For a cutting edge, on the limit web-zine such as Friends of The Heroes to be featuring a review of a record first released in 1987 may seem, on the face of it, a little behind the times, a little lax, maybe a hint of contrived retro-ness will seep in. To say this record brings something new to the current music scene would be a lie, to say it explores unchartered territory would be wholly inaccurate, but to say that it is a record that identifies a culture, a scene a genre and a form is without doubt. ‘Echelons’ by For Against defines the musical flavours that were crawling out of Athens Georgia in the nineteen eighties in the form of Berry, Buck, Mills and Stipe; this record fits the mould shared by Manchester’s underground sub-culture of the late seventies, early eighties. It could easily be a Joy Division record, or indeed early New Order. So, as I have already referenced three bands who have made popular music their own over the last 20 years I think that it is quite acceptable to bring to your attention the merits of the forgotten album of this genre.

Formed in Lincoln, Nebraska in the early eighties, For Against were always on the boundaries. Far flung from either cultural centre on the east and west coasts of the nation they naturally crafted wide open soundscapes that reflect the isolation, vastness and loneliness of the heartland of a nation. It’s clear to see how R.E.M. fitted into the equation, but how all this tied in with the murmurings emanating from a rain lashed city in the north west of England is a mystery. But fit in it does, and fit in well. It just seems a shame that whilst their immediate musical contempories have gone on to represent global domination in the music industry, For Against have maintained a relatively underground, unknown status, when they deserved so much more.

Album opener ‘Shine’ immediately sets the scene, dark, driving rhythm section sliced apart by chorus and reverb laden guitars all pinned together by the laid back luxury of Jeffrey Runnings vocals. It is a sound that will continue throughout the record, it gives the band a tag, it makes them easily identifiable. ‘Daylight’ and ‘Get on With It’ follow up with more of the same. The rhythm tracks and lyrical slant are eerily reminiscent of Guy Chadwick and The House of Love, the unnerving gel of melodious, soothing, insistent rhythms overlain by tales of self doubt, unease and gentle loathing.

Title track ‘Echelons’ has a slightly more industrial feel to it with the vocals buried deep in a menacing, grinding soundtrack. Whilst ‘It’s a Lie’ explodes and drags the record back to life with an up tempo rollercoaster of a song. The immediate standout track of the record is without doubt ‘Autocrat’ which combines high end bass guitar riffing a la Peter Hook with biting guitar swathes and a defiant, self confident vocal.

Closing the album is the seven and a half minute epic that is ‘Broke My Back’ which bursts open with a crash of guitar before easing back into a regimented, pulsing, throbbing enigma. The bass guitar, as it does throughout provides a more melody driven part than is usual, which in turn allows Harry Dingman to be a little more free, a little looser on guitar. It all holds together well, perfectly infact. After several false dawns the track eventually meets its initial promises and surges and sways into a swaggering, cocksure, quasi anthemic blast, before slowly fading into the ether in not so much a heartless goodbye, but a gentle farewell.

Fans of New Order, The House of Love, Joy Division, and the Chameleons should, without exception check out this record, it is made for you. There is lots that you will love, and little, if at all anything that you could possibly have exception to. For, Against...I’m For.

Words by Johnny Mac
 

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