KEXP Record Fair 2018: DJ Kevin Cole on Punk and Indie Rarities from the Gateway to your Soul, Minnesota

“KEVIN COLE: Criminally overlooked, NNB are the best-kept secret of the late ’70s Minneapolis scene. NNB owned the metaphysical void, riding an undercurrent of tension with an occasional cathartic release through a soaring guitar riff, shimmering chord, or hook. But they didn’t waste much time in resolution, as the joy was the musical interplay in the darkness. They utilized dissonance, dirge, and feedback, while at the same time being so taunt, restrained, and clean. They were never sloppy—every piece in place—but never mechanical; there was always an edge, a jagged and real emotional quality to the performances and songs. Like Television, the guitar interplay between Mark Freeman and Dick Champ was majestic. Transcendent. NNB’s one and only 7” single is brilliant. Post NNB, Mark Freeman formed Red House and released one single in 1983, “25 Reasons”/Teenbeat,” which is also brilliant.” These are two of my most cherished records from the Minneapolis days.