Recently, I was saddened to learn that Johnny Strike, singer/guitarist for the pioneer punks, Crime, had passed away. Crime’s debut 45 came out in 1976—Year Zero for Punk Rock—and bursting from the grooves was a raw ‘n’ ramshackle combination of ‘60s garage rock and Raw Power-era Stooges. A few years later, Crime refined their sound, embracing new wave. When they disbanded in the early ‘80s, Strike and another member of Crime formed a group that took what the late period lineup had been exploring to a place that was both darker and more mysterious. Recordings were made, but an LP never materialized. That’s about to change.
It was late in the summer of 1979 when Crime found themselves in need of a bass player. Joey D’Kaye, who had been their sound guy/roadie, was recruited to fill the role. As the band changed direction, D’Kaye switched to the synthesizer. Crime’s third single reflected their new sound, though this would prove to be the group’s final release.
By 1982, Crime was finished, but Strike and D’Kaye decided they still wanted to work together. The two had similar interests, including soundtracks to science fiction films and electro-punk–elements they’d incorporate into their next venture. Initially called the System, the duo recorded their synth-based tunes from 1983-84, laying down enough material for an album. In ’84, after they changed their name to Vector, a tape of their demos received some Bay Area radio airplay, but nothing more became of the recordings. Soon, Strike and D’Kaye were being pulled in different directions, and the two went their separate ways.
It would be decades before Strike and D’Kaye would dust off the tapes they had made in the ‘the ‘80s and begin preparing them for release. Though it’s taken some time to make it happen, HoZac Records is about to put out an LP. Credited to Vector Command, System 3 is a collection of creepy, atmospheric tracks that are strangely danceable (think dark wave). Some songs are more experimental, resembling sci-fi/horror film scores. One number, “E.M.W.,” is a remake of Crime’s weirdest tune (it was originally called “Emergency Ward Music”). It dates from a 2001 session, in which Strike and D’Kaye briefly revived the project. The track was the perfect Crime number for the duo to tackle, and sits comfortably amongst the ‘80s recordings on System 3.
Dangerous Minds has the web premiere of “E.M.W.”
Vector Command’s System 3 LP will be released on October 19th. The first pressing is limited to 500 copies. Pre-order yours here.
Towards the end of his life, Johnny Strike reunited with Joey D’Kaye, along with fellow Crime alum, Hank Rank, to form the group Naked Beast. In 2017, they released their self-titled album.
A 1980 live clip of the synth-era Crime reveals the band in a state of transition. Strike and fellow guitarist/vocalist, Frankie Fix, are wearing DEVO-inspired outfits, while the other members, including D’Kaye, are still wearing the garb the band was known for donning—police uniforms. They’re playing an unreleased number known as “Space Face,” which is an update of an older song of theirs, “Samurai.”
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Murder By Guitar: San Francisco punk band Crime live at San Quentin prison, 1978