Algebra Suicide Feminine Squared

ALGEBRA SUICIDE was the married couple LYDIA TOMKIW (lyrics/vocals) and DON HEDEKER (guitars/keyboards). They formed in Chicago in 1982, and their first four song EP, True Romance At The World's Fair, was self-released that year. It featured a '60s Vox Guitar Organ, a precursor to the synthesizer guitar, and a Multivox Rhythm Ace drum machine. In 1984 they released a second 4 song EP, An Explanation For That Flock Of Crows, ditching the guitar organ but adding the Casiotone MT-40. The Big Skin cassette was released in 1986 and featured 13 new compositions with more complex arrangements. A compilation album, The Secret Like Crazy, was released in 1988. Feminine Squared is an 18 track compilation that collects all 8 songs from the first two EPs, 4 songs from the Big Skin cassette, 4 songs from The Secret Like Crazy, a song from the Pas De Deux compilation, and a previously unreleased song. Lydia and Don call their approach "Avant Garage" citing inspiration from Patti Smith, Frank O'Hara, Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed. Don plays guitar in a hauntingly stark style like Glenn Branca, Tom Verlaine, or Vini Reilly. He then adds Casio keyboards and minimal electronic percussion, creating a moody, atmospheric backdrop for Lydia's poems. Lydia's words span a broad range of twisted real-life observations, and are delivered in a deadpan fashion with her distinct Midwestern accent. All songs have been remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The vinyl comes housed in a glossy black and white jacket featuring the cut up faces of Don and Lydia from An Explanation For That Flock Of Crows EP. Each LP includes a newsprint zine with lyrics, photos, liner notes, and clippings. Also included is a full length DVD featuring a 12-song Algebra Suicide concert from 1984, recorded at the Noise Factory in Chicago. Though Lydia passed away in 2007, her genius lives on in these recordings. Please respect her decadence.