Friday 6 August 2021

BEATS OF LOVE

13. Enthusiasms : An Efficient Space Publication Issue 2


CHRIS KONTOS edits the great art-book Kennedy that has some semblance of fanzine culture at its heart and thankfully he is not alone. Efficient Space's Enthusiasms is an absolute joy. An honorary mention to the revived Faith and Dance Policy fanzines too for keeping the printed word alive. My mind goes back to I-D and The Face, who were the first to introduce cultural surprises into my life, and without whose help I would've struggled to decode much of what was being said in after parties.

Since the demise of Dazed and Confused, which stirred a hitherto dormant passion for art, forums and blogs have been my portal into a more offbeat universe. Whereas Kennedy has moved away from musical heroes towards magnificent surprises (Tokyo's jazz kissas), Enthusiasms uncovers wonderful records and realisations from seldom heard people that I'm already interested in reading about. The very best fanzine money can buy. An homage without the usual arse-kissing. 

Noise in my Head diverted my SFH mission to popularize the music that was sticking to my ears like glue in 2013, by being deeper. Like any deep discovery, the excavation process itself is often in itself more rewarding than the aftermath. I quickly realized that finding fresh audiences for these rewarding diversions was very difficult, and finding others as blown away as me, harder still.

Enthusiasms exists coz of a dissatisfaction with the way the media curate Efficient Space's deep excavations. The ultimate DIY ethic in motion. It looks and feels special and indeed it is. Flip it open to any page and you're looking at something fascinating. Testament to Michael Kucyk's editorial flair and Steele Bonus's graphic design expertise. 



I'm personally enthralled with the CS + Kreme interview on account of their Snoopy LP, which is amazing. I've bought their mixtapes but missed them at the White Hotel and until now held them in an aura of mystique. Now YL Hooi is held in a similar aura of mystique by virtue of an intriguing playlist that features the Style Council yet manages to evoke the essence of their ethereal, and woozy long-player.

The Blazer Sound System's candid, transparent interview is intimate and warm, which is in itself a justification for the publication. Other media outlets with different motivations often fail to convey info with warmth and intimacy and often fail to recognize nascent scenes.

Basically, the mantra has never really changed. If you want something doing, do it yourself.

BUY FROM UK- https://www.phonicarecords.com/product/efficient-space-enthusiasms-magazine-issue-02-efficient-space/174760




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