About the Strait-Jackets 

The Strait-Jackets were an American rock band from Tampa, Florida. They are often referred to as one of Tampa’s first punk rock/new wave bands. The band was formed in 1978 by brothers Lester and Allen Esser, when they were in high school and junior high, respectively. They later recruited high school friend Robert “Bobby” Woodrich and fellow musician Darren Rademaker, giving the Strait-Jackets the lineup for what would be their only studio recording.

The Strait-Jackets’ original music was influenced by a steady diet of Ramones, the Damned, the Jam, and the Sex Pistols. The band quickly became a staple of the Tampa music scene, playing regularly at clubs, theaters, and universities. They had the honor of opening for the following national acts: Pat Benatar, John Cale, Ultravox, 999, The Records, and Herman’s Hermits.

At the height of their popularity, they were approached by investors who were interested in financing a studio album. After the band recorded the album in 1980, they lost touch with the investors, and, therefore, the master tapes. All that remained from the session was a cassette recording of the basic tracks, which was never mixed or produced.

The band dissolved in early 1981, with each band member starting a new group. The Esser brothers formed the post-punk band Primitive Romance three months later.

Over the past few decades, members of the Strait-Jackets have attempted to locate the master tapes to no avail. Eventually deciding that the songs deserved to be released—even in their raw, unproduced state—the Esser brothers had it mastered and self-released it in September 2022 on Strait-Jackets Records. The Strait-Jackets’ raw, punky power pop sound is just as relevant today as it was 42 years ago.

The Strait-Jackets were:

Robert Woodrich – Bass/Vocals

Lester Esser – Guitar/Background and Lead Vocals

Allen Esser – Drums

Darren Rademaker – Guitar/Background Vocals