ANTISECT - GATESHEAD 6.10.84 (Part 1 of 4)

LIVE AT THE STATION...
In October 1984, nine months after the release of the seminal 'In Darkness' album, Antisect played a collective-run punk venue called The Station in Gateshead, NE England. They revealed a change of line up (Rich Hill vocalist had left and was not replaced and John Bryson replaced Wink on Bass). As on the 1st lp, Pete B & Caroline W were on vox, Pete L guit & Pete P drums, More importantly, they unveiled a new set that comprised much new material. To the surprise of the crowd, the recent album material was all but ditched. Trademark speed was replaced by a slower metallic groove that was no less intense or lyrically considered. This recording is a rare document of a brave and innovative band who had the basis of a what surely would have become a classic second album. Sadly this would never see the light of day (in darkness pun!) as this line up imploded within 6 months with the departure of original singer Pete B and Caroline W.

Through '85, the band struggled on as a three piece (Pete L-Guit, Pete P-Drums, Bryson-Bass) releasing a poorly recorded 'Out From The Void' as a 7". By '86, they had regrouped as a far more convincing four-piece featuring a new singer and bassist (Tim Andrews/Lawrence Windle). By '87, they were back on track with a blistering new set featuring evolved elements from 'the Gateshead set'. But that (difficult!) second album still never came...In 87 the band had their van, equipment and the master tapes of a half-recorded second album stolen. They called it a day.
....And then 24 years later something began to stir!

TRACKS: Ritual / In Darkness / Tomorrow Is
PICS BY ANDREW MEDCALF
Part 1 of 4