Section 25: The Post-Punk and Indietronica Innovators

Section 25 are an English post-punk and electronic group from Blackpool, formed in 1977. Their journey is marked by a profound evolution from stark, rhythmic post-punk to pioneering indietronica and synthpop, cementing their cult status within the independent music scene.

Early career

Formed by brothers Vin and Larry Cassidy, Section 25 emerged from the Blackpool punk scene in the late 1970s. Their early sound was defined by a minimalist, bass-driven approach, which caught the attention of Factory Records after a support slot for Joy Division, leading to their debut single "Girls Don't Count" in 1980.

Breakthrough

The band's association with Factory Records provided a crucial platform, but their creative breakthrough arrived with their second album, 1984's From The Hip. Produced by New Order's Bernard Sumner, this album saw Section 25 fully embrace synthesizers and dance rhythms, moving decisively into electronic territory and earning critical acclaim for its forward-thinking sound.

Key tracks

Girls Don't Count - This 1980 debut single on Factory Records established their raw, early post-punk aesthetic and rhythmic intensity.

Dirty Disco - A standout track from From The Hip, it exemplifies their shift into electronic dance music with its infectious synth lines and sequenced beats.

Looking From A Hilltop - Perhaps their most recognized song, this 1984 single is a quintessential piece of indietronica, blending melancholic vocals with a relentless, club-ready rhythm.

Beating Heart - This track from their 1982 album Key Of Dreams showcases the transitional phase between their post-punk roots and their later electronic style.

The tragic death of vocalist and bassist Larry Cassidy in 2010 marked a turning point, but the band, led by Vin Cassidy, has continued to perform and record, releasing new material that honors their legacy while exploring contemporary electronic sounds. Their influence is widely acknowledged by a generation of artists in the post-punk revival and electronic genres. For fans of Section 25's blend of moody melodies and electronic rhythms, similar artists include New Order, who shared a label and a producer, leading to a clear musical kinship. The atmospheric and rhythmic post-punk of Joy Division was a foundational influence on their early work. The DIY electronic spirit of The Normal parallels their own experimental approach to synth-based music. Later, the textured indietronica of LCD Soundsystem reflects a similar fusion of punk attitude and dancefloor sensibility. The music of Section 25 remains a staple on alternative rock radio stations and online indie music streams that specialize in post-punk and electronic genres. Listeners can discover the evolving catalog of Section 25 through the radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their pioneering sound from the Factory Records era to their contemporary work continues to resonate.