Land Of Distraction

Land of Distraction were an 80's band formed by brothers Fitzjames and Sean Wood. Formed in Tottenham, North London. The brothers had moved to London from Lichfield, Staffordshire. As children they had lived in Africa (Kenya), Aden, (Yemen) and Berlin, Germany at the height of the cold war however although their songwriting drew on these experiences ('Steamer Point' the title of an an early song, is a location in Aden) their musical inspiration was mainly post punk. They had a polished pop sound sometimes wrongly described as 'funk' it lent itself more to synth pop. They were left wing in their political leanings. After some interest shown by publishing and record companies the band struggled to get recognition. Sean was encouraged by a friend to submit a demo tape to a newly formed record label New England Records. The brainchild of Mark Melton, New England Records signed the duo and Melton took on management duties. The song 'Distraction' was distributed by Strike Back who funded an accompanying video in 1986. Fitzjames the main songwriter and musician of the two always maintained the track was an album filler and sited 'Lovebearer' and 'It's a Lovely Day' as more likely to be hits. After some strong disputes about the way the video was produced the brothers felt they were not retaining enough artistic control. The follow up single 'Call My Name' was not finished in the studio (recorded at Woodbine studios in Leamington Spa under the production of John Rivers). Although Melton was keen to continue working with the band Fitzjames Wood opted to leave the industry and concentrate on full time bible ministry. The song 'Distraction' was written as a critique of the tabloid consumerist culture and Thatcherite Britain of the 80's. The band have put up some previously unreleased tracks on Youtube. An example of this can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yatAqKMZC6g