THE PHOTOS were originally an excellent first wave ’77 UK punk band called SATAN’S RATS. After a few singles as Satan’s Rats, they expanded the group with the addition of new lead singer Wendy Wu, and The Photos had pop ambitions. The Photos debut album peaked at #4 on the UK pop charts in 1980 and “Irene” was it’s highest charting single. I would describe the sound as Blondie-core. They had a great follow up album that was withdrawn after some promotional copies had been released. Both albums were reissued by Cherry Red a few years back. Wendy Wu went on to release a few good-to-great synthy new wave singles in the early 80’s after The Photos split up.
