Complete List Of Pylon Albums And Songs

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Pylon was formed in 1979 in Athens, Georgia, USA. The band originated when four University of Georgia students—Vanessa Briscoe Hay (vocals), Randy Bewley (guitar), Michael Lachowski (bass), and Curtis Crowe (drums)—came together with a shared interest in creating music that was driven by a DIY ethos and distinct from the mainstream rock sounds of the time. Pylon quickly became integral to the Athens music scene, which also fostered bands like R.E.M. and The B-52’s, gaining recognition for their energetic live performances and unique blend of danceable post-punk and new wave music.

Pylon released three studio albums during their initial run: Gyrate in 1980, Chomp in 1983, and after a brief disbandment, Chain in 1990. The band’s debut album Gyrate and follow-up Chomp were critical successes that helped establish their reputation within the burgeoning alternative music scene, though they did not achieve significant commercial chart success. Their music was characterized by sharp, angular guitar work, rhythmic complexity, and an art-punk approach that distinguished them from their peers.

Despite never breaking into mainstream success or winning major music awards, Pylon’s influence was profound within alternative and indie rock circles. They disbanded in 1983 but had several reunions over the years before permanently reforming in 2004 to continue performing. Unfortunately, guitarist Randy Bewley passed away in 2009, but the band has continued to perform with different lineups. Pylon’s work has been revisited through various compilations and live albums, including the release of Live in 2016, which captured the raw energy of their early performances.

PYLON STUDIO ALBUMS

Released: October 1980

Gyrate is the debut studio album by Pylon, an influential post-punk band from Athens, Georgia, known for their jagged guitar riffs and danceable rhythms. The album encapsulates the energy and innovation of the Athens music scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s, featuring a mix of angular post-punk and new wave styles.

The band, composed of Vanessa Briscoe Hay on vocals, Randy Bewley on guitar, Michael Lachowski on bass, and Curtis Crowe on drums, produced the album themselves with the assistance of Bruce Baxter. Gyrate was recorded at the Channel One Studio and Stone Mountain Studio, Georgia, in early 1980.

CD Track Listings:

“Volume” – 4:14
“Feast on My Heart” – 3:35
“Precaution” – 2:48
“Weather Radio” – 2:16
“The Human Body” – 3:06
“Read a Book” – 2:00
“Driving School” – 3:52
“Gravity” – 2:37
“Danger” – 5:38
“Working Is No Problem” – 3:31
“Stop It” – 3:06

Chomp

Released: 1983

Chomp is the second studio album by Pylon, continuing their exploration of danceable post-punk with greater sonic depth and experimentation. This album sees the band refining their sound with a bit more polish and a slightly more accessible approach, while still maintaining their distinctive edge.

Recorded at Drive-In Studio in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and produced by Chris Stamey and Gene Holder, Chomp brought a bit more complexity to Pylon’s approach to song structure and rhythm. The album did not chart on Billboard, but it was well received by critics and added to the band’s growing reputation.

CD Track Listings:

“K” – 4:32
“Yo-Yo” – 4:15
“Beep” – 3:24
“Italian Movie Theme” – 2:01
“Crazy” – 3:14
“M-Train” – 3:49
“Buzz” – 2:59
“No Clocks” – 2:58
“Reptiles” – 3:56
“Spider” – 3:58
“Gyrate” – 4:06
“Altitude” – 3:20

Chain

Released: 1990

Chain marks a later era in Pylon’s career, released after a hiatus and the band’s temporary breakup. This album dives into more alternative rock territories, featuring a blend of sharp guitar work, rhythmic experimentation, and complex compositions, showcasing the band’s evolution while keeping their foundational energy intact.

Produced by Pylon along with Scott Litt, known for his work with R.E.M., Chain was recorded at John Keane Studios in Athens, Georgia, in 1989. This album did not achieve significant chart success but was praised for its innovative approach and the band’s ability to adapt and evolve their sound over the decade.