The Robinson Scratch Theory

Bedroom/lo-fi psychedelia by unsung heroes of the '80s DIY cassette culture scene. From outsider synth-pop to Barrett-esque lysergic folk; from lo-fi garage-punk to basement prog: acid-fuzz guitars, cheap keyboards, primitive electronics, homemade vibes, and bizarre, funny lyrics. Pig Rider were formed in Kent, UK, in the late '60s by John Mayes and Colin Kitchener. With the help from some friends they recorded and self-released a series of acetate-only psych-folk albums in the mid-'70s (Heterophonies, Bloody Turkey Sandwiches...), which are prime examples of early DIY psychedelic music, highly sought after since a review of Heterophonies appeared in Richard Morton Jack's Galactic Ramble book. In 2013, collector Alexandre Mansuy (from the influential Somewhere There Is Music blog) found Mayes and Kitchener and was astonished when they told him their story: Heterophonies was only one of their many, many great recordings, 22 in all, including 45s, acetates, and tapes. Thanks to Mansuy, Guerssen is launching comprehensive Pig Rider reissue campaign, starting with The Robinson Scratch Theory. The compilation, compiled by Mansuy, includes tracks originally recorded between 1980 and 1986 and released as private cassettes. Pig Rider's sound brings to mind obscure DIY bands like The Desperate Bicycles, Instant Automatons, or Beyond the Implode - if those bands knew how to write catchy and well-crafted songs. But the most amazing thing is that Pig Rider were creating this kind of music for their own amusement without any knowledge of the post-punk or DIY movement. Although they were listening to bands like the Bonzo's, Pink Floyd, and The Misunderstood - "I played their 'Children of the Sun' 45 until the groove was worn out!" says Kitchener - Pig Rider claim that the main influence on what they played was the availability of instruments and what they could do with them - not always what they were designed for - and always pushing their limits. The Robinson Scratch Theory is presented in master tape sound with an insert/booklet containing detailed liner notes and photos. The double CD edition includes four bonus tracks that are also available as a free download via Bandcamp. The compilation is released in advance of first-ever reissues of two of Pig Rider's ultra-rare '70s acetates, Bloody Turkey Sandwiches (1974) and Heterophonies (1975). Welcome to the twisted world of one of the truly pioneering DIY psychedelic pop bands.