Ski Patrol (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 in London, England |
| Founder | Ian Lowery, Nick Clift |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, compilation album |
Ski Patrol was a British post-punk group established in London in 1979 by Ian Lowery, previously of The Wall and later of Folk Devils, alongside Nick Clift from The Debutantes.
History
In the autumn of 1979, Ski Patrol emerged in Brixton, London, formed by musicians from two Sunderland college bands: The Wall and The Debutantes. Ian Lowery and Nick Clift, the founding members, chose the band’s name inspired by a track from John Cale's album Slow Dazzle. Drawing influence from British post-punk pioneers such as Joy Division, Gang Of Four, and A Certain Ratio, as well as incorporating Jamaican rhythmic elements and reflecting the politically charged atmosphere of London, they developed sharp, brooding compositions that melded Lowery's somber lyrics with Clift's intricate guitar work. The lineup was completed by bassist Peter Balmer, formerly with Stranded, and drummer Bruce Archibald, who had also played with The Wall. They began performing across London venues, including supporting slots for The Carpettes.
By December 1979, the band entered Alaska Studios to record four tracks; two of these became their debut singles. Their first release, "Everything Is Temporary" backed with "Silent Scream," came out in February 1980 on their own Clever Metal label with distribution help from Rough Trade. This single reached number 44 on the UK Independent Singles Chart. Their profile grew through enthusiastic coverage in fanzines and frequent appearances at venues such as The Rock Garden and The Moonlight Club.
Early in 1980 saw drummer Archibald replaced by Alan Cole. Ski Patrol then aligned themselves with Malicious Damage, a West London label notable for issuing records by Killing Joke. In June 1980, they released their second single "Agent Orange" backed with "Driving," a song referencing the Vietnam War herbicide and featuring atmospheric synthesizer contributions from Killing Joke’s Jaz Coleman. This track remains their most well-known release.
By early 1981, bassist Balmer left to join Fad Gadget, with Francis Cook stepping in as his replacement. This formation recorded a session for BBC's John Peel in January 1981, showcasing three tracks: "Cut," "Extinguish," and "Where The Buffalo Roam." Their third single, "Cut" backed with "Faith in Transition," was released that summer via Malicious Damage. In April 1981, the group conducted their final studio session producing three unreleased songs: "Version Of A Life," "Extinguish," and "Concrete Eternal." The band disbanded in August of the same year.
Following Ski Patrol’s split, Lowery and Cook established F for Fake; Lowery later reunited with Cole in The Folk Devils, while Clift joined Rough Trade. A fourth single titled "Bright Shiny Things" was issued by Clever Metal in September 1982.
Clift and Lowery briefly collaborated again during Folk Devils’ second phase in 1986, releasing the EP The Best Protection on Beggars Banquet's Situation 2 imprint.
In 2014, a compilation entitled Versions Of A Life (Recordings 1979-1981), which included the final session recordings, was released.
Singles
- "Everything Is Temporary" (1980), Clever Metal – UK Independent no. 44
- "Agent Orange" (1980), Malicious Damage
- "Cut" (1981), Malicious Damage
- "Bright Shiny Things" (1981), Clever Metal
Compilation album
- Versions Of A Life (Recordings 1979-1981) (2014), released by Dark Entries/Definitive Gaze