Thomas Leer was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland. He played in several local experimental pop groups in the early to mid-1970s, then moved to London when the punk rock scene was at its height. He formed the punk band Pressure, but by 1978 had moved on from punk to music influenced by synthpop & Krautrock bands such as Can. That year, he self-financed his debut single, "Private Plane". Although it was recorded in his own flat & was only issued in 650 copies on his own label, it gained significant attention, with NME naming it "Single of the Week". In 1979, he released the album The Bridge in collaboration with Robert Rental.
Rental was also from Port Glasgow. He moved to the south of England & became flatmate with Thomas Leer in the late 1970s. He became involved with the local music scene, however he released very little of his own solo music, preferring to collaborate with Thomas Leer, as well as with Daniel Miller (as The Normal).
Recording information for The Bridge:
"This album was recorded at home on 8 track equipment, provided for us by Industrial Records. It was produced in two weeks dating 18th June to 2nd July. All blips clicks & unseemly noises were generated by refrigerators & other domestic appliances & are intrinsic to the music. Special thanks to Throbbing Gristle for their help & encouragement throughout."
decryption code in comments
Attack Decay
Monochrome Day's
Day Breaks, Night Heals
Connotations
Fade Away
Side B -
Interferon
Six A.M.
The Hard Way In & the Easy Way Out
Perpetual
Look what the spice dragged in,
NØ