Episode 53: Pulsars' Dave Trumfio Talks 1997 Self-Titled Album Reissue

Smells Like Infinite Sadness

On this week's episode, I interview Dave Trumfio, the songwriter and vocalist for synth-pop duo the Pulsars.

The Chicago-based Pulsars, which also featured Trumfio's brother and multi-instrumentalist Harry Trumfio, were one of the first bands to bring back an 80s retro sound on their 1997 self-titled debut album, years before the post-punk revival of the early 2000s, when bands like The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol became indie music darlings.

Their debut album was chock full of New Wave gems like 'My Pet Robot', 'Silicon Teens' and 'Technology'. And while they received some initial success and high profile tours with artists like Oasis and Beck, the dissolution of their record company heralded the end of the band, and their album went out of print for nearly thirty years.

The Pulsars are rereleasing a remastered edition of this album on vinyl, CD and digital on September 13 via Tiny Global Productions. This is a treat for hardcore fans and should also appeal to electronic music fans unfamiliar with their work.

On today’s episode I speak to Trumfio about his memories of the band’s initial success and the Chicago alternative scene of the 1990’s, his work as a member of The Mekons and as an in-demand producer and studio musician for artists like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Liz Phair and Moving Units, why the band are finally reissuing their debut album, their upcoming tour, future releases, and much more.

And stick around afterwards, when I’ll be playing 'Technology', one of my favorite songs off their underrated 1997 gem of an album.

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