- 19
- 178 456
UNITS
United States
Registrace 29. 12. 2007
The Units were an American synthpunk band, founded in San Francisco in 1978 and active until 1984. They were one of America's earliest electronic new wave bands, and have been cited (along with The Screamers and Suicide) as pioneers of synthpunk, also retrospectively known as "electropunk". The Units were notable for their use of synthesizers in place of guitars, and multimedia performances featuring multiple projections of satirical, instructional films critical of conformity and consumerism.
A Second of Time
One of America's first electronic new wave bands, The UNITS are widely cited as pioneers of a genre now known as "synthpunk." The song “A Second of Time” is available on the 16 song album "UNITS - Demos 1977 - 1978" released in 2022. You can get the digital album on the UNITS Bandcamp page at:
units-scottryser.bandcamp.com
There is also a limited edition 12” vinyl LP available on the MINIMALKOMBINAT label at: groups/2208128859484635
"UNITS - Demos 1977 - 1978" was recorded on a 2 track reel to reel tape deck in Scott Ryser's bedroom/studio. Some of the songs made it to a cassette tape demo called "Noise Generator" in 1978.
The original UNITS (on this recording), Scott Ryser, Tim Ennis and Brad Saunders, all went to high school together in Redding, California before moving to San Francisco in the ‘70s, soon after graduating from high school.
All songs and video © & ℗ Scott Ryser / Lets Go Publishing
Credits: Scott Ryser - Minimoog Synthesizer, Model 800 Sequential Circuits Sequencer, Fender Rhodes, Lyrics, Vocals.
Tim Ennis - Bass, Synthesizer, background vocals
Brad Saunders - Drums
Rachel Webber - Album cover logo
units-scottryser.bandcamp.com
There is also a limited edition 12” vinyl LP available on the MINIMALKOMBINAT label at: groups/2208128859484635
"UNITS - Demos 1977 - 1978" was recorded on a 2 track reel to reel tape deck in Scott Ryser's bedroom/studio. Some of the songs made it to a cassette tape demo called "Noise Generator" in 1978.
The original UNITS (on this recording), Scott Ryser, Tim Ennis and Brad Saunders, all went to high school together in Redding, California before moving to San Francisco in the ‘70s, soon after graduating from high school.
All songs and video © & ℗ Scott Ryser / Lets Go Publishing
Credits: Scott Ryser - Minimoog Synthesizer, Model 800 Sequential Circuits Sequencer, Fender Rhodes, Lyrics, Vocals.
Tim Ennis - Bass, Synthesizer, background vocals
Brad Saunders - Drums
Rachel Webber - Album cover logo
zhlédnutí: 1 251
Video
iNight 1977
zhlédnutí 637Před rokem
One of America's first electronic new wave bands, The UNITS are widely cited as pioneers of a genre now known as "synthpunk." The song “iNight 1977” is available on the 16 song album "UNITS - Demos 1977 - 1978" released in 2022. You can get the digital album on the UNITS Bandcamp page at: units-scottryser.bandcamp.com/ There is also a limited edition 12” vinyl LP available on the MINIMALKOMBINA...
Town By The River Demo 1977
zhlédnutí 628Před rokem
One of America's first electronic new wave bands, The Units are widely cited as pioneers of a genre now known as "synthpunk." In this video you'll see the UNITS smashing cutout plywood guitars on a car hood they used as a screen for projections during their live shows. 'Unit Back In Unity' written in 1978 appears on the new 16 song album DEMOS 1977 (1978) by UNITS released in 2022. This perform...
Unit Back In Unity
zhlédnutí 143Před rokem
One of America's first electronic new wave bands, The Units are widely cited as pioneers of a genre now known as "synthpunk." In this video you'll see the UNITS smashing cutout plywood guitars on a car hood they used as a screen for projections during their live shows. 'Unit Back In Unity' written in 1978 appears on the new 16 song album DEMOS 1977 (1978) by UNITS released in 2022. This perform...
UNITS - DEMOS - 1977-1978
zhlédnutí 407Před 2 lety
A new 16 song album by UNITS released in 2022. This song is "Louis Louis".
