Frontier Theory appear to be one of the few vintage, D.C. alt-rock bands that haven't been adequately anthologized, or quite frankly mentioned anywhere at all. They definitely weren't angular or edgy enough to rub elbows with the Dischord Records contingent, but upon giving
Atlantic a few spins it sounds to me that Frontier Theory would have fit like a glove on the 415 Records roster, recalling the jangly but barbed strains of so many Translator and Red Rockers albums. Am hearing some Northern Pikes and Fire Town on here as well, but more likely coincidence that a conscious effort. Not quite an LP, but outlasting the length of a typical EP,
Atlantic was followed up a proper full length,
No Waltz in the Meadow in 1988. The last few seconds of the title track have some nasty pops and snaps, due to a small scratch. Tried to edit them out as best I could, but should a cleaner copy surface I'll be inclined to re-post this one. BTW, producer Bob Read spent some time in another local outfit,
B-Time, on the same label, who have also been covered in this
past entry. If you're lucky enough to be a subscriber to the online incarnation of The Washington Post you can read this pertinent
article regarding Frontier Theory.
01. Atlantic
02. Progress
03. Have You Fallen
04. The Wild Bourgeoise
05. News For You
06. Summer's Over
07. Frenzy
https://rapidshare.com/files/1329386042/frontiertheory.rar
5 comments:
You were right on with the 415 Records comparison - especially the Translator reference - subtle but there. Great stuff!
I saw these guys @ old 930 club back in the day.. Drummer was in my school's jazz band class with me when I was a teen. "Summer's Over" came in my mind semi-randomly today (it's definitely autumn here as of today). I'm happy to read this post and thanks for the tune!
We have a mint copy of this if you're still looking for it. Som Records in DC. neal@somrecordsdc.com
Great website btw!
WOW. This takes me back. FT were regulars at the Grog and Tankard on upper Wisconsin Ave. I was a big fan. I have both of the albums. They also put out some music on CD (forget what it was called). I am pretty sure I am the only human walking the earth that has Frontier Theory songs on my main iPod playlist. I have Happily Ever After and listen to it frequently. Really wish these guys had hit it big.
I used to go see them at DC Space. The Kelly brothers if my memory serves me correctly... I thought they were so good, and then i heard that they were packing up and moving to California to make their fortune... and never heard from them again. Good memories
Post a Comment