Dif Juz

Early proponents of what later became the 4AD sound, Dif Juz concentrated on just that, lacking a vocalist on all their recordings except for a guest spot or two by the Cocteau Twins' Liz Fraser. Originally formed as the punk band London Pride by brothers Dave and Alan Curtis, the band included bassist Gary Bromley and drummer Richie Thomas by the release of two EPs for 4AD Records in 1981, Huremics and Vibrating Air. Both works contained textured instrumentals with a wispy, barely there feel which became a cottage industry for 4AD — ten years later. A third EP in 1983 (Who Says So?) saw Dif Juz recording for the Red Flame label, and the band's 1985 debut album appeared on Pleasantly Surprised Records. The cassette-only Time Clock Turn Back consisted of extemporaneous vamps recorded live in the studio, and spawned a reunion with 4AD.

The first Dif Juz LP released on 4AD, 1985's Extractions, was much less ambient (though just as moody) than their previous works. It also contained the first vocal on a Dif Juz record, by the Cocteaus' Liz Fraser; her bandmate Robin Guthrie produced the album. Dif Juz toured with the Cocteau Twins during 1985 and released the mini-album Out of the Trees a year later, but then wasted away. Thomas later worked with both the Jesus & Mary Chain and Butterfly Child, while Dave Curtis joined the Wolfgang Press.