Formed in 1979, the Insinuations existed entirely on the fringes of the early Richmond punk scene. The band evolved out of a wild, politically-charged act, known as the I Remember Reality Revue - a two-man live performance that fringed between cabaret stage tradition and Fugs-esque satire. Following that, guitarist and vocalist W.R. Draper kept things moving, forming Insinuations with Linda Firmin, her partner Lynn Abbott on drums, and bassist Paul Lipscombe. The group did not last long, playing perhaps a dozen shows, and recording only two songs before disbanding. However, what the Insinuations left behind is quite unheralded and unique, even to this day. Released in 1980, "Prompt Critical" - an arty, schizoid punk blast with lyrics inspired by the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor failure of 1979, hits hard - delivering with a loose, oddball amount of character...perhaps in some parallel universe where Captain Beefheart and Pere Ubu coexist. Draper's deranged vocal delivery and wah-washed guitar lines are some of the era's best, standing tall amid a serious field of contending KBD/Bloodstains-comped hits. "(My Head Is Made Of) U.S. Muscle" is a highly worthy flip, every bit as odd and memorable. Originally pressed in a criminally obscure edition of 100 copies (!), with a picture sleeve simply marked, "Radiation Hazard", this authorized reissue has been sourced from one of only a handful of remaining originals. Limited edition of 400 copies, packaged in a printed dust sleeve with the addition of an insert featuring liner notes from band leader W.R. Draper plus a digital download code. A fine specimen of early 80's American punk, finally widely available after toiling in regional obscurity for nearly forty years!
supported by 13 fans who also own “Prompt Critical”
Opener absolutely rips. Falls into the ranks of tracks like “Dance” by ESG, “Eisbaer” by Grauzone, “Damaged Goods” by Gang of Four or like the album description says Kleenex. This is some really good stuff. Favorite song is the opener but dedicate “Blue” to my friend Blue who lost her life at 22, she would have loved this album. TheBloodofChrist
supported by 10 fans who also own “Prompt Critical”
I own this album, although I kind of forgot about it. Until now. And then I see they offer almost everything for nyp... So I got it all. Lots of catching up to do! dcdirkzwager
New on Grimalkin, this EP from Phantómódel is an irresistible batch of gothy post-punk that is delightfully harrowing. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 16, 2019
Korean Boyfriend makes catchy, wonky, new wave-influenced art-rock with deadpan observations from their personal worlds. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 20, 2022
The songs on the latest from Absolutely Free feel as expansive as a cloudless sky, with ringing guitars and bright-eyed melodies. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 25, 2021