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The Chyldren- Mortis Hora

Posted in 1980s, 1987, darkwave, synth, synthpop, the chyldren, uk on October 29, 2013 by Frankie Teardrop

Now that blog culture has come full circle, there are very few “holy grails” left to uncover.  However, this LP has achieved near mythic status to me over the years after hearing a loose track ages ago.  I don’t even remember how I came across the track, and having it tagged improperly didn’t help much, as it took me some time to figure out that the band name was The Chyldren and not The Children.  Either way, I was always curious to hear the rest of it, and here we have it, another donation that comes courtesy of xerfrank.  Thanks again!

All talk aside, this record, like VHF and Eleven Pond before it, deserves it’s mythic status, less so based on the quality of the recording but moreso because it was never *officially* released.  Sure, there are copies of it out there, especially if you’ve got $700 to spare, but good luck finding this one in your local record store.  The story behind it is simple: band makes record, record goes to print in 1987, record does not make it past the test pressing phase.  It should be self explanatory, but in case you’re not a vinyl collector or of a younger generation, test pressings are simply copies of an album used to gauge the quality of a pressing, as anomalies, variables, and errors can be rather commonplace.  Now in my experience, there’s usually only four or five test pressings of a given record, mostly for individual band members or label personnel.  With that in mind, I’m not sure how 8 people (or more, since discogs records are never 100% accurate) came across a test pressing, but I suppose it could be possible that they pressed more of these than usual to be sold at shows or given away to friends.  Either that, or some people on discogs are theoretical collectors.  All copies of this album come complete with a (rather goofy) cover/sleeve that looks professional, but the inner label is handwritten, as shown here in photos.

Now, let’s talk a bit about the music.  You might expect this record to be a complete novelty, judging from the goofy cover, terrible font choices, and religious themed psuedonyms used by the three band members (my personal favorite is Lucifer the Cross, though your mileage may vary).  Well, it’s not.   The album is a rather good, if but a little one-dimensional synth-driven record that utlizes the same bombastic drum machine pattern and vocal melody on almost every track.  So, while the band certianly doesn’t take themselves too seriously, even on the compositional side of things, there are some nice gems to be found here, even if they all sound pretty interchangeable with each other.  The good news is that the album is rather short- 7 tracks in 25 minutes, so as long as you like the vibe, it doesn’t overstay its welcome.

You know, it’s funny that I mentioned both VHF and Eleven Pond up there, as this album almost comes across like a hybrid of both records, combining the synth-heavy, toe-tapping catchiness of VHF with the darkwave/Factory records vibes of Eleven Pond.  The religious themes also remind me heavily of Eyes of God, but in all honesty, this LP sounds like a long lost, fully synth-driven cousin of Sanity Plexus, but I digress.  Check this one out for yourself.

The Chyldren- Mortis Hora LP
1. Private Crucifixion
2. Sin
3. Chase Me
4. Speed
5. Burn
6. Fade Away
7. You
8. Dope

*download it here*

7 Comments »

L.A.S.’s Crime- Five Lies & Electa K7s

Posted in 1980s, 1986, 1988, darkwave, electronic, italian, l.a.s.'s crime, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk on January 15, 2013 by Frankie Teardrop

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Two excellent tapes here from Italian project L.A.S.’s Crime, short for Lord Arthur Seville’s Crime, named after a classic Oscar Wilde novel. L.A.S.’s. Crime consisted of the duo of Sandro Marchetti and Maria Elena Brogi, who were very diverse and prolific over the course of five years.  The great Bx59cppw has shared several of their cassettes in the past, and Italian label Mannequin has reissued a compilation of material in 2012, featuring thirteen tracks from the band’s tenure, including a handful from these two tapes.   More people seem to know this band than ever before, so why not share a few more pieces of the band’s discography!

fivelies

L.A.S.’s Crime- Five Lies K7(1986)
1. Five Lies
2. Taedium Vitae
3. And Now
4. Statuary Emotion
5. Last Metro
6. Arabian Silence
7. Macabra Danza
8. The Lost Men
9. Devil In The Mirror
10. The Garden
11. Without Nothing
12. Inner World
13. The Important Day
14. My People Gone Away
15. Mary’s Room
16. The Snake
17. Small Man
18. The Final Scream

electa

L.A.S.’s Crime- Electa K7 (1988)
1. Atmosphere n.1
2. Animals Die
3. Atmosphere n.2
4. Party’s Over
5. Atmosphere n.3
6. Morpheus
7. Atmosphere n.4
8. Matrix
9. Atmosphere n.5
10. Dark Xmas
11. Atmosphere n.6
12. The Ultimate Sacrifice

*download both here*

The band recently joined Facebook as well and have uploaded a bunch of pictures, interviews, and miscellaneous images.  Feel free to drop them a line!

