Tussle

by Heather Phares One of a number of groups blurring the lines between rock and dance in the early 2000s, Tussle blends dub, Krautrock, minimal techno, electro, and post-punk, among other sounds, into a cohesive, danceable whole. The group, which hails from San Francisco's Mission district, includes drummer/melodica player Alexis Georgopoulos, bassist Andy Cabic, keyboardist/programmer Nathan Burazer, and percussionist Jonathan Holland, who plays bells, a custom drum kit, and found objects, including scraps of metal and a plastic bucket. The band formed in 2001 and began recording their improv-based instrumental dance-rock almost immediately after, setting up in studios including Mo' Wax's Tommy Guerrero's recording space and their own basement. The band also made a name for themselves as a live act, performing in basements and galleries, as well as more typical venues. Tussle made their debut in 2002 with a track on Deitch Projects' Frisco Styles compilation; soon after, they signed to Troubleman Unlimited. The band issued a series of EPs on the label, starting with that summer's Eye Contact -- which featured artwork by Chris Johansen, who was featured in the Whitney Biennial -- and 2004's Don't Stop, which featured remixes from the Soft Pink Truth (aka Matmos' Drew Daniel) and Stuart Argabright of Death Comet Crew. The band toured with labelmates Erase Errata and also embarked on a tour of Japan late in 2003.