About Z Block Records
Z Block was originally founded in the Ebbw valley in South Wales in 1978 by Phil John, Simon Smith, Andrew Tucker and Spike to promote their band, Reptile Ranch.
Although short-lived, Z Block made its mark as a radical DIY label whose mission, along with the network of politically inspired indie labels, was to 'Smash the majors'. Between 1979 and 1980, the label released:
- Z1 - 'Lifeguard/WTB' by Reptile Ranch (May 1979)
- ZA1 - 'Is The War Over?' Cardiff compilation LP (October 1979)
- Z2 - 'Rough Cuts' Cardiff compilation EP (1980)
- Z3 - Animal Noises EP by Reptile Ranch (April 1980)
The label has been dormant since 1980 but, thanks to renewed interest and new opportunities, some of the original label's artists are rising to the challenge of being part of the new generation of DIY artists.
YOUR TURN NEXT
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Various accounts of the Z Block story can be found on Mike Appelstein's excellent website 'Cardiffians' - http://www.appelstein.com/ymg/
Bizarre!
Returning to South Wales after collecting their first DIY single (Lifeguard), Reptile Ranch bump into the band who inspired them to make it: Scritti Politti.
Top picture (left to right): Ian Penman (NME), Tom Morley (Scrits), Green Gartside (Scrits) and Spike (Reptile Ranch) - April 17th 1979
