Ludus was a British post-punk band formed in Manchester in 1978, which featured artist, designer and singer Linder Sterling. They played jazz-, avant-garde- and punk- oriented material. The band influenced singer Morrissey, later of The Smiths and a solo artist, who remains one of the group's most vocal fans.

History

The band was founded by Linder Sterling, who in the arts and music scene is credited as Linder, having designed the cover of Buzzcocks' single "Orgasm Addict" and Magazine's debut album Real Life; and Arthur Kadmon, formerly of Manicured Noise. Shortly after the formation, ex-Nosebleeds drummer Philip "Toby" Tomanov and bassist Willie Trotter joined to complete the band. It debuted live at the Factory Club, supporting The Pop Group, in October 1978, recording a studio demo the same month. The following month, Ludus played shows at well-known 'punk' venues like Eric's Club in Liverpool and, travelling with Magazine, The Venue in London.

Since its live debut at The Factory, Ludus was favourably reviewed in the press. In January 1979, Paul Morley, writing for NME, remarked:

:Ludus are anything but ordinary. A rich, bewitching quartet, led by the enigmatic Linder, whose maturing, enchanting voice adds layers of mystery, fragility and haunting strength to the esoteric music... Arthur supplies the solids, Linder the shadows; Arthur the rain, Linder the wind. It's a classic combination... The overall mixture is of a precious dance music: Gothic, but not glossily so, like Magazine; impressionistic and expressionistic; compact and exuberant. It's music that chills and warms, with images that scare and comfort... Still young, still unsure onstage, their music is already alone and knowing. And they're getting better all the time. Take good care of them.

In February 1979, Ludus returned to the studio to record another demo, produced by Howard Devoto, Linder's boyfriend at the time.

Discography

Albums

  • The Seduction (1981)
  • Danger Came Smiling (1982)

Singles and EPs

  • The Visit (1980)
  • Pickpocket (1981)
  • "My Cherry Is in Sherry" (1980)
  • "Mother's Hour" (1981)
  • Completement Nue Au Soleil (1982)
  • "Breaking the Rules" (1983)

Compilations and reissues

  • Riding the Rag (1982)
  • Nue Au Soleil (Completement) (1987)
  • The Damage (2002)
  • The Visit/The Seduction (2002)
  • Pickpocket/Danger Came Smiling (2002)

References

  • Ludus biography at LTM Recordings
  • Official webpage of Gagarin, as drummer Dids is also known