Dalek I, 1982
“A liberation from the expectations of styles”
Dalek I, formerly known as Dalek I Love You, were a synth band from the Wirral. I never really knew what to make of them.
I like the notion of the first (only?) amusing version of White Light/White Heat.
Sadly, the line about “never quite reaching the acclaim that once seemed close” remained true for much of their career.
Dalek I
Pyramid Club, Liverpool
Melody Maker, February 6, 1982
DALEK I have come back with a laugh. Once in the vanguard of Wirral-flavoured synthesized pop (lightweight but solemn), never quite reaching the acclaim that once seemed close, they’re now re-emerging with a stronger character (and more characters) and plenty of plans.
Dalek I are dressed in costumes that are variations of sheet (ranging from an Arab to a Ku Klux Klan member). In this case it doesn’t hamper identification or individuality. It’s less of a gimmick and more a liberation from the expectations of styles. Escaping from categorisation, they can play with directions and ideas - and do. The music tonight covers a spectrum of styles, some more fun than others.
The set opens with history - “Dalek I Love You”, still with the whimsical frailty of early Pink Floyd.
The new line-up allows scope for experiment - the group’s a four-piece now, led by Alan Gill, with guitar and bass augmenting the synthesizers and even a quartet of girl singers for good measure.
If the comments and grimaces of the group weren’t enough to warn us that it’s not going to be totally serious, the playing soon puts over the message. The second song is introduced as “Good Times” and we realise that’s what we’re going to get. The music has abundant energy, and enjoyment spills out of the group.
There are plenty of covers to play with - like the first amusing version of “White Light/White Heat”, that suddenly turns into “Dancing In The Street” - sung, without much confidence, by one of the girls. Sho comes back later to give us “Tracks Of My Tears”.
There’s no chance to get bored, as there’s plenty of variety. Kraftwerkian riffs, a disco parody (or was it?), an almost-heavy version of “The In Crowd” - all are played with confidence. They have only to choose, add a little vinyl polish, and they could be up there in the top league.
On stage they’re human, and not too disciplined - the best way to be. The combination of variety and good humour made an evening of unexpected enjoyment.
Back in the 21st century
If you look up Dalek I on Wikipedia – or this extraordinarily detailed annotated discography – you’ll find them typical of the confusing revolving door of the Merseyside scene of the times. (Notably, there was some crossover with OMD.) By the time of this gig, I think Alan Gill was the only original member left.
However, fans might like to know that Dalek I Love You founder members David Balfe and David Hughes will be releasing a new LP in May.
The record is called The Heart Wants What It Wants and goes out under the name of Late Transmissions starring Eve Quartermain.
The press release describes it accurately as “evocative of classic widescreen soundtracks and sixties orchestrated pop, with a pinch of jazz and processed 90s noir beats”. Here’s a taster. It’s rather good.
More Dalek I
I also saw Dalek I at the Futurama festival later the same year.
I wrote: “Dalek I, with their usual infuriating eccentricity, are playing intermittently throughout the day behind a net curtain in the foyer. They’re good enough to get away with it.”