In 1985, while the Cold War loomed as a constant threat, the notion of authoritarianism extended beyond Russian dictators for many young Americans. For the teenage members of bands pushing back against societal constraints, authority figures took shape in more immediate forms: parents, principals, and the police. These local tyrants, like their global counterparts, wielded power in ways that stifled freedom and expression. The abuse of authority, whether on a grand political stage or in the confines of suburban America, operated similarly—imposing control, silencing dissent, and maintaining order through fear and intimidation. Resistance became both personal and political.
That year, Arizona’s Basic Elements had their fingers on the pulse of the zeitgeist—and balled up into fists. As young men navigating their identity in the 1980s, founding members Jonathan Goldman and William Bowling were outliers, branded as outcasts for embracing the style of the artists who inspired them. In such a conservative environment, their look and attitude stood in stark contrast to the norm of the Reagan-era yuppies and preppies. For them, personal expression was a form of resistance, as much about defining themselves as pushing against the rigid boundaries of conformity.
“It might be mainstream today, but back in the ‘80s, guys who wore eyeliner and shopped in the women’s section for clothing, in a Red state like Arizona, got their asses kicked,” recalls bassist William Bowling.
Goldman and Bowling decided the best way to push back was to form a band. When they met lead singer John Denis, he presented a song about protecting self-identity under authoritarian rule. The message struck a chord with Goldman and Bowling, and within minutes, Hide became their first song. Hide was a bona-fide declaration, a fight-song that embodied their struggle to maintain individuality. The song laid the foundation for what Basic Elements would become: a voice for the defiant and the marginalized.
“We wrote Hide as a reaction to feeling different and being ‘othered’ by groups of people who had more power than us,” says synth player Jonathan Goldman. “That’s something we hold very close to our hearts today – and it’s a message that’s sadly more relevant than ever.”
Basic Elements broke up in 1991, but the Phoenix band rose from the ashes three decades later in Los Angeles, where they currently call home.
Hide Live channels the pulse of early U2 protest anthems, bursting open with an insistent synth riff that sounds like a distress signal. The song’s energy is driven by relentless drums, a sharp bassline, and a chorus that sticks with you long after. Guitarist Gene Micofsky showcases his talent with solos that revive the lost art of guitar theatrics, while the band’s core trio—Jonathan Goldman on synths, William Bowling on bass, and John Denis on vocals—anchors the track. Joined by OK Go’s Dan Konopka on drums and Micofsky’s electric guitar work, the live performance surges with energy. The layered synths, pulsing basslines, and commanding stage presence make Hide Live a dynamic performance, brimming with intensity. The vocals balance between the cool introspection of Simple Minds and the passionate urgency of Tears for Fears, with moments reminiscent of James Murphy’s sharp delivery in LCD Soundsystem.
In a world where every band is chasing that ’80s sound, Basic Elements isn’t just playing dress-up—they lived it. They’ve got the grit, the guts, and the scars to prove it. And if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that what goes around always finds its way back…even Cold Wars.
Watch the live video for “Hide” below:
Produced by Ed Buller (Suede, Pulp, Psychedelic Furs), Basic Elements released the studio version of Hide in 2020, just before the last presidential election. Their recent live recordings, released this year, were captured during a homecoming show at Phoenix’s Last Exit Live—their first Arizona performance in over 30 years. Basic Elements, known for their role in Arizona’s underrated ’80s post-punk scene, previously shared stages with local icons like Gin Blossoms and Gentlemen Afterdark. As teens, they also opened for acts like The Bolshoi and Gene Loves Jezebel.
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