Pylon – Gyrate

Even though their time together as a band was short-lived, Pylon made a lasting contribution to the development of the post-punk and art rock scene of the early 80s. Artists such as REM, Gang of Four, Sonic Youth and many others cite the band as an inspiration. The 1980 debut album by the band from Athens, GA is now finally available again, freshly remastered from the original tapes.

Pylon’s debut album stands as a distinctive blend of post-punk angularity and minimalist funk, its lean instrumentation and propulsive rhythms creating a sound that feels urgent and fresh. Drawing from the Athens scene’s DIY ethos, the record pairs sharp guitar lines with insistent bass and drums, while the vocal delivery delivers a mix of detached cool and hypnotic repetition. The result is a crisp and challenging listening experience that remains compelling decades later.

It’s the tension between danceable groove and abstract structure that gives the album its lasting resonance—each track feels like a tightly wound machine built for movement, but also for thought. The band never settles into comfort; instead, they push edges that many of their peers either softened or abandoned. Over time, the record has gained recognition as an influential touchstone for post-punk and indie artists who followed.

Reviews

“...the quartet’s debut LP is one of the most complete offerings of its time, showing just how deep the new wave did indeed reach.” – Tiny Mix Tapes

“On which the beloved album gets its remastered, expanded, completist, contextualized due … the listener, finally, to enjoy the assaultive relationship of [its] bass and drumming.” – Pitchfork