One of the most influential and exciting modernists of the 1960s, Dawn Lacy’s brand of isolationist feminism was a perfect fit for the DIY spirit of the early 70s. Known as the first female drummer in a jazz band and a critical theorist of her own, Lacy co-founded DIY collective Living Ceremony in 1977, and produced four albums for the National Association for the Arts. It was only in the mid-80s that she began to get noticed by major concert leaders and bands – especially the urgent, asthmatic, trance-like music of her first guest vocalist, the brilliant, anarchic and acerbic “Wild Cherry”.

Her responsive, forward-facing tentacular style drew on early Modular, Cubist and rave styles, as well as the imaginative, adventurous and utopian explorations of her later bandmates (including guest vocalists Sarah Josephson and Erika Paz). Lacy’s vocal and percussion talents were perfectly integrated into the music, with her orchestral line-up being heavily influenced by the psychedelic and techno movements. The instrumental turns on the horns were outstanding and dynamic, and the collaboration between violinist and drummer was absolutely thrilling.

The original album LP was originally released on CD in 1980, and folks who aren’t familiar with the saga in the press notes that the original vinyl runs to only 16 tracks – which means there’s plenty more to hear here. There’s also a CD version of the album with Lacy’s original album “Wild Cherry”, recorded at the Sydney Sound Studio.