Album Review: Los Microwaves — The Birth of Techno
(Please visit yesterday’s post for some additional background on this release.)
This playfully titled release features David Javelosa (on synth and vocals) along with Meg Brazill (on bass and vocals) plus drummer Todd “Rosa” Rosencrans (two other musicians appear on selected tracks). Side One features five studio tracks, none of which were included on the band’s 1981 Posh Boy LP, Life After Breakfast. Three of these tracks were recorded in ‘82; there’s no information regarding the provenance of the other two songs.
The records’ second side collects five live recordings, capturing Los Microwaves onstage in New York City (The Peppermint Lounge) and Boston as well as at San Francisco’s own I-Beam, a venue that often played host to the band (with and without Baby Buddha). Those tracks date form roughly the same ear, 1980-83.
Sonically, Los Microwaves are similar to Baby Buddha, but with a less whimsical, more punk-oriented character. That’s not to say that the band isn’t having fun: clearly they are. The songs variously recall Blondie, Flying Lizards (again), Gang of Four and a far less dour Human League. Importantly, the band rocks, even when it’s employing a spare drum kit, solid but elemental bass, and monophonic analog synthesizers.
“Sniper,” the opening track on the live side, dates from a 1980 I-Beam set. The thin, bootleg-quality audio is feature, not a bug. The band is on target, conveying an energy only hinted at by the studio tracks. The stripped down aesthetics of the group – necessitated by its minimalist instrumental approach – are nonetheless thrilling. Even if you weren’t there in 1980 (and I wasn’t), this’ll take you back.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.