Just when you thought it was safe to back to the airwaves comes the news that Devo has reunited . . . kind of. Founding members, Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh (Bob I) and Robert Casale (Bob II) -- along with new sidekick Josh Mancell have given life to the Wipeouters -- a formerly fictional band that they claim launched the spin-off known as Devo.

Under the new moniker, the New Wave pioneers recorded P'twanng!!!, an album of surf tunes due out on April 24th on the Los Angeles-based indie label, Casual Tonalities. While they won't be doing "Whip It" and "Beautiful World," the wacky progenitors have cooked up an album of tunes with titles like titles as "Wedgie Wipeout," "Nubie Boardsmen," "Ravin' Surf" and "Shut Up Little Man" without ever hanging ten in their land-locked life.

Among the special guests on the album are original Devo drummer Jim Mothersbaugh and bassist and vocalist Jerry Casale, as well as the Casales' seventy-year-old father, Robert Casale Sr., who makes a guest appearance on bass.

JAAN UHELSZKI
(March 8, 2001)