Algebra Suicide

Algebra Suicide was the married couple Lydia Tomkiw (lyrics / vocals) and Don Hedeker (guitars / keyboards). They formed in Chicago in 1982, and their first four song EP, 'True Romance At The World’s Fair', was self-released that year. It featured a 60’s Vox Guitar Organ, a precursor to the synthesizer guitar, and a Multivox Rhythm Ace drum machine. In 1984 they released a second 4 song EP, 'An Explanation For That Flock Of Crows', ditching the guitar organ but adding the Casiotone MT-40. The 'Big Skin' cassette was released in 1986 and featured 13 new compositions with more complex arrangements. A compilation album, 'The Secret Like Crazy', was released in 1988. It collected 20 tracks picked from the first two EPs and the 'Big Skin' cassette, plus unreleased songs. 

Lydia and Don call their approach “Avant Garage” citing inspiration from Patti Smith, Frank O’Hara, Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed. Don plays guitar in a hauntingly stark style like Glenn Branca, Tom Verlaine, or Vini Reilly. He then adds Casio keyboards and minimal electronic percussion, creating a moody, atmospheric backdrop for Lydia’s poems. Lydia’s words span a broad range of twisted real-life observations, and are delivered in a deadpan fashion with her distinct Midwestern accent. [SOURCE: DARK ENTRIES RECORDS]