Pylon Reenactment Society’s Debut Album: Continuing the Legacy of Funky Art Punk

The echoes of Pylon’s unique brand of funky art punk are brought back to life in 'Magnet Factory,' the debut album by Pylon Reenactment Society (PRS). In the early ‘80s, Pylon, the Georgia-based alternative rock band, didn't sell many records but they did leave their mark on the music world, influencing numerous artists, including the likes of R.E.M. and Sleater-Kinney. Now, under the banner of the PRS, Vanessa Briscoe Hay, who was the original force behind Pylon's vocals, re-engages with Pylon’s minimalist and quirky music style.

Forming the Pylon Reenactment Society

After the various iterations and breakups of the original band, 2014 marked the formation of PRS, with Vanessa Briscoe Hay at the forefront once again. While PRS has fresh members - guitarist Jason NeSmith, bassist Kay Stanton, and drummer Gregory Sanders - it is still deeply connected to its roots with Pylon bassist Michael Lachowski leading the group's art direction.

The Sound and Style of 'Magnet Factory'

The newly released 'Magnet Factory' stands out in today’s music scene with its vigorous and jagged tunes. The album showcases a mix of Briscoe Hay's powerful sing-speak vocal style complemented by energetic yelps, against a backdrop of Stanton's agile bass and NeSmith's catchy surf guitar riffs. Songs like 'Fix It' stand out for their cool collaborations, featuring backing vocals from the B-52’s Kate Pierson.

The lyrics are enigmatic and the rhythm unpredictable, which is a hallmark of Pylon’s brand of punk that never really aimed to fit into mainstream dance floors but still managed to get people moving. In an era where music discovery is often driven by algorithms, 'Magnet Factory' seems to pierce through the noise with its unique and refreshing sound.

Legacy and Influence

Though only releasing a few albums in their prime, Pylon’s impact was lasting, with PRS serving as a testament to their legacy. The tenacity of Briscoe Hay and her ability to recapture and revitalize the spirit of Pylon’s past is evident within 'Magnet Factory'. It's more than just a throwback, it's a reanimation of the spirit of a band that managed to leave a significant impact with few recordings, which this new album is ready to continue.

revival, album, punk