The compilation focuses on the period when synthesisers began to take over from guitars in popular music, as punk music gave way to new wave. Underground acts such as Whirlywirld, Voigt/465 and Essendon Airport have been unearthed for the tracklisting, alongside better known bands of the era such as the Models and the Reels.
“This collection brings together a wide range of recordings really only united by one thing: people using technology to produce something fresh,” said Nichols in the album’s detailed liner notes. “What these tracks represent is forward-thinking, inventive, progress. It didn’t hurt that between the late 70s and early 80s the hardware got cheaper, fast – though five or six hundred dollars for a synthesiser was still a major investment.”
Nichols is also behind the recent book Dig: Australian Rock and Pop 1960-85, as well as a second compilation, 12 Inch Dance: Australian 80s Pop, which will be released on Friday February 10.
Closed Circuits: Australian Alternative Electronic Music of the ‘70s & ‘80s, Volume 1 will be released on Friday March 3 through Festival Records/Warner Music Australia.
