Archive for the goth-rock Category

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The Nevermen- Monitor LP

Posted in 1980s, 1988, canadian, goth, goth-rock, goutroy, post-punk on April 3, 2022 by Frankie Teardrop

This record might tick boxes for fans of late 80s alternative. The band is The Nevermen, a four piece from Canada. This is their lone LP, which was released on Amok Records (Courage of Lassie, Psyche, Preison’s Shade) in 1988. While all the late 80s goth touchstones are here – the reverb drenched drum machines, the thick bass grooves, and the gloomy guitar, I sometimes find the vocal melodies to be somewhat close to Alice in Chains or bands from that era – even though naturally this record predates the band for a few years. Producer Michael Wojewoda provides backing vocals, which complement the main vocals with a similar kind of dual attack. I also get some early Faith No More vibes throughout with the soaring synths and bass tones.

Now don’t get me wrong folks, there are still plenty of familiar sounds here to keep all us 80s lovers interested – I also hear traces of Simple Minds, Midnight Oil, Big Country throughout this LP, if these bands ditched their stadium sounds and leaned darker overall. This record would definitely have picked up some 120 Minutes airplay if they made a video. Maybe they did?

Either way, if I haven’t scared you away with all this rawk talk, here’s the details for this LP:

The Nevermen- Monitor LP
1. Real Life
2. Across The Room
3. The Waltz
4. Waiting For Rain
5. Living In The Past
6. She’s Got Me
7. Burning
8. Cacophony And Dance (Silver Crown Cement Mix)

*download it here*

(thanks as always to Goutroy for ripping this one initially – keeping A Viable Commercial alive and well!)

1 Comment »

Nebraska- The House of Strangeness LP

Posted in 1989, goth, goth-rock, New York, new york city, post-punk, US on December 31, 2019 by Frankie Teardrop

Happy New Year, everyone! Been a minute again, and with that in mind, here’s an extremely rare post-punk/goth LP from a NY-based four-piece band curiously named…Nebraska, released in 1989. I’ve been on the hunt for this one for some time now and just now picked up a copy for myself, but deep thanks to Ilya for lending his copy for ripping it some time ago.

According to a comment left on the Discogs entry, this LP was recorded in Staten Island, and the cover photo is of an old abandoned hospital nearby the studio. Very curious to hear these kind of sounds coming from Staten Island, but always nice to hear a local gem.

As for touchstones, this LP sits nicely alongside some of the more anthemic, yet darker guitar driven records – think along the lines of Into Paradise, Blue In Heaven, Beg For Eden, etc. A little more primitive and razor sharp as far as the production is concerned, but a lot of top notch post-punk churning to be found. Hope y’all enjoy, and see you in 2020!



Nebraska- The House of Strangeness LP
1. Georgia
2. Whipping Wind
3. Love Is Hate
4. It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
5. So This Is The Real World
6. Twilight Zone
7. A Thought Of Your Own
8. She Could Be A Bride

*download it here*

6 Comments »

The Smoking Mirror- EP 12”

Posted in 1988, deathrock, goth, goth-rock, post-punk, the smoking mirror on July 17, 2019 by Frankie Teardrop

Keep forgetting about this record, which I originally borrowed from Goutroy for a rip and then picked up my own copy shortly thereafter. Thanks to Saul for the request/reminder in my last post!

Here we have an excellent slice of 1988 goth from the UK, right from the era of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and March Violets. It’s actually a pretty fair blend of the two bands, in simplest form – the churn and energy of early Lorries (by way of pounding drum patterns and guitar textures of “Beating My Head” or “Monkeys on Juice”) vs the dual male/female vocals of the Violets. Either way, this EP features four excellent tracks of UK goth, a welcome addition for any fans of the genre.

The band is a three peace, and as far as wax is concerned, this is their only release. They were likely from Birmingham, as their label, Sonic Death Records, was stationed there.  There apparently is a demo tape floating around in the ether somewhere, though I can’t seem to find any information about it online outside of a mere mention on their discogs entry. It appears as if the band were planning on a US tour in 1989, though not sure if that ever came to pass before the band called it quits. Aside from the regular lyric/iinfo insert, here’s also apparently an extra 16 page insert with more info and color photographs, but my copy did not come with it, so I can’t offer much else for y’all, other than the download.

