Run by NOTSENSIBLES guitarist Stephen Hartley, Eli Records embraces the punk/post-punk DIY ethos lock, stock and barrel. Based in the back room of a terraced house in the north-west of England, the only thing that’s out-sourced is vinyl pressing. Covers are cut to size on a guillotine in the cellar then folded and glued using jigs made from recycled materials. Cover designs are firmly influenced by Japanese print-making and early 19th century English typography and wood engraving. Each cover features at least one woodblock image and all text (including the vinyl labels) are printed using letterpress and Adana machines.
The music is recorded very simply on an 8-track and mastered by Notsensibles bassist Gary Brown. We’re a big part of the local music scene and are out and about organising and playing gigs and playing splendid 7″ vinyl at local clubs.
The latest release is The Strange’s BADMASH album, which is beautifully packaged and includes the Flies Single. Get it here.