Figures Of Light

ByLets Go Punk

Figures of Light is an American proto-punk band founded in 1970 by Wheeler Winston Dixon (lead vocals, slide guitar) and Michael Downey (rhythm guitar, backing vocals).

History

Origins (1970-72)

At the band’s inception, Dixon, 20, and Downey, 23, who were roommates, formed Figures of Light in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The early lineup included Phil Cohen (lead guitar) and Dennis Druzbik (bass). Influenced by bands like the Velvet Underground and The Stooges, Figures of Light released their debut 7” single, “It’s Lame,” in 1972, characterized as “raw, loud, and nothing like the prevailing music of the time.” Despite their distinctive sound, the band faced challenges securing a record deal, leading to their dissolution in the same year.

Figures of Light gained attention with their debut live performance at Rutgers University in 1970, featuring the smashing of 15 television sets and destruction of mirrors, a motorcycle driven down the concert hall aisle, and the obliteration of a record player. Dixon described it as a protest against the Vietnam War and its portrayal on television. The band performed regularly until their breakup in 1972.

Reunion (2006-15)

In 2006, Norton Records founders Billy Miller and Miriam Linna rediscovered and re-released Figures of Light’s “It’s Lame” single, sparking a reunion. The band’s newly recorded material combined with early tracks resulted in their first full-length release, “Smash Hits” (2008). Subsequent albums like “Drop Dead” (2011) showcased a raw, reverb-saturated, stripped-down sound. Despite an amicable breakup in March 2015, Figures of Light continued releasing new recordings and transitioned into a studio band.

Discography

Albums

  • Smash Hits (Norton Records, August 12, 2008)
  • Drop Dead (Norton Records, November 13, 2011)
  • Lost & Found (FOL Records, August 15, 2013)
  • The TV Smashing Concert, July 23rd 1970 (recorded 1970, released by Norton Records, 2013)
  • Feedback Music (FOL Records, February 5, 2014)

Extended Plays

  • Too Many Bills, Not Enough Thrills (FOL Records, June 15, 2013)
  • Gimme A Quarter (FOL Records, August 21, 2013)
  • The Power (FOL Records, September 9, 2013)
  • Great! Now We Have Time to Party! (FOL Records, September 26, 2013)
  • The Open Door (FOL Records, November 8, 2013)
  • Leave Her Alone (FOL Records, November 22, 2013)
  • Buy Before You Die (FOL Records, February 7, 2014)
  • The Nebraska Sessions (FOL Records, July 31, 2014)
  • R U Ready? (FOL Records, July 19, 2015)
  • Maximum (FOL Records, September 2, 2016)
  • Blanc et Noir (FOL Records, September 30, 2016)
  • Funny You Asked (FOL Records, July 5, 2023)

Singles

  • “It’s Lame” b/w “I Jes Wanna Go to Bed” (Midnite Swan, 1972; re-released by Norton Records, 2006)
  • “Five Years Later” (FOL Records, June 24, 2014)
  • “Instant Drone” (FOL Records, October 23, 2014)
  • “You Better Wise Up” (Instrumental Version) (FOL Records, February 22, 2016)
  • “Boiling Point!” (FOL Records, October 13, 2016)
  • “Surfin’ the Skies” (FOL Records, February 3, 2017)
  • “Got It!” (FOL Records, March 5, 2017)
  • “Quixotic” (FOL Records, September 2, 2017)
  • “Rumbling” (FOL Records, December 18, 2017)
  • “Midlife Crisis” (FOL Records, June 18, 2018)
  • “Breaking Through” (FOL Records, January 12, 2019)
  • “Fire and Ice” (FOL Records, January 25, 2019)
  • “Surf’s Up Again!” (FOL Records, March 20, 2019)
  • “Compression” (FOL Records, April 6, 2019)
  • “Rock ‘n Roll” (FOL Records, January 23, 2020)
  • “We Ain’t Goin’ To Paris” (FOL Records, April 5, 2020)
  • “Rude Awakening” (FOL Records, August 12, 2020)
  • “Good Riddance 2021” (FOL Records, December 31, 2021)
  • “Storm Warning” (FOL Records, August 31, 2022)
  • “Zut Alors!” (FOL Records, February 12, 2023)

Compilations

  • “It’s Lame,” I Still Hate CD’s: Norton Records 45 RPM Singles Collection Vol. 2 (Norton Records, June 2, 2009)
  • “World of Pain,” World of Pain: 20 Pounders, Vol. 2 (Norton Records, November 12, 2013)
  • Figures of Light: Greatest Hits (FOL Records, September 3, 2014)
  • The Instrumentals (FOL Records, December 20, 2015)

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