The Primitive Calculators were an Australian post-punk band, formed in Melbourne, Victoria in 1978. Described by British critic Everett True as sounding like "a very aggressive Suicide", the band is known for its mix of harsh guitar noise, fast and repetitive drum machine beats, and abrasive synthesizers. Along with fellow Melbourne act Whirlywirld, the Primitive Calculators played a leading role in founding the experimental Little Band Scene in the late 1970s, wherein both bands and numerous other acts formed large numbers of short-lived bands by frequently swapping members and inviting non-musicians to join in at live shows.

Latest Articles

News / Music

Major Aussie Post-punk Innovator Passes Away

RIP Frank Lovece

Reviews / Live

Live Review: Primitive Calculators Presents Little Bands #3

The group breeze through a synchronised musical protest against everything from the monotony of daily life to The Liberal Party, which resonates well with the event’s own protest against boring music.

Features / Music

Everything Is Fucked

"When we were around in the ‘70s no one understood us, it all just sounded like horrible noise."

Reviews / Album

Album Review: Primitive Calculators - The World Is Fucked

They laugh harder the more painful it gets. And this is their first proper album? The end is nigh.

Features / Music

Making It Count

“We used to run a venue at that pub. It was called the Bum Club. We’d charge a buck to get in. In those days you had to provide food, so we’d make a chilli and four or five bands would play. We also had films and strippers.”