Following books on Residents, Ministry and Butthole Surfers, Melodic Advantage proprietor Aaron Tanner’s consideration has turned to the UK’s favorite cult group, the love-‘em-or- hate-‘em Cardiacs.
This 300-page coffee-table-sized celebration is assembled with the blessing of Jim Smith, co-founder and brother of the late Tim, the captain of Cardiacs’ ship. This ensures entry to tonnes of unseen photographs and paperwork in addition to unreleased music from the band’s first incarnation as Cardiac Arrest, served up as an accompanying 7” vinyl.
The character of the band leaps from each web page, and the hand-written, photocopied, texturised artwork model is pleasingly DIY. The legacy of their deranged, dazzling output is writ massive by means of the testimonials of band members and well-known followers, from Shane Embury of Napalm Dying to Styx’s Todd Sucherman.
As pictorial histories go, it’s as good and shocking as Cardiacs themselves; the non-public touches are welcome amid the bubbling insanity. A handbook for freedom of expression, whether or not the music appeals or not.
Cardiacs: A Massive Guide And A Band And A Complete World Window is on sale now through Melodic Advantage.
