MT)