Ambleside’s Unknown: A Touch Of Hysteria

If you are a fan of post-punk, anarcho punk, deathrock or anything in between, you should not forget A Touch Of Hysteria. They might be short-lived and unknown, but trust me this gem is really worth to listen. Came from Ambleside – UK, they were formed in February 1982 as a four-piece (The Pilgrim on vocals, Fran on guitar, Alec on bass & Chris on drums). They only released a self titled (five tracks) demo tape in 1983, which later re-released as 12″ vinyl via Demo Tape Records in 2006. I’m not quite sure if you still can get a copy of the vinyl, since its limited to 200 copies and I couldnt find any info about the record label. They took their musical influences from The Mob and Southern Death Cult, and often covered The Mob’s “Witch Hunt” on their live performance. Well in my opinion, musically they incorporated ‘crunchy’ 70’s punk riffings, gloomy post-punk melody, tribal-ish yet punky drumbeats and energetic ‘anarcho’ vocals. The demo tape opened with an instrumental song “Non Compos Mentis”, which has its own groove. The other four tracks are also memorable and groovy. This one became one of my fav album, cant stop jamming the tunes! I think they’re still doing live show nowadays, their first reunion gig was held in 2006 as a tribute to the drummer Chris – whose comitted suicide in 1996 (he joined the shoegaze outfits Lush, after left the band). Well nuff said, enjoy the hysteria after the jump!

*Download the demo tape here, courtesy of Kill Your Pet Puppy.