The Lolita Years

'The Lolita Years' is a new archival compilation of previously unreleased music by Thierry Azam & Alain Michon akaPray-Pax, two artists who formed part of the extraordinary French art collectiveLolita Danseduring the 1980s.

Encompassing unearthed soundtracks created byPray-Paxfor the vibrant performances of the multi-disciplinary group, the rich, anarchic music collected here spans no wave, minimal wave, post-punk, avant-garde jazz and outlandish DIY composition. Steeped in surrealism, pranksterism, theatricality, and kaleidoscopic eloquence, 'The Lolita Years' chronicles the outré sounds of a singular musical unit, operating within a sprawling network of freeform artistic activity. Founded in 1981, theLolita Dansecollective brought together artists, dancers, set designers, and musicians exploring innovative ideas within their chosen field. Theartists of the collective developed solo work, duets and group pieces together but they never aimed for a single, unified style of movement or sound. Each member focused on their own gestures, with the goal of bringing them together into a form that was specific to the group; messy, multilayered and spectacular. Creating one-off events between 1981 and 1989, their shows toured across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark and Brazil.

'The Lolita Years' offers a fascinating window into the collective's artful world of exuberant disorder by spotlighting the fluid, uncanny soundworld ofPray-Pax, a pivotal element in the unique happenings ofLolita Danse.