4 Comments »

Sixth Comm- The Taste For Flesh 12”

Posted in 12'', 1980s, 1987, darkwave, death in june, neo-folk with tags on December 18, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

It was difficult to choose the final post for 2012, somehow this particular 12” seems more holiday appropriate, in a morbid sort of way.  Now that I think of it, this band is the perfect soundtrack for the end of the world, due this Friday if all goes according to plan.

I’m sure Sixth Comm are no strangers to readers of this blog, as the band was an outlet for Death In June vocalist/percussionist Patrick Leagas, who abruptly left the band in 1985.  Leagas (aka Patrick O’Kill) was the primary force behind the Death In June’s interest in synth/dance-oriented music, and often re-recorded classic DIJ tracks under the Sixth Comm moniker (it may be sacrilege to most, but the DJ in me has a strong preference for Sixth Comm’s version of “Calling“).  The first few Sixth Comm LPs (most of which have been released on iTunes and can be found on LP for modest prices) continue in this vein, mixing dark, beat-heavy electronics and Norse-inspired mysticism.

I originally purchased this 12” for a non-picture disc version of “Othilia” to DJ at the Wierd party, but much to my surprise, I found the version here to be different than the recording that appears on Morthogenisis.  The more well known version of the track clocks in at the same length, though is a more straightforward run through of the song.  The other two tracks on this 12” appear on Morthogenisis, seemingly unchanged.  The alternate version of “Othilia” is worth the price of admission alone, so hopefully even the biggest DIJ fan can find something new to enjoy.

Sixth Comm- The Taste For Flesh 12”
1. Othilia
2. Neiflheim
3. Swan Death

*download it here*

On that note, I just wanted to thank everyone for sticking around during a rather tumultuous year.  It’s been five years and counting, and it’s been a pleasure sharing this music with you.  If we all make it to 2013, here’s hoping for an even better year ahead!  Best to you and yours.

13 Comments »

East Wall- Demo K7

Posted in 1980s, 1984, darkwave, demo, East Wall, italian, italo, italo disco, Kirlian Camera, minimal, minimal synth on October 22, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve had this demo kicking around on my hard drive for a long time, but have yet to see it shared.  For those unfamilair, East Wall were an offshoot project of Kirlian Camera’s original keyboard player Fabrizio Chiari, who recorded the band’s debut 12” (for my money, “News” is still the band’s best track followed closely by the soaring “Blue Room”).  Teaming up with vocalist Wilma Notari, East Wall produced one LP and the excellent Eyes of Glass 12” (produced and aided by KC mainstay Angelo Bergamini), both which can be found here.  There’s also a CD from 1993 out there, but I have no idea how that stacks up against their previous material.

I know very little about this demo tape, except that it was released in 1984, a year before their debut 12”.  Most of the track titles are unknown, but the first track is clearly an early version of “Blue,” which was re-recorded for their 1991 LP Silence.  The rest of the tracks sound hauntingly familiar (perhaps they were reworked entirely for Silence), but outside of some vague similarity, they seem to be exclusive to this tape.   There’s some obvious cassette murkiness here, but it’s to be expected and the tape is still worth hearing for die hard fans of this excellent Italian duo as well as the primitive minimal synth of Tranquil Eyes & A Blaze Colour.

No artwork for the tape, sorry!

East Wall- Demo K7
1. Track 01 (Blue)
2. Track 02
3. Track 03
4. Track 04
5. Track 05

*download it here*

4 Comments »

Branches- Distance CD

Posted in darkwave, goth, italian, post-punk on August 14, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a more modern release, generously donated by Jason.   While I generally shy away from sharing material from the 2000s, this CD is both tremendous and so incredibly under the radar that it deserves to be heard en masse.

