PSYKIK VOLTS
TOTALLY USELESS/HORROR STORIES NO.5 (DAMAGED GOODS)
PSYKIK VOLTS were an original New Wave band formed in 1978, inspired/influenced by bands like THE CLASH, SEX PISTOLS etc.
They were all aged around 18 at the time of releasing their self-financed single and it was their first time in the studio, hence some of the rough & ready bits (feedback, bum notes etc.).
They considered themselves more 'New Wave' than 'Punk' at the time as the initial wave of punk bands had died down by then.
A very DIY band, they designed the picture sleeve, had it printed and stuck them all together their selves! John Peel played the single quite a lot on Radio 1, and it was subsequently repressed on the MHG label after the initial 1000 copies had sold.
They released another 500 copies (in plain white sleeves). The band got signed shortly afterwards to Graduate Records (UB40 etc.), who recorded 3 songs but never released them.
They split at the end of 1979. Vik & drummer Mick Reed then got signed to Rockburgh Records in 1980/81 & released a single called "Wooden Heart", calling themselves POPTONES (after the Public Image song).
"Totally Useless/Horror Stories No. 5" was featured in Record Collector magazine in 2006 in their 'top 100 rare punk singles' list & valued at £50.
This single will be followed by a CD compilation of all the bands tracks as well as full sleevenotes and rare photos etc.