Eternal Rhythm: Konk
In early-’80s New York, the city’s musical map was constantly redrawn - punk colliding with disco, no wave meeting Latin rhythms, and hip-hop emerging from the boroughs. Sitting right in the middle of that creative crossfire was Konk, a band that refused to stay in one lane. They were as comfortable sharing bills with ESG or James Chance as they were packing out clubs like Paradise Garage and Danceteria. Their sound - a wiry mix of jazz, funk, Afrobeat, and post-punk energy - captured the downtown spirit better than almost anyone else.
The Magic Force of Konk 1981–1988 is the definitive look back at that era, a deluxe 3×LP set that collects the full arc of this singular New York band. Across its grooves you can hear the city’s heartbeat: percussion-heavy, restless, always in motion. From the propulsive “Konk Party” - equal parts Planet Rock and Latin street jam - to the taut, synth-driven club hit “Your Life,” the music bridges worlds that rarely met so seamlessly. It’s punk with a horn section, disco with grit, funk that hits like a live wire.
What made Konk special wasn’t just their rhythm or attitude, but their inclusiveness. Their shows felt like block parties - saxophones jostling with cowbells, guitars chopping through percussion, basslines built to make people move. The band’s lineup shifted over time, but the energy stayed constant: raw, joyous, communal. Listening now, the tracks sound remarkably fresh, their rough edges and open grooves echoing through everyone from LCD Soundsystem to !!! and The Rapture.
This new collection, The Magic Force of Konk 1981–1988, is a true archival celebration. Pressed on three “Night Fun” coloured LPs - transparent red with black splatter, bright yellow, and classic black - it includes studio recordings, live cuts from CBGB’s, and even a side of DJ mixers designed for creative play alongside the originals. The set comes housed in a wide-spined, gloss-laminated sleeve, with a 12-page booklet packed with flyers, photos, and new liner notes by journalist Ezra Gale, plus a fold-out poster and digital download.
It’s an artefact that captures the pulse of a city that never stood still. The Magic Force of Konk 1981–1988 is more than a reissue - it’s a portrait of downtown New York in motion, where the barriers between punk, funk, and dance music melted under the heat of the lights and the rhythm of the street.
Buy: The Magic Force of Konk 1981-1988
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