In Camera

In Camera was an English post-punk band on 4AD that released the 1980 short-players “Final Achievement” and IV Songs. They cut one Peel session (12/15/80) licensed for the 1982 EP Fin.

Members: David Steiner [aka Scinto] (vocals, keyboards), Andrew Gray (guitar), Peter Moore (bass), Jeff Wilmott (drums)

Background

In Camera formed in 1978 in London from a school group started by singer David Scinto, the East-end son of Maltese immigrants. He performed as David Steiner, a name taken from Sergeant Rolf Steiner in Cross of Iron by Sam Peckinpah. Scinto found a steady lineup with bassist Pete Moore, drummer Derwin, and guitarist Andrew Gray.

Moore worked in a record shop and entered the group with no prior bass experience. Scinto recruited Gray through a Melody Maker advertisement. Moore recruited his longtime friend, drummer Jeff Wilmott, as Derwin’s replacement. Moore chose the name In Camera from an English title for Huis Clos by Jean-Paul Sartre; the phrase also denotes private legal proceedings.

In Camera played a set in 1979 at the Scala in London. Jock McDonald booked the group to support Bauhaus on Jan. 30, 1980, at the Billy’s club night at Gossips in Soho. 4AD co-founder Peter Kent approached In Camera after the show and invited the group to make a record for the label. In Camera recorded “Final Achievement” and “Die Laughing” in 1980 at Blackwing Studios in London with engineers Eric Radcliffe and John Fryer.

Discography:

• “Final Achievement” / “Die Laughing” (1980)
• IV Songs (EP, 1980)
• Fin (EP, 1982)

Sources:

• Discogs: In Camera
• 45cat: In Camera
• John Peel Wiki: In Camera