Graphic Shadows' first vinyl is an obscure, rare four track EP released on Explicit Records; the quartet consisted of Greg (vocals/keys), Kenny (guitars), Franz (bass), and Marc (drums). They were active in the Washington, D.C. music scene during the early Eighties and also released an album in 1984 before eventually calling it quits. When the band released their record in 1981, the independent music scene in Washington, D.C. was still in its infancy. Although the city would soon become world renowned for its raw Dischord Hardcore sound, this 7Inch presents a fascinating, alternative musical portrait of the region: the transition from edgy GaragePunk to dark New Wave and early goth rock. The EP is a prime example of the DIY ethos, featuring a sound that is highly dynamic, raw, and unpolished. The bass often takes center stage, driving the songs forward, while the guitars utilize heavy chorus and reverb effects, lending the record a cool, atmospheric depth. The vocals are detached, slightly monotonous and melancholic, yet they erupt with furious energy during faster passages. The title track is clear the highlight with its driving, melancholic midtempo gem. It is followed by a fast and aggressive number, which showcases the band's brash attitude; it reveals the group's Punk roots. "SBS" is a more experimental, rhythm driven one that radiates a sense of nervous agitation. The final nugget closes with a dense flair, once again employing walls of noisy guitar. Overall, it is an unpolished diamond in the rough, an absolute must-buy for historians of the D.C. scene, provided one is lucky enough to snag a copy, but for simply listening to, the digital route suffices.
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