What I like about early Savage Republic apart from the slight Joy Division influence is the artwork. Artwork that Factory Records in Manchester could only dream of having on there releases. This debut 7″, and the debut LP from 1982 ‘Tragic Figures’ were both covered up in beautiful screen printed and totally original brown card covers, stuffed full of card inserts etc. No two copies were exactly the same. My copy of ‘Tragic Figures’ LP is written in Arabic with loads of PLO type images on it, with the band (on my copy) called Africa Corps. Others have different sleeves, and are by Savage Republic. All the same band / record in case you think I have made an error!
Nic
February 8, 2008 at 10:37 amYes, totally agree, my friend…
A fantastic group and consistently excellent graphic design by Bruce (IP)…
Chris
February 8, 2008 at 6:06 pmyes, that is an absolutely stunning cover. Kinda reminds me of a cross between 4AD artwork (in particular the fonts used), Neville Brody (the handprint reminiscent of 23 Skidoo’s ‘7 songs’ cover) and more recently, Constellation Records.
john
February 8, 2008 at 9:21 pmlooks like mail art
Chris
February 8, 2008 at 9:30 pmyes, spot on. Nic or pengy…was this type of cover something the band used on other releases? Sorry, i really don’t know anything about them (and i must say i prefer the cover to the music)
Penguin • Post Author •
February 8, 2008 at 10:17 pmChris, ahhh mate…gauntlet time, sticking up the debut LP…RIGHT NOW fella!!!
Tell me you are luke warm to the music after listening to this classic old bean!!!
What a record…ahhh.
Nic
February 9, 2008 at 12:53 pmYes, Chris – Bruce (the bassplayer) designed all of the groups artwork and consistently used this style (as part of his Independent Projects Press)…
http://members.tripod.com/~Trudge/images.html
He sells quite a few things through ebay (look for Savage Republic)…
Savage Republic had a few connections to the scene around The Urinals (groups like Neef and Bridge whose releases are ultra-rare and very hard to come by – as a rule)…