400 Blows

• Genres: Rock

Biography

Not to be confused with a Californian metal act or an Anglophilic New York band of the same name (or the 1959 Truffaut film that all these groups take their name from), 400 Blows was something of an avant funk band from England that followed in the steps of groups like 23 Skidoo and A Certain Ratio. Like those earlier groups, 400 Blows was rhythmically dense with little concern for melody or basic rock song structures. The song they're best known for is probably "Black and White Mix Up," a 1983 track that features remix work from Mad Professor. Most significantly, the track was featured on Andrew Weatherall's 2000 compilation of mid-'80s underground alternative dance, Nine O'Clock Drop. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide