Dif Juz

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Dif Juz was an influential, primarily instrumental, British group that created uniquely atmospheric effects-laden music with dynamic emotional range during the early to mid 1980s.

Their influences seemed to primarily spawn from Dub/Reggae, but their style did not adhere strictly to those conventions. Their music is often appreciated by people who have a fondness for Ambient, IDM, Shoegazer, Dub, and Goth.

The members of the group were Dave Curtis (guitar), Alan Curtis (guitar), Gary Bromley (bass), and Richard Thomas (Drums, Percussion, Saxophone). The band developed out of the punk band London Pride that was formed by the Curtis brothers. In late 1979 Alan Curtis was actually involved with New Wave band Duran Duran. He apparently disappeared and missed a particularly volatile gig after the band hired the owners of the Birmingham Rum Runner nightclub as managers. In a 2003 interview John Taylor (bassist for Duran Duran) said "straight away Alan Curtis skipped town, thinking getting involved with two nightclub owners meant he would end up in pieces down a city alleyway."^[1]

Often Dif Juz's musical contribution is categorized with that of the Cocteau Twins. The reasons for this are:

• Although there are similarities in musical approach, Dif Juz sound is by many considered truly unique. This sometimes is overshadowed by "superficial similarities", such as same record label (4AD Records), era of creation, friendship with the Cocteau Twins, and a mutual love of music-effects.
• Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins guitarist) did act as producer for certain works by them. In fact, Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins vocalist) even sang vocals on one of two songs that they ever did that contained vocals.
• They toured with the Cocteau Twins, and were once noted as "the Cocteau Twins' favourite band". Simon Raymonde (Cocteau Twins bass player) even went so far as to say "Best live band I've ever seen".

Dif Juz released a few EPs and a full album that have been reassembled and are presently available under the titles, Extractions and SoundPool. They also recorded an experimental mini LP (now out of print), Who Says So?. There is also a particularly rare and highly sought after low-fi cassette release entitled, Time Clock Turn Back that accompanied the Pleasantly Surprised music magazine.

At one point they served as a backing band for Reggae/Dub luminary Lee Scratch Perry for a few live dates. A studio album of this collaboration was actually recorded with Robin Guthrie as producer. For one reason or another, this album was never released and sits unheard in the 4AD vaults. There is currently some debate as to why this remains unreleased. 4AD's current stance is that the Curtis brothers never really appreciated the results. Dave Curtis has stated that he believes it's "the best thing Dif Juz ever did". Other members are also quite eager to see this album surface as well. Despite dedicated effort by fans and band members alike, this recording remains unreleased in any public form.

Dif Juz never "officially" disbanded. Apparently Dave Curtis became exceptionally ill for a long period of time, and this led to a "slow dissolve." The next mark of the dissolution may have been when Richard Thomas got a touring gig as drummer for The Jesus and Mary Chain.

After many years of silence, the posthumous 4AD release of the compilation "Soundpool" occurred in late 1999. Coinciding with the release was the birth of what appeared to be a web site about the band, created by the band. This page ran the banner "By us about us", as well as "More soon". "More soon" never arrived.

Richard Thomas has also worked with Butterfly Child, Moose, Cocteau Twins, and The Wolfgang Press.

Gary Bromley currently is performing in a band called "The Children".

Dave Curtis spent some time collaborating with the Wolfgang Press, This Mortal Coil and Tranquil Trucking Company.

Alan Curtis... no current information on what his post-Dif Juz musical activities are.

[edit] Notes