Polemic started as Polemic Attack in Fareham in 1980. Crass had saved two of the members from an accident, and Crass's views inspired them to start their own band They never released anything, but recorded three strong demos. Polemic Attack were drummer Teresa Plowright, guitarist Heather 'Toxi' Todd and vocalist Gareth Richards. Even before Polemic Attack, they were named the Living Dead and a bassist named Mick Roberts, but he didn't last long. Once they changed their name to Polemic Attack, they were joined by the brothers Rob Lynch on bass, and Mike Lynch on guitar, who eventually left Polemic to form Tears of Destruction two years later. They played their first show at the Fareham Technical College.
In 1981, two demos were recorded. The second demo version of "Manipulated Youth' Appeared in 'Bullshit Detector 2'. Sometime in 1981, Rob and Mike Lynch left, forcing Polemic Attack to make Gareth both sing and play guitar. Heather changed to a Synth bass, and Teresa remained on drums and vocals. They shortened their name to Polemic and recorded their 3rd demo in 1982(picture is old, it says Zema on Synth and artwork). Their sound was different from most of what was around since they used a synth bass. Not very many bands had a female drummer either.
Polemic helped produce the 'Lost Faith' fanzine wihch focused on feminist, anarchist and veggie issues. They also held gigs for bands such as the band after them, Tears of Destruction, to play. Also were the bands Dirt, 11th Commandment, the Mysterons, Subhumans, and Flux of Pink Indians. Polemic also produced the anti-war fanzine 'Black Sunday'. During 1982, both Crass and the Subhumans wanted to release their first single (either Crass Records, or Bluurg tapes. The band were in more favor of the Crass one) but nothing ended up happening, and soon after Heather and Gareth left the band.
Before they left, they played the infamous Zig Zag squat gig in December of 1982, playing between The Mob and Poison Girls. Terena tried to carry on Polemic with new members Caroline, Rich and once again Rob and Mike Lynch. However, the band found itself pulling in different directions, and Polemic split while it was still ahead.
Any lyrics would be greatly appreciated. Please post them in the comments if you have any.
Downloads:
First demo 1981?
http://www.box.net/shared/suurm9sgga
Second demo 1981
http://www.box.net/shared/kss2pz9eyo
Third demo 1982
http://www.box.net/shared/xdpoy6ch8q
Live at the Zig Zag Squat Gig 1982
http://www.box.net/shared/81l5crhqef
Noise From Nowhere Compilation Tracks Live
http://www.box.net/shared/aebyjam47e
Downloads:
First demo 1981?
http://www.box.net/shared/suurm9sgga
Second demo 1981
http://www.box.net/shared/kss2pz9eyo
Third demo 1982
http://www.box.net/shared/xdpoy6ch8q
Live at the Zig Zag Squat Gig 1982
http://www.box.net/shared/81l5crhqef
Noise From Nowhere Compilation Tracks Live
http://www.box.net/shared/aebyjam47e
