Pink Military - Do Animals Believe In God (+ Peel Sessions)

Jayne Casey's post-Big in Japan endeavour, Pink Military, was quickly snapped up by Virgin after critical accolades showered their 1979 12” single "Blood and Lipstick." Nearly a year later, and sporting a new rhythm section, Pink Military released the wonderfully moody Do Animals Believe in God?. The album would become both their debut effort and swan song. Alternative beats which border on darkwave inform much of this set, and Casey keeps the mood sweet and melancholy, but imbues the songs with an edge that barely conceals her sharper points. This works to wonderful effect on many of the songs, but most especially on "I Cry," which crossed U.K. post-punk ethics with a smidgen of Nico and a little Rocky Horror Picture Show thrown in for kicks. "Did You See Her?," the album's lone single, keeps the vocal range low but brightens the vibe with some light-hearted synth. Elsewhere, the band continues to shine on "Back on the London Stage," as well as on the dramatic title track; sung, incidentally, by an unidentified band member. Pink Military only falters when they step into the more experimental waters of "Living in a Jungle" and "War Games." Sadly, this wonderful album fared poorly, leaving Casey to regroup and redefine the band's dimension, burying Pink Military and giving birth to the new era of Pink Industry in 1982.

One upon a time, a striking young lady named Jayne Casey, together with her brood of mates, would become one of the first gaggle of youths which would fly the fundamental flag of the 'new wave' in the City of Liverpool in the mid to late 1970s. Already tuned in to what was happening regarding new music and styles from New York-past and present, Casey was ready to open eyes and ears- as well as ruffling the feathers of many a passer-by in the city centre with her creative and outrageous flair in clothes, hair and make-up.
She formed Pink Military (originally named Pink Military Stands Alone) after the disintegration of one of Liverpool's most notorious 'Punk' bands, Big In Japan, who collapsed under the weight of its motley bunch of characters in 1978. Holly Johnson, Bill Drummond, Ian Broudie and Budgie- would seem to find their own separate channels and reap the rewards soon afterwards.
Casey was always 'on the ball' as regards new ideas and directions, but has never been fairly championed as someone who possessed spot-on talent and insight into the many things she has been involved in and contributed to, over the years.
When you think of it, there weren't that many female personalities in 'the scene' in Liverpool at the time and Casey didn't have the equivalent bolstering back-up that Siouxsie Sioux had in London for example, what with the Slits, Polystyrene, not to mention the likes of auntie Westwood.
However, she battled on...

Ripped to MP3

                                                                                                       

Pink Military; Do Animals Believe In God?

A1.  Degenerated Man

A2.  I Cry

A3.  Did You See Her?

A4.  Wild West

A5.  Back On The London Stage

A6.  After Hiroshima

B1.  Living In A Jungle

B2.  Dreamtime

B3.  War Games

B4.  Heaven/Hell

B5.  Do Animals Believe In God?

Peel Sessions

1 - Wild West

2 - Did You See Her

3 - Stand Alone

4 - Everyday

5 - Pilgrim Forest

6 - Dance Of The Waning Moon