Rowche Rumble

A-Side: Rowche Rumble
B-Side: In My Area

Record label: Step Forward Records SF 11
Producer: Oz McCormick & The Fall
Recorded at Cargo Studios, Rochdale. 11/06/79

Released: 30/07/79

And The Fall are re-spelling “Roche”, re-phrasing Pop, for a pop record this is, it’s what pop should – and, in the right hands, can represent; shabby, perverted pop – a familiar form but with an acute and threatening new character. The Fall don’t care – they display anger and frustration and cynicism in a way which is desperately warranted, but in a way The System could well do without.

“Rowche Rumble” and its Velvetesque flip, “In My Area”, are strong snatches of the New Fall; the former joggy wall of compelling sound, almost military, the latter groping into a head-on collision between Trad R&B and early Velvet Underground, the type of song which will be cited as nostalgic in five years time. (Record Mirror, 18/08/79)

It took me some time to get to grips with The Fall, but this wipes away all the previous doubts. Brimming with well-meaning wryness. It careers along entirely in its own way, independent of all fashions and alert to every possibility, improves with every play. (Melody Maker, 11/08/79)

Through yet another major line-up change The Fall emerge re-charged, and as excellent as ever. Mark Smith spitefully intones the song’s title over playful drums until the band are suddenly called to heel and produce a quick, brittle ball of sound that barely supports the bored and accusing vocals.

occasionally a simple and deceptively soft organ figure rises to the surface before hurriedly ducking out of sight. A song about valium and speed – tongue-in-cheek, presumably – this is The Fall at their petulant, impudent best. (NME, 18/08/79)

Line-up:
Steve Hanley (bass)
Yvonne Pawlett (e. piano)
Mike Leigh (drums)
Mark E. Smith (vocals)
Marc Riley (guitar, vocals)
Craig Scanlan (guitar)