The Contortions

The Contortions were a fiery cornerstone of New York City’s late-’70s No Wave scene, a short-lived but influential movement that spat in the face of polished punk and mainstream rock. Fronted by the notoriously confrontational James Chance (aka James White), the band mashed punk’s raw energy with jagged funk rhythms, free-jazz sax skronk, and a nihilistic attitude. Their chaotic live shows—like their legendary 1978 CBGB’s gig—often devolved into Chance literally colliding with audiences, blending performance art with noise.

Their 1979 debut, *Buy*, became a No Wave landmark, delivering tense, danceable freakouts like “Contort Yourself” and “Design to Kill.” Though short-lived, The Contortions left a messy, unforgettable mark, with later releases like *Lost Chance* and live archives (*February 4,1978@CBGB’s*) cementing their legacy as pioneers of dissonant groove. James Chance’s unhinged vision still echoes in experimental music today—proof that sometimes, the weirdest sounds stick around the longest.

Genres

Noise Rock

Post-punk

Avant-garde

Post-disco

Latest Release

James Chance & The Contortions - February 4,1978@CBGB's (NYC)

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The Contortions

Album - 9 Tracks - Released June 10, 2009