The Unknowns

The Unknowns were an unusual L.A. group blending stripped-down punk energy and gloomy contemporary lyrical settings with the reverb-heavy instrumental guitar sound of The Ventures and early surf groups, as well as a dash of rockabilly. After a disappointing EP on Sire ('Dream Sequence'), the group released a raw, self-titled album on the small indie Invasion in 1982 that ranks among the finest obscure new wave releases of the time with its strong songwriting, dripping wet production values, magnificent drumming, and crisp Mosrite guitar sound. Lead singer Bruce Joyner (who co-wrote most of the material with guitarist Mark Neill) has released several albums with backing groups The Plantations and The Tinglers. [SOURCE: ALLMUSIC]