The Units: A Hidden Gem in the Synthpunk Landscape
The band The Units has emerged on the radar for many music enthusiasts, largely thanks to their feature in the podcast No Dogs in Space. This podcast, known for delving into the stories of various music genres, highlighted The Screamers, another influential synthpunk group, leading listeners to synthpunk.org—a key resource for discovering emerging sounds.
Upon visiting synthpunk.org, which was temporarily down but accessible through archived versions, I encountered a minimalist website showcasing only six bands, with The Units prominently featured. Intrigued, I explored their 1980 album Digital Stimulation, and I was captivated by their sound.
The production quality of the album, particularly the vocals reminiscent of Devo, captures the essence of its era. However, the instrumentation and arrangements feel refreshing, more energetic, and modern compared to some of their contemporaries. If you set aside the vocals, the track “High Pressure” could easily be mistaken for a contemporary piece from current artists like MSPAINT. Similarly, the title track echoes the disco vibes that characterize releases from DFA Records around 2003.
While The Units weren’t pioneers in blending punk with synthesizers, they carved out a distinct niche. Their sound is more aggressive than that of bands like the Talking Heads or Devo, who traditionally maintained a cleaner, artsy edge. Instead, The Units focused on technology and minimalism, aligning closely with the DIY ethos of the West Coast punk scene, alongside contemporaries such as the Dead Kennedys and The Mutants.
The duo of Scott Ryser and Rachel Webber, the primary creative forces behind the band, infused a sharper edge into their music. This approach enhances their songs, like “Cannibals” and “Bugboy,” which cleverly critique an indifferent society through a lens of efficiency and infectious energy.
A hallmark of many Bay Area punk bands, The Units exemplify melodicism, evident in tracks like “Warm Moving Bodies” and the catchy “High Pressure.” These songs showcase an undeniable ability to resonate with listeners, making them feel relevant even today.
In 1981, The Units recorded a follow-up album, Animals They Dream About, which remained unreleased until 2016. This album serves as a vital piece of history, documenting the synthpunk movement that thrived in the late ’70s and early ’80s. While it adopts a more polished sound, it still references the band’s punk roots, aligning with new wave sensibilities.
Editor’s Take
The resurgence of interest in The Units highlights the enduring impact of synthpunk, a genre often overshadowed. As users and creators in the music industry explore this underappreciated sound, it presents opportunities for new collaborations and innovations. The revival of such bands serves as a reminder of the diverse influences that shape contemporary music, encouraging both audiences and musicians to rediscover and celebrate the past.
Source: www.theverge.com
