The late 1970s/early 1980s punk/new wave explosion gave rise to thousands of bands. The majority of those who recorded would never come anywhere close to breaking through to the Top 40; their music was, largely by design, too challenging for the mainstream, and it was often released on indie labels whose limited pressing numbers and distribution confined their records to specialty shops and mail orders. But today, thanks to the internet, a thriving reissue scene, and the growing influence on a new generation of artists, many of these obscure acts are being rediscovered. Among them are Los Microwaves, who will perform at the Avalon Lounge on October 7.
Los Microwaves was formed in San Jose, California, in 1978 by Meg Brazill (vocals, bass, synthesizers), David Javelosa (vocals, synthesizers), and Todd “Rosa” Rosencrans (drums, electronic percussion, bass). With their quirky, minimal sound, the trio did well on the LA club scene and toured nationally, releasing four now rare singles before waxing their sole album, Life After Breakfast, in 1982. Newly out is What’s That Got to Do (With Loving You) (The Kit Watson Remixes), an archival LP on the band’s own Hyperspace Communications label. Of the group’s founding members, only Javelosa remains (Rosencrans died in 2010; Brazill in 2021), but the current lineup contains members of fellow early West Coast synth-punk outfits Tuxedomoon, Nervous Gender, and the Units.
Los Microwaves will appear at the Avalon Lounge in Catskill on October 7 at 8pm. Rose Club and Chaki will open. Tickets are $17.62.
