Independent Project Records and the surviving members of the 1980s underground post-punk band Afterimage are thrilled to announce the release of Faces to Hide, a 22-track retrospective compilation of the band’s original line-up. This comprehensive collection will be available on September 20th, featuring the band’s full output, including demos and live tracks. The first single, “Afterimage (Demo),” is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
The Legacy of Afterimage
Afterimage, based in Los Angeles, made a lasting impact on the city’s sonic landscape despite their brief existence. The original line-up, which was active for only a few years, released just one single and one EP. Their unique take on post-punk, characterized by raw and explorative sounds, resonated deeply in the early 80s music scene.
Faces to Hide includes all studio recordings from this early era, as well as demos and live tracks from iconic venues like Whisky a Go Go and Al’s Bar. Dan Voznick (Alec Tension) of Afterimage shares his excitement about the project: “Revisiting our band archive for this new compilation with Independent Project Records has been thrilling. We’ve expanded our earliest recorded output and cleaned up unreleased demos and live tracks, offering a well-rounded view of the band and the early 80s L.A. music scene.”
Highlights of “Faces to Hide”
The compilation opens with tracks from the band’s debut single, “Strange Confession/The Long Walk,” released in 1981. The raw energy of “Strange Confession” showcases frontman Alec Tension’s dynamic saxophone playing, blending influences from bands like Gang of Four and X-Ray Spex’s Lora Logic.
Key Tracks:
- “Strange Confession”: An explosive opener that captures the band’s adventurous sound.
- “Surf Generator”: From the Fade In EP, this track combines surf rock influences with a post-punk edge.
- “Satellite of Love”: Inspired by a memorable acid trip, this track highlights the band’s hypnotic and frantic sound, earning them comparisons to Joy Division by the Los Angeles Times.
Compilation Details
Faces to Hide will be available in multiple formats:
- Double LP (black and opaque white)
- Special edition CD
- Digital formats
The release includes extensive liner notes by journalist Richie Unterberger, previously unseen band photos, and Independent Project Records’ signature hand letterpress-printed custom design for the vinyl and CD packaging.
Track Listing:
- Strange Confession
- The Long Walk
- Afterimage
- Relapse
- Soundtrack
- No Dreams
- Surf Generator / Part of the Threat
- Satellite of Love
- Idol (Live)
- Afterimage (Live)
- Faces to Hide (Live)
- Just a Laugh (Demo)
- Relapse (Demo)
- Afterimage (Demo)
- No Dreams (Demo)
- Sonic Switch (Demo)
- Surf Generator / Part of the Threat (Live)
- Just a Laugh (Live)
- Rhythm Equation (Live)
- Satellite of Love (Live)
- Soundtrack (Live)
- The Long Walk (Live)
Vinyl Edition Bonus Tracks on Flexi Disc: 23. Breaking Point (Live) 24. Submission (version 1) 25. Submission (version 2)
Digital Only Bonus Track: 26. Faces to Hide (Demo)
The last word on Faces to Hide
Faces to Hide chronicles the short but influential life of Afterimage, one of Los Angeles’ most adventurous underground bands. This compilation not only captures the essence of the band’s innovative sound but also provides a window into the complex and elusive early 80s L.A. music scene. Don’t miss the chance to experience this pivotal piece of post-punk history. Pre-order your copy today and dive into the legacy of Afterimage.