Unit 5 - Scared of the Dark (1981, Clone)

Here's a bunch of Arkon-ites that didn't have a damn thing in common with DEVO other than locale.  Said to have contained ex-Waitresses alumni, the most resounding response to Unit 5 I could garner was their likeness to Blondie.  The Tracey Thomas-led combo were in fact (at least to my ears) a more enticing proposition than Debbie Harry and Co. in the respect they packed more kick, and furthermore, downplayed the whole sexuality bit. Seriously, I much prefer Unit 5's ratios in this department than Blondie.  A more accurate match for Thomas' vocal panache would be Belinda Carlisle, but I chalk that up to coincidence more than anything.  The songs frequently border on excellent, especially some of the punchier ditties on side one ("Ready," "No Ones Girl" and "Big Kids").  Scared of the Dark is one of the smartest mergers of wave and punk that surfaced during the halcyon era of these musical movements, and it's outright obscurity is a near travesty.  Here's Trouser Press' say on the subject.

Some members of this Akron, Ohio group were in an early incarnation of the Waitresses; Unit 5's vocalist, Tracey Thomas, however, is more from the school of Debbie Harry than the late Patty Donahue. The band plays sprightly, slightly synthesized pop with craft and dedication, making Scared of the Dark easy to like.

01. No One's Girl

02. Big Kids

03. Mental State

04. Ready

05. Decisions

06. Like Lovers Feel

07. Go Ahead and Kiss Her

08. Fickle Hearts

09. Gracefully and Ladylike

10. Lucky Charms

11. Believe It

12. Scared of the Dark

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