Monocled Alchemist

“Knock On My door” / “She” (Marko M 923) September 1965

The Primates | Knock On My Door | Marko | 1965 | This record is a true item of beauty, just take a look at the gorgeous label. Dark red on gold with black simply goes graphic designers of the world. Those cats at Marko Records certainly knew that colours, fonts and simplicity can make or break an artistic label. One of the BEST!

Right, now I’ve got that outta the way, what about the music? Let’s just say both sides are 60s garage wonderments. The flip ’She’ is a moody masterpiece and will stay floating around your mind for ever. Once heard, never forgotten.

The thundering bass guitar that introduces ‘Knock On Your Door’ sounds like a steam train coming off it’s tracks, then right away we’re into the teenbeat mayhem who’s theme is a common one among teenage groups.

The singer’s been burned by his girl but she decides she wants him back – Glad that the singer, John Demetrious kind of told her to fuck right off out of his life for good, cos he’s not gonna open his door to her ever again.

The Primates hailed from Astoria, New York and were all in their mid teens. But as you know age makes no difference, in fact they were probably at the perfect age to create their garage double sider.

A follow up single on Marko ’Don’t Press Your Luck’/’Cathy’ is also a classy affair. One side rocker the other side beat ballad.

Line-up:
Joe Ferdinando (drums)
James Hartofius (bass)
Gus Kaselis (organ)
Barry Bozzone (lead guitar)
John Demetrious (rhythm guitar/lead vocals)