Recorded in 1984 and released in 1985 ESP, Espionage's second album had a rocky gestation as the band abruptly lost the backing of its record company. 40 years on I think that there were some beautiful songs with ground breaking production. The album had a mix of commercial and experimental tracks; we used analogue synthesisers to replace conventional instruments creating a sound with an electronic backbone yet woven with guitar, drums and brass for emphasis.
The executive producer was Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, Yes, Guns & Roses). Supporting musicians included Tommy Lee from Motley Crew on drums, Hilly Michaels (dummer for Sparks) and Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) on guitar, backing vocals and percussion, Elliot Easton (The Cars) on guitar, Grover Washington Junior on Saxophone and the Phenix Horns (from Quincy Jones Quest Productions)as the brass section.
Here's a link to ESP on Youtube where Espionage is described as being '80's new wave alternative'. Have a listen and let me know what you think:
.jpeg)
