The Unknowns

An atypical ensemble from Los Angeles fused the raw vigor of punk with modern, melancholic themes in their lyrics, incorporating the echoing guitar tones reminiscent of the Ventures alongside early surf ensembles and a touch of rockabilly. Following an underwhelming extended play issued by Sire under the title Dream Sequence, they put out an unpolished, eponymous full-length record via the modest independent label Invasion during 1982, which stands as one of the top hidden gems in new wave from that era thanks to its compelling compositions, saturated production aesthetics, outstanding percussion, and sharp Mosrite guitar timbre. Bruce Joyner, the frontman who collaborated on the bulk of the songs alongside guitarist Mark Neill, later put forth multiple records backed by the Plantations and the Tinglers.