Sometimes People Forget
Omnivore, 2015
http://www.translatormusic.com
REVIEW BY: David Bowling
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 07/04/2015
During 2007, Translator reformed and performed at the SXWX Festival and then released a new album in 2012, more than a quarter of a century after dissolving.
The band formed in 1979 with singer/guitarist Steve Barton, bassist Larry Dekker, and drummer Dave Scheff. Guitarist Robert Darlington was soon added, and the band’s lineup was complete.
During the band’s existence from 1979 to 1986, they released four studio albums. They were the darlings of college campus and small alternative radio stations but never received huge mainstream success. Their music fused West coast psychedelic rock with a raw, post punk energy. They had a stripped-down approach and lyrics that were unsettling at times, which in many ways fits the music scene of today better than the first half of the 1980s.
Now, Translator has returned with a unique release. Omnivore Recordings has assembled 22 of their demos recorded between 1979 and 1985. Twenty of the tracks are seeing the light of day for the first time.
The songs are presented chronologically, beginning in 1979 when the band was a trio. As such, it allows one to follow their evolution, and when combined with their officially released material, it brings their career full circle.
From the raw ramp of “Lost,” “Everywhere That I’m Not,” and “Fiendish Thingy” to the growing sophistication of “Is There A Heaven Singing” and “Breathless Energy,” the music is simple, energetic and connected.
The included booklet contains an extensive history of the band and music. The sound is very good, even by today’s standards.
Sometimes People Forget presents the essence of Translator and a glimpse into their creative process. They had and still have a rabid fan base, who should embrace this new release.