Testcard F
Today’s band, Testcard F, has so little recorded output that I almost considered tossing it all at you, but that would take all the fun out of hunting it down and savoring it, wouldn’t it?
In fact, there’s not only just two singles and a John Peel recording available, there’s very little information to be found about this British band, aside from a few bits and bobs:
The band formed in 1981, and reconstructed and built their own synthesizers. Unlike some synth-punk and minimal wave acts of the time, this band near-completely utilized electronic instruments, drum machines, and backing tapes; the only organic instrumentation appearing in the form of trash cans, coat racks, and other assorted debris. Oftentimes, their live performances would be slagged viciously by heckling attendees, anxious for guitars. One particular gig in their hometown of Norwich ended in a small riot.
The band split immediately on the brink of success after winning a Norwich battle of the bands and recording their two singles and Peel Session in 1984.
I’ve uploaded their b-sides, both tracks which I enjoy more than their respective flip. The first, ‘Unfamiliar Room’ is a particular favorite of mine, featured on the Bandwagon Tango 7” and the second the b-side of the Third Stroke 7”. If anyone is anxious for the remaining a-sides and Peel recordings, drop a line and I’ll happily upload the rest.
download Testcard F- ‘Unfamiliar Room’
download Testcard F- ‘If Only it Wasn’t’
…and sadly, I have no photos, youtube clips, or homepages for you today, and naturally since their material is so far out of print, if you manage to come in cahoots with either of these vinyl singles, snap them up in a heartbeat!
August 25, 2007 at 1:18 am
A fine band – I remember that Peel session well. They came, left some great songs and went, and who could ask for more? Well I’d love to hear more actually, but I don’t suppose we ever will.
It staggers me to this day that the likes of New Order could go on churning out their dreary tosh for what seems like half a century after Norwich’s finest had shown how it should be done.
August 29, 2007 at 9:27 pm
ahh, but perhaps testcard would have gone a similar route. better to burn out than to fade away?
glad to see another testcard enthusiast!
January 7, 2008 at 3:44 am
Please upload the rest, I loved Testcard F
January 16, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I would be really grateful if you could upload the rest, I’ve had to survive on a tape of a tape from the radio for the last 25 years!
March 3, 2008 at 12:16 am
UPLOAD the A-SIDE!!!! Great stuff!! Thanks for providing!
September 2, 2008 at 10:05 am
Brilliant stuff, many thanks. Please, please upload the A-side too! Thanks.