Pop. 1280

Pop. 1280

Pop. 1280 are a New York cyberpunk and industrial rock group active since 2009. Their name comes from a Jim Thompson novel. The line-up includes Chris Bug, Ivan Lip, John Skultrane and Andrew S.

Releases and recording

The Grid is their first 12-inch release. The record is made up of six songs and is their earliest listed extended release. They also release two 7-inch records, including a self-released single and a split 7-inch with Philadelphia group Hot Guts. The Grid is recorded in April 2010 in the basement of a closed Catholic school.

Style and influences

Their music uses synthesizers, scrap metal, raccoon-screech guitar and samples, and is described through imagery of a fictional future that has already arrived. Their sound is placed alongside earlier noisy punk acts such as Chrome Cranks, Honeymoon Killers and Pussy Galore, and alongside contemporaries including Twin Stumps, White Suns, Woman and York Factory Complaint. The group’s music is associated with post-punk, synth punk and noise rock as well as cyberpunk and industrial rock.

Context

Pop. 1280 come from the New York underground scene and build their work around dark, abrasive songs. Their material is framed through references to science fiction and horror, including comparisons with the worlds associated with David Cronenberg and John Carpenter.