Primitive Calculators

Primitive Calculators
OriginMelbourne, Australia
Genres
Years active
  • 1978 (1978)–1980 (1980)
  • 2009 (2009)–2018 (2018)
LabelsChapter
Past members
  • Stuart Grant
  • David Light
  • Frank Lovece
  • Denise Rosenberg
Websiteprimitivecalculators.com

Primitive Calculators were an Australian post-punk band, formed in 1978. Described by British critic Everett True as sounding like "a very aggressive Suicide", the band were known for their mix of harsh guitar noise, fast and repetitive drum machine beats, and abrasive synthesisers. Along with fellow Melbourne act Whirlywirld, the Primitive Calculators played a leading role in founding the experimental Little Band Scene of the late 1970s, wherein both bands and other acts formed numerous short-lived bands by frequently swapping members and inviting non-musicians to join in at live shows. They reformed periodically, with a live self-titled album released in 1982, which had been recorded at a 1979 performance. Primitive Calculators reunited again in 2009.