Cardiacs - Garage Concerts Vol I & II (2005)

Founded in Surrey, UK in 1977 (until 1980 as "Cardiac Arrest") - On hiatus since 2008

Complex, eccentric, defiantly different - Cardiacs are a unique, influential and sometimes overlooked force within the history of rock. Their status as a prog rock band is disputed by some, including frontman and composer Tim Smith himself, who notably prefers the term "psychedelic" or simply "pop".

Regardless, they are embraced by much of the prog rock community, as well as fans of punk, alternative, indie and pretty much every other permutation of rock music.

Their sound has gradually evolved over the decades from the raw DIY punk sound of their early cassette albums to the sumptuous grandeur and off-kilter pop of their most recent efforts, but all of it is shot through with Tim Smith's unique use of unusual chord progressions, Zappa-esque complexity, psychedelic overtones, catchy melodies and odd, often impenetrable lyrics.

Formed in 1977 (originally under the name of Cardiac Arrest), the band went through several line-ups, with Tim Smith and his brother Jim as the only constant members, before settling on the so-called "classic" line-up in 1984. This consisted of Tim Smith (guitar and lead vocals, primarily), Jim Smith (bass, vocals), William D. Drake (keyboards, vocals), Sarah Smith (saxophone, vocals), Tim Quy (percussion) and Dominic Luckman (drums).

This line-up was responsible for some of Cardiacs' most widely known albums including "A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window" and "On Land and in the Sea", as well as an eccentric, theatrical quality to their live performances including shabby uniforms, make-up, confetti and strange onstage banter.

After several departures (including Sarah Smith and William D. Drake) a pared-down quartet of Tim Smith, Jim Smith, Dominic Luckman and new second guitarist Jon Poole was established. William D. Drake was deemed irreplaceable and all future Cardiacs concerts featured the band playing to pre-recorded keyboard parts rather than a live musician, which took considerable skill, given the complex nature of much of the material.

This formula remained more or less constant from "Heaven Born and Ever Bright" up until the present, though Dominic Luckman and Jon Poole left at different points to be replaced by Bob Leith and Kavus Torabi respectively. For many the highlight of this period is the double album "Sing to God".

In 2008, Tim Smith suffered a major stroke, which has left him unable to record and perform music and plans for the long-awaited and imminent follow-up to "Guns" were shelved (an initial single "Ditzy Scene" had been released earlier that year). A variety of benefit concerts and gatherings have since been held to raise money for Tim's care and recovery, as well as the release of a tribute album of covers.

Recently the full catalog and merchandise has become available on Cardiacs website via The Alphabet Business Concern. This is the best way to benefit Tim and the band. They are also available through the usual on-line channels, specifically Wayside & Lasers Edge in the USA.

In many ways Cardiacs are the archetypal cult band - largely unknown, critically panned and ignored (they were notoriously once banned from the pages of the NME, though the attitude of mainstream media has shifted in recent years), and adored by a relatively small but fiercely loyal fanbase. Their unique amalgamation of styles, breath-taking complexity, surprisingly catchy songs, musical intensity and theatrical oddness is certainly an acquired taste, but any open-minded prog fan would be missing out if they didn't try to acquire it.