For Against

As I was going through the Livingroom Library, I pulled out a couple albums that I don't get out often enough: Echelon and December by For Against.

Their first full-length, Echelon, was released in 1985 on Independent Project Records, but would not have been out of place on Factory Records. It mixed smooth vocals with sharp bass lines, jangly guitars and just the right amount of feedback that was no doubt influenced by Joy Division, Gang of Four and the Cure.

In 1988 the band recorded and released their second LP, December. It showed a tremendous improvement in the band's sound and style, with the vocals becoming more prominent and intense at times, while still retaining their smoothness. The rhythm section tightened up and more obvious pop flourishes reminiscent of early R.E.M. were added which gained the record a lot of airplay on college radio stations nationwide.

Soon after December was completed, the band splintered. New members were brought on board to carry the band forward and to record several more albums that fit in nicely alongside the Coctueau Twins and Pale Saints and Kitchens of Distinction, but none matched the innocence and purity of the first two.

Both albums were out of print and have been recently re-released by Words On Music.

Echelons
For Against - Shine
For Against - Autocrat

December
For Against - Sabres
For Against - Clandestine High Holy