This CD harkens back to a time when there was a lot of new talent to be found, but no scene to attach itself to.  These days, darkwave/synth/goth music is much more in sync with current underground taste, with dozens of new bands and labels flourishing, deservedly so.  Meanwhile, many of the bands from the early-to-mid 2000s remain completely undiscovered, as the timing just wasn’t right, apparently.  Bands like Moldig, Black Ice, Bell Hollow, The Opposite Sex, The Floor, Sixteens, The Hunt, etc. were all tremendous modern forces flirting with a fresh new takes on post-punk/darkwave music, but remained criminally under-the-radar, outside of the select few involved with or highly interested in this style.

Branches certainly qualify as one of these lost gems, as this album was self-released in 2006.  The four piece band is Italian and this is their only release, which is rather difficult to find these days.  My favorite track is the dancefloor ready “My Time Is Falling Out” but there’s enough contrast between the club-ready hits and the gloomier side of the spectrum to make this a solid album all the way through.  I truly love every track and think you guys will as well.

Branches- Distance CD
1. Branches
2. My Time Is Falling Out
3. From Somewhere
4. Show Me Your Face
5. Nice
6. Distance
7. No Direction
8. The Lure
9. First Lights
10. Where The Dawn Comes Late

*download link removed* —> After eight years, the band has released a brand new LP! You can pick up a digital copy of Distance, as well as the band’s latest LP Old Forgotten Places on their brand new bandcamp page! Be sure and support the band!

11 Comments »

Jarvon Jol- The Dustcollector 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, darkwave, new wave, New York, new york city, synth, synthpop, US on April 17, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

You may have seen this one over at Vinyl Obscurity in the past, but I’ve been playing this one out at the Wierd party for several years now with extremely positive results, so here’s a fresh rip from my own copy.  Speaking of which- for those who live nearby, be sure to check in at Home Sweet Home tomorrow night (4.18) for the US debut of UV Pop!  I’ll be on the decks with Caleb of Sacred Bones & Alessandro from Mannequin—-surely a night to remember!

An incredibly affordable synth/wave 12” from 1984, recorded and released here in New York.  The clear winner here is the title track, a dark and fast paced synth number with short stabs of guitar, a sinister refrain, and several references to London town.  The British references also carry over to the album cover, which depicts a photo of Shaftesbury Ave., the heart of London’s theatre district.  Perhaps the dustcollector is a player on the stage?

The flip is a more care-free pop tune with some shamelessly soulful female vocals in the background.  Not really my cup of tea but your mileage may vary.  However, the A-side more than does the trick for me, as this 12” never leaves my record bag.

Jarvon Jol- The Dustcollector 12”
1. The Dustcollector
2. It’s Time

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 1.27.18)

3 Comments »

Lè Travo- Erring and Errant LP

Posted in 1980s, 1985, Belgian, coldwave, darkwave, Lè Travo, post-punk on March 9, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

Absolutely essential Belgian coldwave from 1985, originally posted by my good friend bx-59cppw and until now, was missing the last track. Thanks to BX for the final piece of the puzzle!

This is the band’s second release, which appeared just one year after an equally excellent split with Fred Angst. Grab that one over at A Viable Commercial. Lè Travo’s tracks on that split were produced by Luc Van Acker of Arbeid Adelt!, Thrill Kill Kult, Revolting Cocks fame.

As for this LP, very little is known, though an insert pegs the band as the brainchild of Patrick Bollen, with two session musicians contributing to three tracks and a female vocalist on backup here and there. Pretty amazing that just one man can create some of the best coldwave of the era. If I had to make a short list of essential records that are in desperate need of a reissue, this would be near the very top (*hint hint*). Don’t miss out!

Lè Travo- Erring and Errant LP
1. Arapaki
2. Something New
3. Hips
4. Guernica
5. Heyday
6. Amarcord
7. E La Nave Va

*download link removed* – reissued on Dark Entries Records!

4 Comments »

Various Artists- Unreleased Vol. 1 K7

Posted in 1987, asylum party, cassette, clair obscur, coldwave, compilations, darkwave, little nemo, mary goes round, norma loy, Orchestre Rouge, post-punk, unreleased, various artists on February 23, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

Since it seems like all links for the original Unreleased cassette are dead in the water or at a very low bit rate, here’s a fresh 320 kbps, fresh from the cassette! This one is arguably the most orthodox of the series, featuring several “household names” from the French coldwave/touching pop scene, many making their first or second recorded appearance here. Every band here hails from France, with the exception of The Cultural Decay (Belgium), and a rare track from Factory darlings Section 25.

