Liverpool-based The Free Zone duo met in a Christian Union at Liverpool University in 1982, bonding over post-punk and especially Londoners, The Clash. Initially called Cross Purposes, The Free Zone wanted to take the energy, urgency, and excitement of punk rock without the music sounding too primitive. The Free Zone was officially born in 1984.
The band comprised drummer/sequencer Peter Scarlett and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Tim Thwaites, and played mostly secular venues around their home city, even opening for NW England stalwarts The La’s. They also played a handful of gigs with fellow Liverpudlians, neo-folksters Revolutionary Army of the Infant Jesus.
They released a pair of full-length cassettes, a 12″ EP, and a vinyl LP, all between 1986-1990, an impressive feat within a short span of time. But it’s never quantity that counts in music, it’s always quality, and The Free Zone had it. Featuring an interesting blend of new wave, C-86 (late 80s British indie/alternative), and post-punk, the band’s sound is both relevant to its time and also still sounds fresh–a rare accomplishment.
“He Still Walks” was originally included on their debut cassette Let Them Eat Progress, but this version is taken from their 1990 full-length Mammon, which received a remastering treatment for its 30-year anniversary in 2021.
