Jayne Casey's post-Big in Japan endeavour, Pink Military,
was quickly snapped up by Virgin after critical accolades showered their 1979 12”
single "Blood and Lipstick." Nearly a year later, and sporting a new
rhythm section, Pink Military released the wonderfully moody Do Animals Believe
in God?. The album would become both their debut effort and swan song.
Alternative beats which border on darkwave inform much of this set, and Casey
keeps the mood sweet and melancholy, but imbues the songs with an edge that
barely conceals her sharper points. This works to wonderful effect on many of
the songs, but most especially on "I Cry," which crossed U.K.
post-punk ethics with a smidgen of Nico and a little Rocky Horror Picture Show
thrown in for kicks. "Did You See Her?," the album's lone single,
keeps the vocal range low but brightens the vibe with some light-hearted synth.
Elsewhere, the band continues to shine on "Back on the London Stage,"
as well as on the dramatic title track; sung, incidentally, by an unidentified band
member. Pink Military only falters when they step into the more experimental
waters of "Living in a Jungle" and "War Games." Sadly, this
wonderful album fared poorly, leaving Casey to regroup and redefine the band's dimension,
burying Pink Military and giving birth to the new era of Pink Industry in 1982.
One upon a time, a striking
young lady named Jayne Casey, together with her brood of mates, would become
one of the first gaggle of youths which would fly the fundamental flag of the
'new wave' in the City of Liverpool in the mid to late 1970s. Already tuned in
to what was happening regarding new music and styles from New York-past and
present, Casey was ready to open eyes and ears- as well as ruffling the feathers
of many a passer-by in the city centre with her creative and outrageous flair
in clothes, hair and make-up.
She formed Pink Military (originally named Pink Military Stands Alone) after the disintegration of one of Liverpool's most notorious 'Punk' bands, Big In Japan, who collapsed under the weight of its motley bunch of characters in 1978. Holly Johnson, Bill Drummond, Ian Broudie and Budgie- would seem to find their own separate channels and reap the rewards soon afterwards.
Casey was always 'on the ball' as regards new ideas and directions, but has never been fairly championed as someone who possessed spot-on talent and insight into the many things she has been involved in and contributed to, over the years.
When you think of it, there weren't that many female personalities in 'the scene' in Liverpool at the time and Casey didn't have the equivalent bolstering back-up that Siouxsie Sioux had in London for example, what with the Slits, Polystyrene, not to mention the likes of auntie Westwood.
However, she battled on...
She formed Pink Military (originally named Pink Military Stands Alone) after the disintegration of one of Liverpool's most notorious 'Punk' bands, Big In Japan, who collapsed under the weight of its motley bunch of characters in 1978. Holly Johnson, Bill Drummond, Ian Broudie and Budgie- would seem to find their own separate channels and reap the rewards soon afterwards.
Casey was always 'on the ball' as regards new ideas and directions, but has never been fairly championed as someone who possessed spot-on talent and insight into the many things she has been involved in and contributed to, over the years.
When you think of it, there weren't that many female personalities in 'the scene' in Liverpool at the time and Casey didn't have the equivalent bolstering back-up that Siouxsie Sioux had in London for example, what with the Slits, Polystyrene, not to mention the likes of auntie Westwood.
However, she battled on...