Symptoms - First Offense ep (1988)

Not a particularly notable hotbed for music, Fort Pierce, FL did manage to produce (the) Symptoms. I wasn't sure what to expect, delving into this one pretty much cold, but I was rewarded upon discovering this Sunshine State quartet exuded some distinct power pop leanings, albeit nothing revelatory.  The band's one and only slice of vinyl sounds like it could have been tracked a good ten years before it's 1988 copyright, with it's most effective numbers, ("Music Interruptus" and "Wonder What You're Doin'") loosely resembling the janglier, not to mention more charismatic, inclinations of the Knack and Tommy Tutone. The album jacket caused quite a local commotion upon it's release.  Here's an accounting of the incident courtesy of the band's Discogs page.  

The release of their first EP, "First Offense", caused a small controversy in the small town of Fort Pierce. The cover art contained a St. Lucie County Sheriff's deputy in his official uniform, his official patrol car, and a woman (Glenn's girlfriend) wearing an official St. Lucie County Sheriff's deputy shirt (she was not a Sheriff's deputy or employed with the Sheriff's Office). When the news reported on this "collaboration", a letter from the St. Lucie County Sherrif's Office was sent to the band requesting that the album no longer be sold in stores, as there was no authoritative permission given to use an official patrol car and uniform in the photo for the cover, otherwise, legal action would be taken. The Sheriff's deputy was also reprimanded for his participation without authorization from the sheriff. The stock of records that remained in stores was allowed to be sold, but no further stock could be provided for sale.

01. A Simple Song of You

02. Answerphone

03. Music Interruptus

04. A Girl With Little Feet

05. Wonder What You're Doin'

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