With that in mind, here’s the rundown:

The Smoking Mirror- EP 12”
1. Siren Girl
2. Dead Man’s Shirt
3. Prostitute
4. Acid Filth

*download it here*

6 Comments »

Dead Neighbours- Strangedays : Strangeways LP

Posted in 1980s, 1985, dead neighbours, goth, goth-rock, lowlife, post-punk on August 30, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

 

Here’s a fresh rip of a forever classic, hot off the needle to soothe your end-of-summer anxiety. Here we have the second (and final) LP by Scotland’s Dead Neighbours, released in 1985 and featuring eight tracks of driving post-punk bliss.

For those unfamiliar, Dead Neighbours began as a Cramps-inspired psychobilly band, featuring the powerful baritone vocals of Craig Lorentson (RIP) at the forefront of their sound. The band was managed by Brian Guthrie, brother of Cocteau Twins guitarist Robin Guthrie, who helped develop the band’s cult following.

During the recording of their second LP, bassist David Steele departed the band, and the Guthries encouraged Will Heggie to join to complete the record. Heggie, freshly departed from the Cocteau Twins after a tumultuous tour supporting Garlands, was happy to oblige, and completed the record and stayed on to work on new material. Heggie’s incredibly charismatic playing instantly changed the dynamic of the band, and after swapping guitarists for Stuart Everest, the band decided to rechristen themselves as Lowlife, who would go on to release five highly acclaimed albums and a handful of EPs until their breakup in the mid-90s.

With that in mind, the shift in sound is already present on this LP, a clear shade of difference from their 1984 debut Harmony In Hell. Heggie’s energy can already be felt, and the songs appear harder, faster, and stronger, despite shirking much of their psychobilly roots. There’s still a little of that sound present, but just enough to keep things interesting. Lyrically, the album is very focused on mental illness and suicide, especially apparent on opening track “Wreckage of Your Mind” and the final track. Also worthy of note: closing track “The Cowards Way” [sic] was re-recorded by Lowlife and a more lush, dreamier version kicks off their 1986 debut record Permanent Sleep.

If you HAVE heard this one before, hope you enjoy a fresh 320kbps rip of this classic. I don’t happen to have their first album Harmony In Hell NOR the 1985 compilation Wild Women Vs Rubber Fish! in my collection to provide new rips, but hope this one satiates your ears for now. Either way, feel free to pull this down and crank it loud!

Dead Neighbours- Strangedays : Strangeways LP
1. Wreckage Of Your Mind
2. Turmoil
3. Terror Eyes
4. The Survivor
5. The Ultimate Goal
6. Beauty and the Beast
7. Tell Me Why
8. The Cowards Way

*download it here*

6 Comments »

Nervous Germans- Summer of Love LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, german, goth, goth-rock, nervous germans, post-punk on September 27, 2017 by Frankie Teardrop

Much to my bitter chagrin, there’s a heatwave in NYC at the moment, so here’s an aptly titled record for those who aren’t ready to say farewell to the summer.

Loose weather-related connections aside, I picked this LP up earlier this year and somehow tossed it in the get-rid-of pile on the same day. Fortunately, I don’t move quickly when it comes to purging, for occasions like these. Some pals were over this past weekend and we picked through the pile, dropped the needle, and were all suitably impressed with the sounds we heard from the speakers. Let’s just say that if I had a nickel for every time I snap judged something, I’d be able to afford the scarcest of minimal synth classics…

That all said, this is the second LP by this German quartet, who were able to score some cult success outside of their native country thanks to a Peel Session in 1980. Their early material flirts with some art-punk leanings, but this LP lands more squarely on the post-punk spectrum, with some new wave-esque synths added for good measure. Definite shades of early Gene Loves Jezebel and some of the percussion-heavy moments on The Cure’s Pornography (especially in penultimate track “No Will to Resist”) as well.

The LP was released in 1983 and was the last release by the band for 30 years. The band has since reunited and has released two records, both of which can be heard on streaming media services, if that’s your bag. In the interim, here’s the deets:

Nervous Germans- Summer of Love LP
1. Summer of Love
2. Water Into Wine
3. When I Look Into Your Eyes
4. European Heart
5. Unconditional Surrender
6. The End of the Affair
7. Blood and Lace
8. No Will to Resist
9. Vanishing Point

*download it here*

Brief note- The ending of “European Heart” is meant to end abruptly, as the beat continues into the dead wax!

