Landscape (band)
| Company type | Group_or_band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 in London, England |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Synth-pop music |
Landscape was a synth-pop group originating from England, primarily recognized for their 1981 chart successes "Einstein a Go-Go" and "Norman Bates". Established in London in 1975, the ensemble toured widely throughout the late 1970s, showcasing their music across rock, punk, and jazz scenes. Initially, they independently issued two instrumental EPs via their own Event Horizon label before transitioning towards computer-driven compositions and electronic drum technology, becoming early innovators in synth-pop during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Formation
The lineup of Landscape included Richard James Burgess (drums, synthesisers, computer programming, vocals), Christopher Heaton (keyboards, piano, vocals), Andy Pask (bass guitar, bass synthesiser, vocals), Peter Thoms (trombone, electric trombone, vocals), and John L. Walters (lyricon, saxophone, flute, synths, computer programming, vocals). They gained recognition through live shows and by launching the independent label Event Horizon to release two EPs on their own terms. After securing a contract with RCA Records, they debuted with the album Landscape in 1979. Their 1981 release From the Tea-rooms of Mars .... included the Top 5 UK hit "Einstein a Go-Go" alongside "Norman Bates". Their third studio effort, Manhattan Boogie-Woogie (1982), came out prior to the departure of Heaton and Thoms.
Landscape III
Following their third album Manhattan Boogie-Woogie, Landscape continued as a trio formed by Burgess, Pask, and Walters.[1] Under the new name Landscape III, they issued singles such as "So Good, So Pure, So Kind" and "You Know How to Hurt Me".[2] The group dissolved in 1984 as members moved on to individual pursuits.[1]
Subsequent careers
Burgess,[3] Heaton, and Walters[4] shifted focus to music production roles. Walters co-established the CD journal Unknown Public in 1992 alongside Laurence Aston and has maintained an extensive career as both writer and editor. Since 1999 he has served as editor of Eye, becoming co-owner in 2008.[5] Pask worked as a session musician and co-composed the theme tune for ITV’s The Bill.[6] Thoms contributed trombone performances on Thomas Dolby's 1984 album The Flat Earth, toured with Dolby playing trombone live, and subsequently held a position at the headquarters of the Musicians’ Union.[7]
Studio albums
| Year | Album | UK | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Landscape | – | RCA |
| 1981 | From the Tea-rooms of Mars .... | 13 | RCA |
| 1982 | Manhattan Boogie-Woogie | – | RCA |
Singles
| Year | Single | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | "Japan" | – |
| 1979 | "Sonja Henie" | – |
| 1980 | "European Man" | – |
| 1981 | "Einstein a Go-Go" | 5 |
| 1981 | "Norman Bates" | 40 |
| 1981 | "European Man" (reissue) | 76 |
| 1982 | "Eastern Girls" | – |
| 1982 | "It's Not My Real Name" | – |
| 1983 | "So Good, So Pure, So Kind" as 'Landscape III' | 96 |
| 1983 | "You Know How to Hurt Me" as 'Landscape III' | – |
EPs
- "U2XME1X2MUCH" / "Don't Gimme No Rebop" / "Sixteen" (1977) 33⅓ rpm 7"*
- "Workers Playtime" / "Nearly Normal" / "Too Many Questions (Don't Ask Me Why)" (1978) 33⅓ rpm 7"
* The title "U2XME1X2MUCH" abbreviates the phrase "You two-timed me one time too much."
Both extended plays were issued through Landscape's own Event Horizon label.
Cassette album
- 1975: Thursday the 12th, Jaguar JS5
This cassette album was released under John Walters’ name via Gordon Beck’s cassette-exclusive label, Jaguar.
Radio session tracks
- "Kaptin Whorlix"
- "Gotham City"
- "Lost in the Small Ads"
- "Workers' Playtime"
These tracks were recorded for a John Peel Session broadcast in April 1978.