In the late 70's, The Slits were the sussed, anarchic libertines to The Raincoats' cerebral, studied bohemians. Aside from contrasting outlooks, both made off-kilter, singular records full of untrained passion. Post split, guitarist Viv Albertine has spent time as a jobbing television director, try if your inclined, the hugely confusing kids show The Tomorrow People. Snubbing The Slits' flat reformation (although Ari Up never fails to create havoc as a live performer) she's instead grabbed a deal on Ecstatic Peace for her belated solo career. I had the good fortune of seeing her twice in action last year. First at a Q&A for veteran punkers, where she baited the polite audience with deadpan eloquence; 'What are you all doing here then, come on, I'd really like to know.' Everyone shifted in their seats, not having the guts to reply. Then came a tentative, rather shy concert where she treated us to a faltering rendition of David Bowie's Letter to Hermione. The self penned songs on her Flesh EP are pretty, if soured by ripe rebellion. Standing out from the terrain is undoubtedly Never Come, all clipped innuendo, cheeky references to Bolan/Young and catchy invention. She possesses an understated English voice, rich in breathy suggestiveness without any pretensions of grandeur. And don't worry, her guitar playing continues to clatter with upmost angular conviction. Roll on the full-length this summer.
