SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TORN BOYS – 1983

TORN BOYS
1983
INDEPENDENT PROJECT RECORDS

This is a very interesting album that has shades of the “what could have been” vibe, as it is not an album per se, but a collection of songs by a band that seemed to have a brief blast in the music scene. Torn Boys had a very short but eventful time as a band, but the fact that all the members went on to bigger and brighter things helps in getting the compilation released in the first place.  The Torn Boys were really a duo, Jeffrey Clark (vocals, electric guitar) and Kelly Foley (vocals, acoustic guitar). The band expanded by recruiting Duncan Atkinson, who was their sound engineer and playing synthesizer and drum machine in their shows. Clark and Grant-Lee Phillips went on to form Shiva Burlesque, with Grant-Lee moving on in the early 90’s to create Grant Lee Buffalo, while Foley later joined ex-Pavement drummer Gary Young in his band Hospital.

This CD/DVD is really more of an artifact than an album. These tracks have never been released before although their loyal fans have known about them and maybe heard some of the songs, such as the radio broadcasts. But on 1983, they were collected and are available in one place for those who are interested. Who knows, 1983 may bring on new fans. The album is also somewhat of a time capsule. The music has dated and it is a snapshot of music from the early 1980s and it is of its time. The music is great, and there are moments of real inspiration and ingenuity, such as “Fountain Of Blood” which has a brilliant opening and goes into a fantastic song.

There are also some live tracks recorded at radio station KDVS, which is a small example of how great this band must have been performing. There is also a very short (27 second) performance caught in a cafe which shows the more acoustic and folk side of the band. But the other radio performances show how, like New Order, they were able to combine guitars and synthesizers to great effect.

The music is full of melody and promise. One can only imagine if the band had stayed together to create more music and explore and expand. In some ways 1983 is ‘what could have been”, but at the same time is full of interesting and great music. Torn Boys show great potential and their ability to combine 1980s synth sound with pop and guitar rock is astounding.

As good as the music is, and it is great, the album does suffer from less than perfect sound. While fans will probably not take notice, novice listeners to the band may have to adjust their ears a little and get through the lo-fi to enjoy the music. Again, this is not a criticism, but something that is part of the whole package. Overall, it is a great timepiece and a wonderful snapshot into the artistic careers of some very talented individuals who, for a very brief time, came together and wrote and performed some excellent music. 1983 includes a DVD of live performances and newly made music videos and fans will enjoy these as well.

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