The Diagram Brothers
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Manchester , England |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
The Diagram Brothers were a Manchester-based English post-punk group active from 1979 until 1982. The band consisted of Andy Diagram on bass guitar, Fraser Diagram handling vocals and guitar, Lawrence Diagram on guitar, Jason Diagram also on bass, and Simon Diagram on drums; despite their shared surname, they were not related. Andy Diagram additionally contributed to acts such as Dislocation Dance, The Pale Fountains, and James.
Their musical approach was termed "Discordo" by Andy Diagram, defined by a rigid structure combining dissonant guitar chords, uncomplicated rock or disco rhythms, and direct lyrical content. Music writer Stuart Maconie described their sound as "humorous, somewhat unsettling, and uniquely distinctive."
The group’s initial release was a 7-inch EP issued through the Construct label in 1980. Subsequently, they signed with New Hormones, the label founded by the Buzzcocks. Under New Hormones, they released the single "Bricks," the album Some Marvels of Modern Science, and a 10-inch EP titled Discordo prior to their disbandment. Their style has often been likened to that of The Residents and XTC.
Throughout their career, The Diagram Brothers recorded three sessions for John Peel's show on BBC Radio 1. These recordings, including the Peel sessions, were later compiled and released on CD by the LTM label.
Discography
Positions listed correspond to the UK Indie Chart.
- "We Are All Animals" 7-inch EP (1980) Construct (#30)
- "Bricks" 7-inch single (1981) New Hormones (#46)
- Some Marvels of Modern Science LP (1981) New Hormones
- Discordo 10-inch EP (1982) New Hormones
- German E.P. 7-inch EP (1982) Outatune
- Some Marvels of Modern Science + Singles CD (2007) LTM (LTMCD 2480)
- The Peel Sessions CD (2011) LTM (LTMCD 2558)