UNITS - live Windows Performance 1979
zhlédnutí 508Před 2 lety
One of America's first electronic new wave bands, The Units are widely cited as pioneers of a genre now known as "synthpunk." In this video the UNITS perform inside the display windows of the J.C. Penny building. Downtown S.F., Jan. 25, 1979. Directed by Rachel Webber. Special help from Kai Beriones, Tom Matty, Ernest Fritz and Diane Daniels. Windows organized by Michael Osterhout. UNITS are: S...
UNITS - live 1979 "Unit Back In Unity" and "High Pressure Days"
zhlédnutí 2,6KPřed 2 lety
One of America's first electronic new wave bands, The Units are widely cited as pioneers of a genre now known as "synthpunk." In this video you'll see the UNITS smashing cutout plywood guitars on a car hood they used as a screen for projections. Also, "High Pressure Days" live, with the "Unit Training Film" playing in the background. Music & video by Scott Ryser © ℗ 1979.
Unit Training Film 1 - "Warm Moving Bodies"
zhlédnutí 981Před 4 lety
One of America's first electronic new wave bands, The Units are widely cited as pioneers of a genre now known as "synthpunk." The Unit Training Film #1, produced by band members Scott Ryser and Rachel Webber in 1980, was compiled from films that the band projected during their live performances. The films were satirical, instructional films critical of conformity and consumerism, compiled from ...
Units' Scott Ryser "Got My Ticket"
zhlédnutí 287Před 4 lety
"Got My Ticket" vid is from the UNITS' Scott Ryser's new 2019 album "Flying Away", available at units-scottryser.bandcamp.com/ Animation is by Sam Ryser (Scott's son). Scott Ryser - music & lyrics, synthesizers, vocals & mixing Kit Watson - synthesizers, drums & mastering © Scott Ryser 2019
UNITS' - Scott Ryser - "Society For Two"
zhlédnutí 645Před 4 lety
SOCIETY FOR TWO is a new vid from the UNITS’ - Scott Ryser’s 2019 solo album "Flying Away". Animation and Video by Scott Ryser. All artwork by Bernardino Costantino. Scott Ryser: synthesizers, lyrics, vocals, programming, mixing Kit Watson: synthesizers, drums, mastering Background vocals by UNITS' Rachel Webber. Violin solo by Blaine L. Reininger from the legendary band Tuxedomoon. Background ...
UNITS - "Animals They Dream About" 1981
zhlédnutí 3,3KPřed 7 lety
From the UNITS previously unreleased second LP recorded in 1982, co-produced by Bill Nelson (Be-Bop Deluxe). Music and lyrics written by Scott Ryser and Rachel Webber. Video by Scott Ryser comprised of public domain films - and photographs created by Rachel Webber. The full "Animals" album (finally released in 2016) is now available on Futurismo Records at Futurismoinc.com , along with the UNIT...
UNITS - "Cowboy" (Official Unit Training Film 1980)
zhlédnutí 3KPřed 8 lety
UNITS - “Cowboy” Music by Scott Ryser © 1979 Performed by UNITS for the 1980 album "DIGITAL STIMULATION". This video, edited by Scott Ryser, uses scenes from the original 16mm films and 35mm slides the UNITS projected during their live performances of the film “Cowboy”. The UNITS usually ran two 16mm projectors and two 35mm slide projectors, simultaneously, during their performances at punk clu...
The Units "Work" 1979
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed 10 lety
Direct from synthpunk pioneers, THE UNITS, this is the song "WORK" ... from their debut 1979 hand stamped 7"E.P. The video includes photos of live performances at San Francisco's Mabuhay Gardens (aka The Fab Mab) in 1979, along with press clippings and some photos of the band.
The Units (live in NYC '81) "Cannibals"
zhlédnutí 4,7KPřed 10 lety
THE UNITS playing the song "Cannibals" live at HURRAH in New York City in April of 1981. Taken from the film "Seven Deadly Synths" by Merrill Aldighieri (the first "VJ"). Along with THE UNITS, synth bands in this film include Suicide, XEX, Our Daughter's Wedding, Sun Ra, Minny Pops and more. Now available on DVD at: artclips.free.fr/sevenDeadlySynths.htm
The Units "High Pressure Days - 1979 - With Dirk Dirksen"
zhlédnutí 9KPřed 11 lety
The Units original "High Pressure Days" from their first 1979 self released E.P., along with an intro from the godfather of punk, S.F.'s Dirk Dirksen. Tons of pics of people from the early west coast punk scene and flyers from shows that The Units played.
