To celebrate Mardi Gras- here’s another rare US entry from the post-punk pantheon, consisting of a two piece husband and wife duo from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Living Links originally started as a side outlet for Hans and Margie Van Brackle, who were first active in a band called Times (not to be confused with the Venus in Furs side project of the same name). Margie came from a background of opera, religious, and musical theatre, which can be heard in her playful, almost child-like soprano vocals. The pair recorded with a drum machine, layering overdubs for their debut single in 1983.
After picking up steam, the duo began occasionally performing live with a drummer, headlining regional shows and performing at the World’s Fair in 1984, which was held in New Orleans. This gig was followed up by their lone full-length record, 1985’s Gathering the Forces, which explored several styles outside of traditional post-punk. The duo would soon fade away, though allegedly the Van Brackles still play music together…
Fans of Talking Heads, The Wake, and more playful, yet still well-executed post-punk and indie pop will find much to love across these releases. I’ve included a fresh rip of the debut single (Every Sad Night) and the LP, and while it isn’t my personal rip, I’ve attached the a-side of their second single “Manger” just to sweeten the pot. I’d include the b-side, but it’s identical to the album version, so it’s a bit redundant to have here twice. The duo also released a final 7” in 1990, which also contained two repeat tracks from the LP.
So with that in mind, here’s the (pretty much) full discography for this excellent band. Enjoy!
Living Links- Every Sad Night 7” (1983)
1. Every Sad Night
2. You and the Unknown
3. I Stop Short
Living Links- Manger 7” (1983)
1. Manger
2. I’m Not Streetwise
Living Links- Gathering the Forces LP (1985)
1. I Live In Here
2. Gathering The Forces
3. I’m Awake When I Should Be Sleeping
4. Remember The Battle
5. For The Paramecium
6. Do You Dream In Color
7. Two Girls
8. Like An Animal
9. I’m Not Streetwise
Download all three here