Pylon

The Profile

Pylon are an American post‑punk/new wave band from Athens, Georgia, formed in 1979 by Vanessa Briscoe Hay, Randall Bewley, Michael Lachowski, and Curtis Crowe. They released Gyrate (1980) and Chomp (1983), and were championed by R.E.M., who covered their song Crazy. The group’s concise, danceable angular sound helped define the early Athens scene.

R.E.M.’s Bill Berry publicly declared Pylon the best American band in 1987; R.E.M. covered "Crazy". Pylon’s Chomp was reissued as Chomp More in 2009.

Pylon are an influential American post‑punk/new wave band from Athens, Georgia, praised by R.E.M. and central to the early 1980s Athens scene. The reviews cover Gyrate, Chomp (via the Chomp More reissue), and the compilation Hits. Vanessa Briscoe Hay’s striking vocals, taut rhythms, and songs like Crazy, Human Body, Danger, and Yo‑Yo are highlighted. Expect danceable angular guitars, underground bite, and enduring cult status.