100% Proof were a band from Stockport, Manchester that formed in 1978 under the name “Thin Ice”. The band was having some success touring the local area and they went into the studio to record this EP, financed out of their own pocket, to sell at their concerts. It’s actually a 7 inch recorded at 33 1/3 which is relatively rare. This EP has a slightly more punk sound than the Rock & Roll sound they would be better known for on future releases. While I really enjoy their sound on their two commercial releases I really love this sound and wish we could have got more. The quality of the EP was an issue but I have cleaned it up as best as I could. I love early band releases like this and this one is no exception.
Tracklist
1 – New Way Of Livin’ – 4:58
2 – Lookin In – 2:22
3 – What’s The Cost – 5:04
4 – Resurrection – 3:49
Credits
Bass – Steve Harrison
Drums – Phil Wright
Engineer [Sound Engineering] – Ray Buckley
Guitar, Vocals – Charlie Wilson
Lead Guitar, Vocals – Steve Wright
Photography By – Dave Owen
Producer – 100% Proof, Ray Buckley
Sleeve – Pete Smith
Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Pluto Studios
Label – Smile
I saw them in Blackheath, SE London in Feb 81 [the night before I saw Larry Norman in London too], and bought a copy of this EP then. As you say, the sound suffers a little from packing too much on a 7″ but I think it is more raw and honest than the albums. They were great fun live, and incredibly loud, and I blame them for my tinnitus. In 81 they took part in a Battle of the Bands in London [judges included Rick Wakeman, Mike Oldfield, Phil Lynott, Linda Lewis, Noddy Holder, and Billy Idol]. They didn’t win, but a unique track by every act was included on a comp for the event, and the Proof’s track was rather good.