Essential Logic
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Lora Logic |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Fate | Disbanded; reunited in 2001 |
| Headquarters | England |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Essential Logic is a post-punk group originating from England, established in 1978 by saxophonist Lora Logic following her departure from X-Ray Spex. The initial ensemble consisted of Logic handling vocals, Phil Legg on guitar and vocals, guitarist William Bennett, Mark Turner playing bass, Rich Tea on drums, and Dave Wright also on saxophone. Subsequently, Sean Oliver replaced Turner on bass; Oliver later became a member of Rip, Rig & Panic. The band ceased activities in 1981 but reunited two decades later in 2001.
History
Essential Logic came together in 1978 and debuted with a 7" release under their own Cells label. The following year, they issued a self-titled EP through Virgin Records. Shortly thereafter, they signed with Rough Trade Records, releasing their first full-length album, Beat Rhythm News, in 1979 alongside several singles. Although work commenced on a sophomore album, the group disbanded in 1980; the unfinished tracks were eventually released as Lora Logic’s solo record titled Pedigree Charm.
From 1978 until 1981, Logic also engaged in projects with Red Crayola and contributed to recordings by Kollaa Kestää, The Stranglers, The Raincoats, and Swell Maps.
After launching Pedigree Charm on Rough Trade in 1982, Logic stepped away from her musical pursuits to dedicate herself to the Hare Krishna movement. She returned briefly to X-Ray Spex for their reunion in 1995.
In 2001, Essential Logic was reassembled featuring new members including former musicians from ska outfit Bad Manners and guitarist Gary Valentine from Blondie. That year saw the release of a four-track EP showcasing fresh material. Additional recordings from a 1998 session were later made accessible through the Vitaminic website. In 2003, the compilation Fanfare in the Garden was issued via the Kill Rock Stars label.
Essential Logic unveiled a new studio album titled Land of Kali in 2022.
Discography
- Albums
| Year | Title | UK Indie | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Beat Rhythm News | 11 | Rough Trade |
| 2003 | Fanfare in the Garden (Anthology) | - | Kill Rock Stars |
| 2022 | Land of Kali | - | Hiss and Shake |
| 2024 | Rekalibrated | - | Hiss and Shake |
- Singles & EPs
| Year | Title | UK Indie |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Aerosol Burns | - |
| 1979 | Wake Up | - |
| 1979 | Popcorn Boy Waddle Ya Do? | 24 |
| 1980 | Eugene | 36 |
| 1980 | Music Is A Better Noise | 48 |
| 1981 | Fanfare In The Garden | 46 |
| 1981 | Essential Logic | - |
| 2002 | Essential Logic 2 | - |