Easter And The Totem has been played on NTS in shows including Post Punk Britain, featured first on 15 May 2023. Songs played include Nothing There.

Easter and the totem

“Got any cds mate?” said the two guys at the end of the Totes 20th Anniversary gig. We heard the music from the street and just had to come in to find out who was making that sound. Of course we did. If you’ve got the “Co conspirator” single its worth 40 euros (check out eBay). If you’ve got the very first album Hip replacement its worth 20 euros (check out record collector).

All of this came from a group of friends who loved music. Ten of them turned up and played at the reunion. Nobody really leaves Easter and the Totem they just go on sabbatical. When the 2003 album Afraid new world was recorded the people chipped in but the core of Mike Barry, Jocky Mundie, and Dave Pearce did the lions share. Easter and the Totem is an idea really, a south London socialist idea but there is more to the songs than that. Some bear a heavy influence of Existentialism, Some are cut up technique. Occasionally some are just love songs (although this is rare). Musically the band are the gap between other South London bands like Squeeze and ATV (both of whom Easter and the Totem supported). Looking for band to play a benefit for the Guilford 4? Ambulance workers benefit? an Unemployed centre fundraiser? they would be there.

Oh and they also founded an Independent label, got distribution through Pinnacle. Had an NME single of the week. Founded a workers coop, helped form a music collective and above all cared. Not everything was rubbish in the 80s. The 80s was a nasty, mean, greedy time to grow up. Looking back many of the songs stand the test of time. This year there will be a 25th anniversary bash. Bet you most of the band turns up.

Easter and the totem

www.westnilerecords.com

www.myspace.com/easterandthetotem25

West Nile records 47 Carmunnock Road Glasgow G44 4UE