Interesting how each of these compilations appear on a different medium, huh? I wonder if a fourth compilation will ever surface on 8 track…

Various Artists- Unreleased Volume 1 K7
1. Section 25– Human Puppets
2. Asylum Party– Where Have You Gone My Friend?
3. Brigade Internationale– Memories And Break
4. Clair Obscur– Wreck
5. Mary Goes Round– The Shelter
6. Odessa– Trouble
7. Brigade Internationale– Silence Of My Brain
8. Orchestre Rouge– 1980
9. Art Remains Tangible– Numéro 32
10 Little Nemo– Future Is Now
11. Norma Loy– Ghost Parasites
12. Brigade Internationale– Eyes On The Volcano
13. Complot Bronswick– Panem And Circences
14. The Cultural Decay– I Never Loved You

*download it here*

9 Comments »

Various Artists- Unreleased III CD

Posted in 1990, ambient, asylum party, classical, coldwave, compilations, darkwave, little nemo, unreleased, various artists on February 15, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s one for the romantics. Contained within we have the final installment of the Unreleased series, a strictly coldwave compilation from Présage records with many repeat offenders providing exclusive tracks. You can get volume I here and my own rip of volume II here. The only release outside of these compilations is the first Little Nemo 12”. Strange that the label didn’t do much else outside of these four releases, but hey.

This installment of the unreleased series from 1990 is the most curious of the lot, as the tracks are (mostly) instrumental. In fact, the entire disc is very classical and baroque influenced, with myriads of piano and strings making up the majority of the instrumentation. Some modern sounding synths and the occasional drum machine & bass romp kick in, but for the most part, it’s a relaxing and atmospheric affair.

A few of the artists that appear here aren’t much of a surprise, especially In the Nursery, who have always flirted with a more modern darkwave take on classical music in their later incarnations. Curiously absent is Collection D’Arnell~Andrea, but this is definitely a must for fans of that sort of sound. There’s a short piano contribution from Little Nemo founder Vincent Legallo and an exclusive Asylum Party track as well as several cuts from No Words and Rise And Fall Of A Decade, who comprise the majority of this collection. This one may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely one I enjoy very much.

Various Artists- Unreleased III CD
1. No Words- Futile Research
2. Vincent Legallo- Helioneiros N° 1
3. No Words- Silent Call
4. Asylum Party- Wet Button
5. Rise and Fall of a Decade- Unity Mitford
6. Trees Dance- Fracture
7. Rise and Fall of a Decade- Theme Kurland
8. No Words- Classical Side
9. In The Nursery- Seraphic
10. Trees Dance- Lust In Holy Dust
11. Rise and Fall of a Decade- Galdhöppigen Glittertind
12. Trees Dance- No Access
13. Vincent Legallo- Orgues Allemands
14. No Words- Prémonition
15. No Words- Hommage A Gaétan Blondeau

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 8.29.17)

8 Comments »

Diastereomer- Mothersun 7”

Posted in 1989, darkwave, diastereomer, japan, japanese, minimal synth, new wave, puppets records, sect commune, synth, synthpop on December 19, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

This will likely be my last post until after the holidays, so why not end this year (my fifth) with an extremely rare and extremely top shelf 7” from Japan!

I first discovered this Japanese duo through a Youtube clip, and have been playing their tracks almost nonstop at the weekly Wierd records party ever since. This particular 7” dates back to 1989 and was released on Puppets records, a private press label that was also home to Sect Commune, co-producer of this gem. High school friends Yoshio Fukumitsu and Katsuya Shoman took turns singing on these tracks (Fukumitsu sang and contributed lyrics to the A-side, while Shoman wrote the music to both tracks and is responsible for the vocals and lyrics of the flip). Both played synths, with Fukumitsu also contributing bass and Shoman on piano.

Fans of Xymox, Depeche Mode, OMD, and various darkwave legends both big and small will find lots to love on this record. Many thanks to Katsuya Shoman for the extra info and generous permission to upload these for you all to enjoy!

Diastereomer- Mothersun 7”
1. Mothersun
2. Place

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* – check out the new Ignition Advancer LP, which collects these tracks as well as a few unreleased gems from the band, via Bitter Lake Recordings.

While I’m here, I just wanted to thank everyone for the wave of support over the years. This blog wouldn’t exist without the camaraderie and interaction of friends, fans, and the musicians who have chimed in with their support and kindness. See you all in 2012!

8 Comments »

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