So much of what we think of as the Dunedin sound is owed to the late Peter Gutteridge, a musician who seemed to have a mission to up-end that very sound. A founding member of The Clean, and a brief member of an early line-up of The Chills, Gutteridge was a unique talent. His only solo release, the Pure compilation, is now out again via the fine Superior Viaduct label. There's a lot here to enjoy on multiple levels.
Originally released in 1989, Pure is full of multiple styles. Some of this, like "Instrumental 1" reveals a debt owed to industrial pioneers like Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire, while Gutteridge manages to lasso that noise for the more conventional (sort of) "Hang On", a buzzing number that recalls Chris Knox in his solo guise. Elsewhere, "Thumbaline" is absolutely gorgeous, a precursor to nearly everything we like about East River Pipe's stuff, while "Having Fun" is DIY bedsit punk. So much of this is not like The Clean that the Clean-ish melody of "Rubout" stands out in this set.
Pure is an invigorating listen. It reminds of Peter Gurridge's place in the history of Flying Nun Records, but it also makes me reconsider our preconceptions of the sound of of that imprint itself. Far more iconoclastic than nearly anything Gutteridge did with any of his bands, even Snapper, this whole collection is a harsh delight. There's inventiveness here, and a sort of burning determination to find a clever way to deconstruct pop, even while writing pop songs. Essential.
Pure by Peter Gutteridge is out now via Superior Viaduct. Details below.
[Photo: Bandcamp page for this release]