Description
#desmondsimmons #vinyl #vinylrecords
In 1981, London songwriter Desmond Simmons received a transformative treatment from Wire’s Bruce Gilbert and Graham Lewis on his debut album. The duo, known as Dome, took Simmons’ psychedelic pop songs and completely reimagined them, resulting in a challenging and unique sound. Recently remastered by Denis Blackham and featuring new artwork, the album showcases the experimental prowess of Gilbert and Lewis.
Desmond Simmons had a close relationship with Colin Newman, bassist for Wire, and had even played on Newman’s solo debut. This connection led to Simmons’ demos falling into the hands of Gilbert and Lewis, who had just started the Dome project. They took Simmons’ songs, described as “psychedelic guitar pop,” and pushed them to their limits. The result is an album that can be bewildering at times, such as the track ‘April Waits’ with its cavernous vocals, oscillating amplifier hum, and faint scratching sounds. The original demo can still be glimpsed, but Gilbert and Lewis transform it into a hazy echo that feels more like rural folk than mainstream pop.
‘To Be Lost’ offers a more accessible experience, transitioning from gloomy beatless electro-pop to an angular post-punk chorus. ‘Bing Crosby’s Hat’ strips away Simmons’ vocals entirely, leaving behind reverberating guitars and intoxicating pads. However, the standout track on the album is ‘By Air Or By Sea’. This bizarre, radio-tuned minimalist gem features a breathless vocal performance from Simmons that was achieved by having him run around the block before entering the vocal booth. His pained tones take center stage, accompanied by tremolo crunches, dissonant guitar notes, and groggy synth bass from Gilbert and Lewis. It’s an audacious and unforgettable piece of artistry. Unfortunately, Simmons never released another album after this, leaving us to ponder if the production process left a lasting impact. Highly recommended, especially for fans of experimental and avant-garde music.
