Unbelievably overlooked and criminally ignored band
M. Fulkerson | Portland, Oregon | 04/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What's it gonna take for people to finally realize that Renegade Soundwave were years ahead of their time? Reading these apathetic reviews make me insane! Renegade Soundwave championed the house/dub/dance/vocal vibe which later devolved into the whole "big beat" thing. Ask the Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim...ANY of those guys and I'm positive they'll namecheck Renegade Soundwave as a major influence. I guess it's one of those things you just don't get unless you were there when they broke out but to my ears, this stuff still sounds fresh. Their use of samples, addictive rhythms and brilliantly droll lyrics, courtesy of Gary Asquith, leave a taste of a truly unique fusion in style. Keep in mind that tracks like "Kray Twins" and "Cocaine Sex" were released in 1987!
These guys remain one of the most underrated groups in memory; stop and check their albums again if you doubt it because you're not listening!
Also, check out the band Lavender Pill Mob; it's Gary Asquith's current group and he still sounds great!"
Groovy Kroovy
gpdecuir | Denton, TX | 02/05/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A nice blend of rap, dub and synth-pop. I'd group this in with similar artists of the time, Pop Will Eat Itself and Tackhead. Renegade Soundwave is alot sleazier though. The lazily delivered vocals are the perfect compliment to the mostly upbeat music. Some great samples here including a musical loop from 'Superfly', and vocal snippets of the D.J. from 'The Warriors' (a film also sampled by P.W.E.I). The last two cuts, which are instrumental, tend to drag on, especially if you're in not in the mood for dance music. As far as the vocal tracks go, "Murder Music" and "Biting My Nails" are a couple of real groovers."