2 Comments »

Razor Penguins- Discography

Posted in 1980s, 1981, 1986, cassette, demo, goth, goth-rock, post-punk, razor penguins, US on October 24, 2016 by Frankie Teardrop

As the wind picks up and the sun sets earlier, I find myself clutching my post-punk records close to the chest. What better time than to post the full 7” discography by US goth/post-punk band Razor Penguins. Though they sound inspired by both the UK scene as well as the budding LA “desert-goth” scene at the time, the band hailed from Columbus, Ohio.

These two releases appeared with a five year gap in between, quite a long time to wait for a follow up… The first 7” is incredible, both tracks gloomy and incisive as ever. “Paris” sounds right at home with Lung Overcoat, another US band with a similarly UK-inspired sound. The flip is far gloomier, with a nasty churning guitar working its way throughout much of the backing track. The second 7” is a bit more of an instrumental affair, though their style hadn’t changed much in five years. The title track has a bit of spoken word vibe throughout, while the second song is a straight instrumental, akin to the likes of the recent Savage Republic reissues which stripped their otherwise classic material of vocals.

I’ve also included a demo tape that’s been floating around the web elsewhere, in case you may have missed it on other blogs… I can’t take credit for the cassette rip, which is extremely murky and is very likely a transcode, but in case you want more Razor Penguins, this cassette features seven unfamiliar songs that may have been slated for a full length record. The only track that appears in duplicate here is “The Math Professor,” which may explain the single’s otherwise demo-esque vibe… I don’t have a year on the cassette, but I reckon it was recorded between 81 and 85…

Razor Penguins- Paris 7” (1981)
1. Paris
2. Indifference

Razor Penguins- Demo K7 (???)
1. The Math Professor
2. Less
3. Tides and the Moon
4. Untitled 1
5. At All
6. Exchanges
7. No Expectations
8. Untitled II

Razor Penguins- The Math Professor 7” (1985)
1. The Math Professor
2. August

*download all three here*

13 Comments »

One Life- The Crowning 12”

Posted in 12'', 1980s, 1988, boston, goth, goth-rock, post-punk, US on June 2, 2016 by Frankie Teardrop

Quick and dirty- both this post and the sound of this record. Released on Beautiful Sounds and based in the Boston area, One Life put out but one 12” of raw, incisive post-punk in 1988, and were never heard from again. Definitely recommended for fans of the first Choir Invisible LP, The Blessing, and The Bolshoi. As for larger touchstones, some major Psychedelic Furs overtones- as if Richard Butler lived in LA in 1985 as far as the title track is concerned. Funny though, as the vocals are a bit less monotone on the other tracks.

Your mileage may vary with the extended remix that kicks off this 12”, but otherwise, I can’t recommend this one enough! Many thanks to Goutroy and Glenn for turning me on to this one.

One Life- The Crowning 12”
1. The Crowning (Extended Mix)
2. The Crowning
3. Never Sleep Again
4. Fate
5. Holy Grace

*download it here*

6 Comments »

Various Artists- 041 Compilation K7

Posted in 1980s, 1989, goth, goth-rock, post-punk, punk, yugoslavian on March 16, 2016 by Frankie Teardrop

Wow, been a spot of time, ladies and gents. Sorry about that! To make up for it, here’s an incredibly obscure compilation I just recently picked up on cassette, featuring a slew of European post-punk and goth tracks. The tape was released in 1989 by FV Založba, the Yugoslavian label run by members of Borghesia. While there are a handful of excellent exclusive releases (case in point), the label often released unofficial copies of alternative classics, including Sonic Youth, Pere Ubu, Nick Cave, and the like.

That all said, there’s plenty to love on this compilation. Nearly every track is a winner, from the opening cover of The Beatles’ “The Fool On the Hill” by Endymion, Lepra’s “Soba” (which reminds me quite a bit of Paralisis Permanente), and several excellent contributions from the female fronted Nemesis, who run the gamut from trashy post-punk and indie across four tracks. There isn’t a slew of information about any of these bands, as none of them survived the late 80s underground.

Various Artists- 041 Compilation
1. Endymion- The Fool On the Hill
2. Nemesis- Silent War
3. Nemesis- Stranger
4. Nezaboravan San O…- Hladni Simboli
5. Lepra- Soba
6. Jozo Oko Gospa- Reci Omm
7. Lepra- Bol
8. Nemesis- Icarus
9. Nemesis- The Autumn Song

*download it here*

3 Comments »

Various Artists- 13 CD & L’Appel de la Muse LP

Posted in asylum party, coldwave, compilations, ellysgarden, france, french, goth, goth-rock, little nemo, lively art, post-punk on May 13, 2015 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a two for Tuesday post- two indispensable French compilations that you may have seen around before over the years, but both of these may serve as upgraded versions of what’s available in the ether.

