Biography
Emerging alongside many other British acts of the late 1970s, Medium Medium forged connections between new wave and post-punk through stark soundscapes that minimized melodic elements while emphasizing funk-derived grooves anchored by pulsating bass lines. Gang of Four offered the most immediate parallel, although Medium Medium steered clear of the overt political themes that defined the former group’s songwriting. The combination of nimble, finger-popping bass work, emotionally distant and pessimistic vocal delivery, and angular arrangements only reinforced those parallels. Curiously, Medium Medium have faded almost entirely from view in most historical accounts, whereas Gang of Four continue to serve as a fashionable reference point among enthusiasts of the same eras.
Medium Medium originated from the Press and began issuing recordings toward the close of 1979. Their follow-up single, “Hungry, So Angry,” unexpectedly found traction in the U.S. dance scene during 1981, registering on the disco charts. Later the same year the band issued the album The Glitterhouse, yet they proved unable to build on the modest momentum generated by “Hungry, So Angry.” At the conclusion of 1981, following Medium Medium’s initial American tour, singer and saxophonist John Lewis departed. The remaining members persisted briefly, mounting extensive international tours throughout 1982 and releasing one further single before dissolving in 1983 without securing another recording contract. After leaving, Lewis issued material with C Cat Trance.
Medium Medium originated from the Press and began issuing recordings toward the close of 1979. Their follow-up single, “Hungry, So Angry,” unexpectedly found traction in the U.S. dance scene during 1981, registering on the disco charts. Later the same year the band issued the album The Glitterhouse, yet they proved unable to build on the modest momentum generated by “Hungry, So Angry.” At the conclusion of 1981, following Medium Medium’s initial American tour, singer and saxophonist John Lewis departed. The remaining members persisted briefly, mounting extensive international tours throughout 1982 and releasing one further single before dissolving in 1983 without securing another recording contract. After leaving, Lewis issued material with C Cat Trance.
Albums
