EASTERHOUSE: PASSIONATELY POLITICAL

Band: Easterhouse.

Personnel: Andy Perry, vocals, harmonica; Ivor Perry, guitar; Peter Vanden, bass; Gary Rostock, drums; Mike Murray, rhythm guitar.

History: Led by the Perry Brothers, this group of musical activists from Manchester, England, formed in 1982 and took its name from the Easterhouse government-housing project where the band members still live. Initial response to the group’s stirring sounds was strong, leading to London Records’ signing the band in February, 1984. After sifting through various producers to find the right chemistry, the group released an EP, “In Our Own Hands,” in March ’85. Easterhouse parted company with London and moved over to the pioneering English independent label Rough Trade. Easterhouse’s first single for the label, “Whistling in the Dark,” took less than a month to top the UK independent charts. Four months later, the group released an EP, “Inspiration,” inspired by the struggle of Irish resistance figures like Bobby Sands. The group recently released its debut album, “Contenders,” which was picked up by Columbia Records in America.

Sound: Easterhouse is a charter member of the current English “back to basics” garage-rock reform movement. A dyed-in-the-wool guitar band, the group sports a big, messy, passionate sound that layers lots of shining guitar lines over incessant, often monochromatic rhythms. Vocalist Andy Perry is trying on a lot of hats. Sometimes sounding sweet, sometimes hitting a wailing, emotive drone, often slurring his lines, Perry aims for a committed stance. But whether Easterhouse’s pointedly political lyrics--most of which concern specifically British affairs--can create mass appeal outside the arena its addressing remains to be seen.

Shows: The Palace, Wednesday.