Models - Alphabravocharliedeltaechofoxtrotgolf (1980)

The Melbourne punk/new wave scene saw two bands emerge to the forefront. The Boys Next Door/The Birthday Party had an ever-evolving sound and worked to tear down the traditional parameters of rock music. Models, on the other hand, was a synth-heavy group that veered more towards the popular sound. Early on in their careers, the two groups shared producers, personnel, and even split a 7".

There are two bands that helped in the formation of Models in 1978. Sean Kelly (lead vocals, guitar) and Peter Sutcliffe (bass) came from Teenage Radio Stars while Ash Wednesday (keyboards), Janis Friedenfelds (drums), and Sutcliffe came from a group called JAB. Both bands released only a couple of songs each before breaking. This particular lineup did not last long as Sutcliffe was replaced with Mark Ferrie and Wednesday was replaced with Andrew Duffield. Still, getting the band off the ground was no picnic as it took a breakup and some label encouragement to get a single out, "Owe You Nothing" in 1980.

The group funded the production of their first full length album Alphabravocharliedeltaechofoxtrotgolf in order to ensure creative control. They eventually signed with Mushroom Records and released it at the end of 1980. Despite not releasing any respective singles, the album reached no. 43 on the Australian charts. During this time, Models became a greater success in the pub circuit and improved their clout by supporting visiting bands like Ramones, XTC, and The B-52s.

Here is the discography surrounding Models's debut album:

Early Morning Brain (1979 gig freebie)
Owe You Nothing (1980 single)
Alphabravocharliedeltaechofoxtrotgolf
Two People Per Sq. Km. (1980 radio promotional EP)
Live in Shepparton (1980 live bootleg)

(The Shepparton bootleg is important to note because it is a remarkable soundboard recording of the band's early live set that includes a handful of songs that never saw the light of an official release.)





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