Let’s start with 13, a near-perfect sampler of the Lively Art roster released in 1990, just as the label was hitting its peak. Just one glance at the artists gives the impression that Lively Art was truly on par with Factory Records, if nowhere near as well known outside of France and Belgium. It’s easy to forget that And Also the Trees had several releases on Lively Art, since they stick out like a sore thumb amidst a slew of French coldwave bands. That said, they certainly share the label’s aesthetic, in many ways a touchstone for La Vague Froide. Otherwise, you have classic tracks by Asylum Party, Museum of Devotion, and arguably Little Nemo’s best song… Not too shabby! The CD version provided here features three additional bonus tracks, to boot- bringing the total number of tracks to…well…….

While 13 is incredibly strong, L’Appel de la Muse is an all-time favorite. Track after track of dark French perfection. This is the first of five comps bearing this title, this series was perfect for showcasing new, underground French post-punk acts, oftentimes broadening their geographical horizons over the years. This first installment was the only release on vinyl, and kicked things off for the Alea Jacta Est in 1989. Alea Jacta Est would go on to release most of Lucie Cries’ discography, as well as Ellysgarden‘s debut release. Meanwhile, there are several repeat offenders across both of these compilations. Little Nemo’s “Alan’s Waiting” appears in re-recorded form here, and this version has never been compiled elsewhere. You also have killer exclusives from Excès Nocturne, Message, and a delightfully bizarre, yet satisfying track from Medikao, just to name a few. All in all, a flawless compilation, and part of a perfect pair. Enjoy!

Various Artists- 13
1. Tribes Are Meeting- Teepee
2. Love or Madness- Asylum Party
3. This Place- Data-Bank-A
4. Lover Pot Pie- Sky Cries Mary
5. Stiff- Numb
6. City Lights- Little Nemo
7. The Party- Mary Goes Round
8. Quimbi Come Home- Museum of Devotion
9, Istante (Live)- Club De Rome
10. Anton’s Mind’s Getting Blind- Collection d’Arnell~Andréa
11. The Subject Animal- Anechoic Chamber
12. (In the) Name of Surival- Circle Confusion
13. Wallpaper Dying- And Also the Trees

Various Artists- L’Appel de la Muse
1. The Muse’s Calling- Lucie Cries
2. Froh- Clair Obscur
3. Les Enfants- L’An III
4. Sex Gore- Medikao
5. Alan’s Waiting (2nd Version)- Little Nemo
6. Dahlia Noir- Excès Nocturne
7. Anastoria- Tuatha De Danann
8. The Nightmare (1st Version)- Mary Goes Round
9. The Grave- Message
10. Dreaming- Asylum Party

*download both here*

13 Comments »

Crashblack Big Orange- Crashblack Big Orange K7

Posted in 1980s, 1989, chicago, crashblack big orange, darkwave, goth, goth-rock, post-punk, US on April 15, 2015 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post is a supplement to Goutroy’s excellent post from 2012. His original post featured the lone full length LP from Chicago based husband and wife duo Crashblack Big Orange, which was a surprisingly excellent late 80s darkwave record in the vein of Intelligence Unit, Stimmen Der Stille, Xmal Deutschland, & Insulin Reaction. I’ve always thought these guys were kind of like a gothier version of X (or even a much less campy version of Rumania-era Nuns).

In his post, Goutroy mentioned that the band released three demo tapes prior to the LP, so this is one of the three missing pieces to the puzzle. This particular demo from 1989 is a single sided, self-titled affair, and features three tracks- two of which are exclusive to this release. The final song appears on the LP as well, and doesn’t seem to be too heavily altered, so it’s hard to tell if they just re-used this version or re-recorded it in exactly the same manner. The two exclusive tracks are exactly what you’d expect if you’re already a fan of the LP. The uninitiated can expect plenty of trashy, distorted deathrock-style guitars, high energy drum patterns, a mix of excellent male and female vox, and plenty of menacing hooks to go around.

crashblack

Crashblack Big Orange- Crashblack Big Orange K7
1. Voices
2. Nerves
3. Strange Sky

*download it here*

If anyone has a copies of the remaining two demos, feel free to drop a comment or an email! Would love to hear them!

6 Comments »

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