Salem 66, formed in 1981 and part of Boston's indie rock scene, has long been overlooked since their breakup in 1989 with their work rarely acknowledged. Their catalog finally received a digital release with SALT, a collection showcasing their unique contributions to music over the years. Known for their disorienting sound and thoughtful lyrics, they broke from typical female-fronted band tropes of the era. Their songs evolved from scrappy jangle pop to deeper, more driving indie rock, reflecting a journey that deserved recognition and celebration.
From day one there was something disorienting about Salem 66. 'Across the Sea' exemplifies their off-kilter energy: Grunwald's staccato guitar lines curl like steel wool and Kaplan's rubber basslines bounce between center and background.
Salem 66 never sought attention for being one of the few female-fronted bands of their era, but their songwriting ventured beyond the apathy, righteous anger, or puppy love that often seemed to dominate the '80s underground.
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