Description
The Scissor Girls – SGs New Tactical Outline, Sec II – 7 Inch Vinyl Record
The Scissor Girls’ SGs New Tactical Outline, Sec II, released in 1996, is an important record in the underground noise rock and no wave scenes. The Scissor Girls, formed in Chicago in 1991, were known for their confrontational, chaotic sound and their DIY approach to music and performance. This album showcases their avant-garde style, which blends elements of punk, noise, and performance art.
The Scissor Girls, led by Azita Youssefi (bass, vocals), with Sue Anne Zollinger (guitar), and Heather Melowic (drums), were part of the Chicago underground scene. Their music was heavily influenced by the no wave movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s, which rejected traditional rock structures in favor of dissonance, atonality, and an emphasis on performance.
SGs New Tactical Outline, Sec II is a follow-up to their previous releases, continuing the band’s exploration of abrasive, experimental sounds. The album was released on the independent label Atavistic Records, which was known for supporting avant-garde and experimental artists. The title itself reflects the band’s unconventional approach, suggesting a methodical yet abstract progression in their musical evolution.
The record is characterized by its raw, jagged sound, combining harsh noise elements with punk energy and a sense of unpredictability. The Scissor Girls’ music is challenging, often eschewing traditional song structures for something more chaotic and freeform.
The record draws heavily from the no wave movement, with dissonant guitar riffs, unconventional rhythms, and an overall abrasive sound. The band’s music is intentionally confrontational, aiming to disrupt the listener’s expectations of what music should be.
True to the DIY spirit, the album’s production is lo-fi, emphasizing the rawness and immediacy of the music. The band’s commitment to pushing boundaries is evident in their willingness to explore noise and dissonance as central components of their sound. Azita Youssefi’s vocals are often delivered in a disjointed, almost stream-of-consciousness manner, adding to the album’s sense of chaos. The lyrics tend to be abstract, sometimes bordering on the surreal, reflecting themes of alienation, confusion, and resistance.
SGs New Tactical Outline, Sec II is a significant release in the noise rock and no wave revival scenes. While The Scissor Girls never achieved mainstream success, they were highly influential in the underground music community. Their work is often cited as a precursor to later experimental and noise acts, and their commitment to DIY ethics and boundary-pushing music has earned them a dedicated cult following.
The record stands as a testament to The Scissor Girls’ fearless approach to music-making, embracing noise and chaos as valid forms of artistic expression. It continues to be appreciated by fans of experimental music who are drawn to its raw energy and its rejection of conventional musical norms.
For those interested in the fringes of rock music, where experimentation and defiance are key, SGs New Tactical Outline, Sec II offers a challenging but rewarding listening experience. It captures the spirit of a band that was unafraid to push the limits of sound and structure, making it a crucial entry in the history of avant-garde and noise music.
Brand new, never played
Black vinyl
??? Records
Tracks
Cranks Control
Mighty I Am
Intermittents
