Among the least debated and theorized, No wave, was a short lived avant-garde scene that emerged quietly in the late 1970s in manhattan. Though No wave somewhat intentionally went against the recycled rock and pop established styles common at the time, it was honestly more of an experiment with what sound could do, (or not do), and more specifically, what could come from the relationship of noise and dissonance. It generally reflected themes of nihilism and confrontation. Essentially, No wave was a backlash at new wave. Though paradoxical to say so, no wave will never entirely be able to cut its umbilical cord from new wave. No wave reflected a nihilistic social consciousness of dissent emerging at that time. Despite this attempt to disassociate, No wave, ironically if I may say so, had a profound effect on culture to come, inspiring themes in the development of fashion, film and visual art. No Wave was a fairly direct reflection of culture bleeding from the concrete cracks of New York City sidewalks, about as honest as creative expression could be.
The most recognized and perhaps the most popular child of the No Wave movement is Sonic Youth, who managed to remain staunchly independent despite gaining in popularity. Whats interesting about Sonic Youth being among the more known No Wave movement bands, it that sonic youth also happened to mark the end of the No Wave era. Their beginning was one of avant garde theory and powerfully raw live energy. They were later able to compose more conventionally structured songs that were easier on the ears but still refused to sell out to mainstream audiences. Their eventual surrender to harmonious melody and aesthetic betrayed some of the main principles of No Wave and led to the demise of the movement overall, birthing a new era of alt rock reminiscent of No Wave dregs that catered more to general human music aesthetics, always wavering between industrial grit and ephemeral beauty.
No wave has not spawned any recent revival. It came and passed.
I had never heard of No Wave. Interesting breakdown.
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