Telefonics list Blondie and the Velvet Underground among their influences, and that is an accurate starting point for describing this band to the uninitiated.

Although they have been classified as playing new wave, Telefonics also have an artsy New York underground feel. Perhaps a bit of Sonic Youth is evident in their studio recordings. Many of the pieces have obscure sound bites, strange theremin effects and circulating feedback which contributes to the experimental texture.

Yet through it all is Gina Rullo's sultry voice (which is reminiscent of early Deborah Harry), Pete Burke's driving guitars and the bopping rhythm section of Kevin Manco on bass and Erik Mildner on drums.

Cheesy, wheezy Vox/Farfisa organ tones make an appearance on several of the tunes, as well as Rich Marshall's trumpet on "Perfect From Now On" and Don Dombrowski's lap steel on "Message To Finder" and "Dead Air". Contributing on backing vocals are Eddie Sanford, Alethea Bodine and Gary Anderson.

Pulling all of these various elements together is John Johnston on guitars, keyboards and vocals. Johnston provides the structure and glue for the Telefonics with electric and acoustic guitars as well as variety of keyboard sounds. He orchestrates his keyboards very well as with the classic organ backing on "Even Need" which overlays piano and strings at the end.

This disc features three live tunes: "Angel", "Peace, Love and Understanding" and "Gotta Go", which show another, very essential side of the Telefonics sound. Live they are more bopping and rocking with less of the experimental flavor and dynamic mood changes.

All in all this is a excellent snapshot of the Telefonics. The graphics are artistic and feature a three page foldout insert, while the overall package is very professional.

And to think that they sell this CD for only five bucks, which just happens to be available in our Online CD Shop.

For more info visit the Telefonics page here on PlayErie.com.

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