The Escalators - Moving Staircases

This reissue of The Escalators only studio album, from 1983, will mostly be of interest to psychobilly completists, despite not being ’billy itself. An offshoot from ‘kings of psychobilly’ The Meteors, and a precursor to the Tall Boys, the band dealt in straightforward garage band punk, with a new wave sensibility and the occasional psych nod. It’s not in the least bit original, of course, with snatches of all the obvious reference points (Gang Of Four, Magazine, Joy Division – even a John Cooper Clarke-alike monologue at one point), but it holds together with the sort of driving rhythms and lively lyrics you’d expect, and it packs a satisfyingly powerful punch overall. Packaged in a LP replica card sleeve, with no bonuses, it’s squarely aimed at fans looking to replace their vinyl originals. But, for such a single-led genre, it’s a shame that the band’s pair of 7”s hasn’t been included. Their version of the Munsters theme was popular enough to make the Top 20 back in the day, but is unlikely to see the light of day anywhere else now. Still, Moving Staircases is enjoyable, energetic stuff. It won’t take you to new heights, but it sure beats walking.