L-Seven
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Detroit , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
L-Seven was a post-punk group originating from Detroit in the United States, active between 1980 and 1983. Prior to forming L-Seven, some members had been part of Detroit's punk scene with bands like The Blind, Algebra Mothers, and Retro. The band was created by Michael Smith (also known as Smitt E. Smitty), Dave Rice, and Frank Callis, featuring Larissa Stolarchuk as the frontwoman and primary lyricist. Early on, Chuck McEvoy contributed on clavinet and saxophone before leaving the lineup. Subsequently, Kory Clarke joined as drummer and Scott Schuer on guitar. Michael Smith later became a member of Figures on a Beach.
In February 1982, L-Seven recorded a three-track EP at Multi Trac Studios located in Redford, Michigan. This recording was issued as a 7-inch record titled "L-Seven" through Touch and Go Special Forces that same year. Notably, it was the sole release under the Special Forces imprint, which was established to expand Touch and Go's predominantly hardcore roster.
Throughout their short existence, L-Seven toured with influential post-punk bands including The Gun Club, Killing Joke, The Stranglers, Iggy Pop, Bauhaus, U2, and The Birthday Party. The latter band notably inspired Larissa Stolarchuk—who performed as Larissa Strickland—to co-found the Laughing Hyenas alongside John Brannon from Negative Approach. In this new project, Stolarchuk switched to playing guitar while Brannon assumed vocal duties.
Larissa Stolarchuk died on October 9, 2006. Drummer Kory Clarke went on to lead the enduring band Warrior Soul. Guitarist Dave Rice collaborated with Schuer, manager Ken Waagner, and roadie Bill Methner to form The Linkletters; he also created Sandy Duncan's Eye and once auditioned for the British post-punk outfit Public Image Limited.
In 2020, Third Man Records, with participation from Michigan native Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, released a compilation featuring previously unreleased L-Seven demos and live performances. This album includes cover versions such as the Misfits' "London Dungeon" and a live medley combining Alice Cooper’s "You Drive Me Nervous" with the Yardbirds’ "Over, Under, Sideways, Down," which was typically used to close their shows. An oral history of the band is available through the Detroit Punk Archive.
Discography
| Title | Format | Label | Year released |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-Seven | 7” EP | Touch and Go Special Forces | 1982 |
| L-Seven/ Unreleased Studio And Live | 12” LP | Third Man Records | 2020 |
External links
- "L-Seven" at Touch and Go Records official site
- Corey Rusk remarks on Larissa Stolarchuk’s passing