1st Infantry was a band that worked with reversed recordings in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their song "Backwards" became their most recognizable piece, built around playing the recording backwards to create an eerie, otherworldly sound. The track appeared on their self-titled debut album in 1980.
Guitarist and vocalist Chris Bohn was a constant member through various lineup changes. The group also released songs like "Fourth of July," "Hold You Down," and "The Midnight Creep." Their approach drew both attention and skepticism from listeners and critics who debated whether the reversed technique was a legitimate artistic choice or just a gimmick.
They kept recording through the 1980s and into the early 1990s, putting out albums with titles like "Backwards II" and "The Fourth Infantry." Their sound incorporated elements from industrial and goth music. While they faced various personal and professional challenges, Bohn and the shifting lineup maintained a commitment to their particular experimental style.
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