XTC in the Press: 1978

3D EP — XTC — Virgin (UK) 18813

Some bands take the low road, but Virgin has started XTC off in Abbey Road, under the guidance of John Leckie (co-producer of Be-Bop Deluxe); their first release is a 12" three-song affair. “Science Friction” is nothing to write home about, despite featuring the first genuine punk synthesiser solo. But “She's So Square” explores the possibilities of punk-with-keyboards to an interesting end, while the lopsided lope of “Dance Band” carries a dementoid view of life with a band to an amusingly cross-eyed conclusion. XTC have more credibility as punks than Ultravox (and loads more energy), and appear to be on to something. They, too, are a band to watch.