I like Jandek more
Good but the single release is so much better. This is a sketch.
Unique live show❤
omg just found this. I was at this show, first exposure to the Units, blown away. Fond memories of the acerbic Mr. Dirksen, I was trying to manage a band and get bookings in the city at the time. Best shows I remember were Units, Surface Music, and Chrome. Though Chrome didn't play the Mab, saw them nearby at this upstairs theater when they released, "Blood on the Moon," LP. Good Times.
Soooo damn tasty 🔥
I still own this 45. Is it worth anything? This video is the best thing on the freakin' internet
is there somewhere to get a CD copy of this?
This video is like a modern schizo meme, I love it.
Amazing composition, amazing sound design, great experience it's a shame I wasn't even born when all this "under" movement was happening but this is the best way to immortalize such a great band, thank you so much for uploading it
anyone got the whole show
If it hasn't yet, the ambient intro could very convincingly be used in fake leaks of unreleased Boards of Canada material
This song is just one of those perfect songs, imo. Seeing it performed live is just awesome.
This is awesome
One guy looks like young Al Bundy. 😉
An other version of that genuis stuff !
Incredible footage, man. Please keep it coming!
History
What ever happened to old Dirk anyway ?
He passed away in 2006. I believe it was a heart attack.
I love this song so much.
are there any lyrics for this track?
This is everything
I grew up in Tasmania, Australia, obsessively listening to the 'Digital Stimulation' LP when I was 12. Only just now rediscovered it on CZcams, and my mind is blown away from the memories flooding back! Seriously, thank you so much for creating this amazing music. I'll forever miss those early 80's days filled with truly experimental & fresh raw sounds. I'll sleep tonight with the returned sound of 'Units' in my brain again! (Bliss)
I'm hypnotized! Simply fantastic! Regards from a 🇧🇷 fan!
I love it! Pre real drummer days. Or is that a real drummer? The description says there’s a drummer. I love how genuine it sounds. Not some over produced garbage.
It's definitely a drum machine, sounds like a Korg KR 55
Love these early demos!! 👍
Love it!!!!!
UNBELIEVABLY AHEAD OF THEIR TIME
a double bill with the Screamers would've been something
Amazing! I love it!
Man, I love this stuff!! Scott, you’re a genius. I’m a huge fan!!! 👍
Awesome!!
That was amazing!!! I want more! It was cut off too soon. Also, late 1970’s fashion… 43 years from now what will people be saying about 2020’s fashion?
when anarchy was art and art was anarchy.
Love it!! 👏 Not so sure about those pants though. 😆😆😆
0:00 Unit Back In Unity 1:12 High Pressure Days
If there is anything I can do to make it taste better then just let me know 🙂
No, Jandek, pick another name
Masterpiece
100% agree.
I love this!! 👍
unique - more unique - units
fkn gnar
This whole album is fantastic!! I can’t imagine how blown away I would have been in 1982.
Love this!! 👍
Simply amazing!!! 👏👏👏
From a time when synthesizers had souls. Souls that squeaked and screamed. The golden hour of the future.
Before midi 😒
This is so fricking amazing, thanks for sharing with us. 👏👏👏
Fantastic!!
Happy Birthday, Scott!! Hope you have a great day. 😀
Scott, I saw The Units in 1982 when you opened for OMD. You guys were so awesome and you inspired me to start my own electronic band in 1984, The Techno Peasants. Our first song was called Unit Unit. I’m so glad you’re back making music, I’m a huge fan. 👍
I will never forget when you (The Units) opened for the Psychedelic Furs in San Francisco and closed your set with "Cowboy," projecting the original "Dream of the Wild Horses) behind you. I don't remember any cowboys in, but you did have the ending where the horses are running through the fire. Thirty years later I stole your idea and used the footage for my own music video -( Knox Bronson Dream of the Wild Horses if you are curious). We used to go see you every time you played. Thanks for putting up this video.
Killer track .. and that violin solo ..wowwww! \m/>,<\m/ <3 <3 <3