New Race

New Race

New Race was a unique, short-lived musical collaboration formed in 1981, bringing together pioneering figures of the Detroit proto-punk scene with members of the influential Australian band Radio Birdman. The project served as a fascinating convergence of "teachers" and "students," with ex-Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton and ex-MC5 drummer Dennis Thompson joining forces with Radio Birdman's Deniz Tek, Rob Younger, and Warwick Gilbert.

Formation and Australian Tour

Deniz Tek, a Michigan native who had relocated to Australia in the early 1970s and infused the local music scene with his passion for high-energy Detroit rock, initiated the formation of New Race. Following the dissolution of Radio Birdman, Tek reached out to Asheton and Thompson, inviting them to Australia to form an ad-hoc touring group. The band embarked on a six-week tour across Australia in 1981, performing in smaller venues.

The Album: "The First and the Last"

The live album documenting this collaboration, titled The First and the Last, was released following the tour. While the record underwent significant in-studio enhancements, including the re-recording of all vocals by Rob Younger (who was dissatisfied with his live performance, a decision that also led to the omission of Deniz Tek's backing vocals), it captures the raw energy of the performances. The album is characterized by its guitar-driven sound and is considered an essential listen for fans of early 1970s Motor City rock and early Australian punk.

Musical Content and Legacy

The First and the Last is notable for documenting a singular musical event. The album draws heavily from the influences of its members, featuring tracks that nod to both the MC5 and The Stooges, such as "Looking at You" and "Loose." Asheton's distinctive guitar work is evident on tracks like "November 22, 1963," a song originally from his post-Stooges project Destroy All Monsters. Tek contributes his own compositions, including "Descent Into the Maelstrom" and "Haunted Road," which showcase intricate guitar playing, while the rhythm section of Warwick Gilbert and Dennis Thompson provides a relentless foundation, notably on the MC5 standard "Gotta Keep Movin'."

The album also incorporates moodier pieces like Tek's "Breaks My Heart" and "Sad TV," adding variety to the set. A new song, "Columbia," with its driving riff and space-themed lyrics, closes the album on a powerful note. Despite the strategic overdubbing of vocals, guitars, and piano on select tracks, the album's appeal remains undiminished. Its historical value lies in capturing a unique, unrepeatable musical alliance. As Deniz Tek's liner notes aptly summarized the spirit of the project: "Humor beats bitterness every time."