The Magnetics formed in Gronau-Epe, Germany, in the mid-1980s. The lineup consisted of Michi Ogonia (vocals), Claudius Wolke (double bass), Acki Sölter (guitar), and Frank Isfort (drums). The band played a lively brand of Neo-Rockabilly infused with highly effective Psychobilly undertones.
The Magnetics – Police On My Back
Self-released [1988]
Police on My Back – Fear of a Girl – Everybody – Milk & Alcohol
In February 1988, The Magnetics entered the studio to record their debut EP.
Contrary to what the titles might suggest, Police on My Back consists entirely of original material (the title track is not the song by The Equals—also covered by The Clash—and Milk and Alcohol is not the Dr. Feelgood track). The result was a complete success. The band oscillated between fast-paced Neo-Rockabilly and Psychobilly, in the vein of The Blue Cats’ Fight Back era. They also broadened their influences; a track like Milk and Alcohol didn’t hesitate to blend New Wave elements into the mix. The whole record was superbly produced, highlighting a phenomenal double bass sound that drove the music forward.
That same year, two of the band’s tracks—including the excellent, previously unreleased Go, likely from the same sessions as the EP—appeared on the compilation Psycho Attack Over Europe volume 3.
The Magnetics – The Magnetics
Self-released [1989]
Lost A Lot Of Love – Prisoner – Love Position Number 9 – Hard Boys Life – Long Blond Hair -Neglected Woman -Now It Is The Time – Go – Never Seen…
When The Magnetics returned to the studio in December 1989, they had lost their lead singer and were operating as a trio, with Wolke taking over vocal duties.
Still effectively produced and driven by that signature double bass sound, they recorded a concise nine-track album that allowed them to showcase the full range of their talent and originality.
Following Ogonia’s departure, the band mellowed slightly, moving away from the more overt Psychobilly elements to emphasize their Neo-Rockabilly side. And there is plenty of Neo-Rockabilly here—and of high quality, too! A standout example is Prisoner, which rivals the best work by Restless and features excellent vocal arrangements. There is also a superb saxophone-led ballad (Neglected) in a style similar to the Speedos (incidentally, I’ve always wondered if Frank Isfort was related to Michael Isfort, the Speedos’ original drummer—do write to us if you know more). Beyond the double bass, Aki’s guitar work really stands out, lending the band its distinctive musical character. He can play fast and clean, yet also inject a touch of jazz—creating a sound akin to the Nitros (Lost A Lot Of Love) or something falling somewhere between the Keytones and the Ringlets Trio (Hard Boys Life). Even a frequently covered song like Long Blond Hair sounds original in the hands of The Magnetics.
After the band split up in the early 1990s, Claudius Wolke formed the Red Velvet Trio.
Fred “Virgil” Turgis
