Expandis

Expandis is a group associated with new wave, electronic music, post-punk and synth-pop. The project grows out of dissatisfaction with the standard band format and begins in the late 1970s as a response to several near misses with other groups. Its sound draws on punk, new wave and experimental music, with clear influences from Suicide, Talking Heads, Kraftwerk, D.A.F. and Yellow Magic Orchestra.

Formation and approach

The group develops as a flexible live and studio project rather than a fixed line-up. The name reflects the idea that the concept can expand to include dancers, clowns, performance artists, guest musicians, hecklers, participants and observers. Performances take place in small clubs, open-air festivals, performance events and rock circuit gigs, and the group is known for shows in which no two appearances are the same.

Expandis also works across other formats during its active period, including performance events, dance parties, graphic novels, videos, magazines, festivals and role-playing soundtracks. The group signs with Rocket Records, the label associated with Elton John, in an attempt to reach a wider audience.

Members and collaborators

The core members are Dave Miller and Phil Thornton. John Wilde is also part of the group and is credited with vocals, lyrics, percussion, wall climbing, presence and graphics. Other contributors include Faye Wright, Kym Guest, Kay Thornton, Keith Bradshaw, Roger Carey, Grant Young, Terry Pack, Dinesh, Jamie Lane, Steve Demetri, Andy Maybe, Minn and Joe Rytlewski. The Foxx-related performances and videos also involve Karen Cousens, Bridget Blundel, Wendy Langridge and Vicky Baker.

Phil Thornton contributes synth, guitar, vocals and tapes, while Dave Miller contributes guitar, vocals, lyrics and keyboards. Among the other credited roles are fretless bass, bass guitar, percussion, drums, electric drums, saxophone, blue guitar, dance and choreography. Kym Guest and Kay Thornton are linked to an offshoot band called P.M.T., and several dancers are linked to Foxx.

Recordings and media

Expandis records albums in the “Expandibubble” studio, described as a spare room where much of the music is made. Home videos exist, and some material is only performed live. Releases listed include the albums I’m not Waving I’m Drowning, The Complete Home Expandis and Flying, all on expandisongs, along with the singles Mystic Man and My Love on Rocket Records.

Videos listed for the group include I’m not Waving I’m Drowning with Foxx on T.V.S., My Love on T.V.S., and Heatwave (Live at the Fridge) on Toshiba. The group also appears on TV and radio.

Legacy

Expandis is presented as a cult band with a strong live reputation and a focus on spontaneity, imagination, tension and intensity. Dave Miller describes the group as having worked for three years on varied projects and suggests that it was ahead of its time. The core members are now rarely in the same place, but the possibility of a reunion remains.