Figures On A Beach

Formed in 1981 in Detroit, Figures on a Beach originally consisted of Anthony Kaczynski (vocals, keyboards, occasional bass), John Richard Rolski (guitar) Christopher Ewen (keyboards), and Michael Smith (drums). Releases from this lineup include the Swimming EP on Metro-America and the Don Was-produced single "Breathless" in 1984. In 1985 the band moved to Boston as a quintet, with new member Perry Tell having joined in 1984 on bass, guitar and keyboards. The quintet eventually signed with Sire Records Company and hooked up with producer Ivan Ivan, who steered them toward an upbeat synth-pop sound. Notable releases from this collaboration include the anthemic "No Stars" on the album Standing On Ceremony in 1987, and the soaring, slickly produced single "Accidentally 4th Street (Gloria)" from the group's eponymous 1989 album. Figures on a Beach broke up in 1993. Kaczynski and Smith went on to become founding members of Fireking, and Ewen eventually joined Future Bible Heroes. Ewen and Kaczynski now tour extensively with The Magnetic Fields.