PAUL DAFFURN
MUSIC
30 SECONDS
The late 1970s to early 1980s saw the formation of the Herefordshire-based band which was to become 30 Seconds. Their debut single was produced by Paul Cobbold and recorded at Chapel Lane Studios with Paul Daffurn (guitar, vocals), Tim Price (guitar), Steve Austin (keyboards), Roy Preece (bass) and Alun Morgan (drums). Following the release of Automatic on the Initial label in 1981, and the departure of Mo, the founder members were joined by Richard 'Tig' Williams (The Primitives) on drums. Automatic was well-received, particularly by Radio 1's John Peel and Annie Nightingale, and it gained 30 Seconds both BBC TV and Radio airtime.
In 1983/4 the band recorded (then re-mixed for MCA's Suart Watson) an album at Woodside and Rockfield Studios, courtesy of Kingsley Ward and Active Music. Produced by Paul Cobbold, these tracks uniquely combine multi-layered, synthesised sounds with distinctive guitar and vocal melodies; Two Worlds Collide also features some beautifully evocative violin by Stuart Gordon (The Corgis).
Strong American interest followed this spate of creativity in the form of an enthusiastic Tom Zutaut who was then A & R executive at Geffen Records in Los Angeles. As this relationship developed Tom brought in additional American musicians and the band dynamics shifted with the introduction of keyboard player Brian Leach and guitarist Ian Espinoza. In 1987 this connection with Tom also led to Paul and Tim spending time in L.A., exploring the possibility of working with ex-Berlin musicians Rob Brill and John Crawford.
A series of unforeseen events ultimately stalled the project at the time but now, three decades on, those songs remain fresh and full of energy. Recent re-mastering of the material gives the tracks an edge and clarity while still retaining all the authentic retro qualities you would hope to find in a genuinely original '80s band.