Archive for the minimal Category

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Glades of Darkness- Demo K7

Posted in coldwave, darkwave, glades of darkness, minimal, minimal synth on April 4, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s one that’s completely off my radar, as in, I can’t find any information about it whatsoever. Really excellent demo tape from a band called Glades of Darkness, who seem to have a very Italian sound, judging from the songwriting, atmosphere, and use of electronics. They fit in right with bands like Weimar Gesang and Chromagain, but no real knowledge of their time and location to be found. Sounds mid-1980s to me as well, but I can never be too sure about these things! Either way, fans of those bands as well as gloomy minimal synth and coldwave should find lots to love here.

If anyone could tell me anything about this band, it would be most appreciated!

Glades of Darkness- Demo K7
1. Time Passenger
2. I’m a Stranger
3. A Door
4. In the Garden
5. Go Away
6. Our Neoska
7. Wide Spaces

*download it here*

Enjoy! Lots more goodies to come over the next few weeks!

8 Comments »

Various Artists- Remote Viewing Vol. 2 K7

Posted in 1980s, 1989, ambient, cassette, experimental, industrial, k7, minimal, minimal synth, remote viewing, remote viewing vol. 2 on March 21, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

This particular cassette comes on generous loan from Sean Mcbride, sole member of Martial Canterel and half of Xeno and Oaklander, two of the current synth scene’s most crucial players. For those who are unaware, the latest Martial Canterel record, You Today, has dropped via Wierd Records, and is quite the stunning piece of work. A modern classic, through and through. Pick up a copy here, if you haven’t already!

This cassette, upon hearing it, has quickly become an all time favorite. Released in 1989 on Network 23 (the first installment appeared three years prior, and has yet to be shared to my knowledge), this tape features an hour and a half of instrumental ambient and industrial works from several obscure artists. It’s a murky, unsettling, and highly atmospheric ride, without a single dud among the bunch. Many of the artists here appear exclusively among the series, while others have a few more scattered releases from around the same time. The standout for me is John Costello’s “Gormen Ghast,” which lifts off into minimal synth/dance territory after nearly three minutes of haunting atmosphere. There’s also an exclusive track by Colin Potter and a solid gem by Steve Hillman, to name a few. This is highly recommended for fans of Tangerine Dream, Coil, and John Carpenter’s film scores, but there’s a handful of great minimal synth gems sprinkled within. Dig it!

Various Artists- Remote Viewing Vol. 2 K7
1. Howard Ingram- Sacrestone 72
2. Michael Hines- The Spirit Of Radio
3. Greg Truckell- Mesh
4. Mangenta Mirror- NX-X1-11
5. R. N. Andrews- Chinese Dentist Time
6. Steve Hillman- Citadel Parts 1 And 2
7. Colin Potter- Malton
8. Kevin O’Neill- Lik Mai
9. John Costello- Gormen Ghast
10. What It Is- Rearing Pigs
11. Martin Coles & Rick Wernham- Object Detection
12. Rancid Poultry- Controlled Exposure
13. Peter Tedstone- Mystic Sequence
14. Tim Stebbing- Star City

*download it here*

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P!OFF?- Mein Walkman Ist Kaputt 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, german, minimal, minimal synth, NDW, transparent on March 17, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a German NDW/synth rarity from 1982. Seems to be the first release on Transparent Records. Both of these tracks are plucked from the full length LP, also released in the same year. Quite an expensive LP, if you can get your hands on it!

You can expect some excellent quirky synth sounds here. The A-side has an excellent synthetic bass groove running throughout it, a bit of an oddball dancefloor classic. The B-side is a bit more spastic, kind of atypical of the NDW movement, but enjoyable all the same. Here’s the rundown:

P!OFF?- Mein Walkman Ist Kaputt 7”
1. Mein Walkman Ist Kaputt
2. Ich Kann Kein Französisch (Dansez)

*download it here*

5 Comments »

Perfect Jewish Couple- Ménage À Trois 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1985, minimal, minimal synth, perfect jewish couple, US on January 21, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s another oddball minimal synth gem I’ve had sitting in the upload queue for some time now. A rare entry from the United States, Ohio to be exact, dating back to 1985. You have two mixes of the catchy and quirky single here, backed with a more atmospheric track on the flip. I personally prefer the b-side, but especially enjoy the duality of this release.

You can hear more from the band on a 2007 CD reissue, which features some unreleased gems and “The Fall.” This release was prompted by several inquiries from fans and collectors over the years. Read more about the band’s history (complete with a comprensive bio and gear-list) here, and be sure to pick up a copy of Time Capsule by clicking here!

Perfect Jewish Couple- Ménage À Trois 7”
1. Step Back (Extended Version)
2. Step Back
3. The Fall

*download it here*

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Zerbrechlich- Am Strand Von Italien 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, dammerattacke, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, zerbrechlich on January 19, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a scarce minimal synth single from Austria. The a-side is an infectious little new wave gem, while the b-side is a manic piece of oddball synth- something for both sides of the minimal synth spectrum!

This is Zerbrechlich’s only release, but the story doesn’t end there. Zerbrechlich was the electronic side project of Dämmerattacke, who appear on the very first Systems of Romance compilation. The Zip Guns, who issued one LP in 1994, also consist of several Dämmerattacke members.

Here’s the info:

Zerbrechlich- Am Strand Von Italien 7”
1. Am Strand Von Italien
2. Bei Den Beduinen

*download it here*

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Terminal Beach- Love on Auto 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk, synth, terminal beach on December 28, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a killer 7” from 1982 that I’ve been meaning to post for a while. Seems there isn’t a lot of information to be had regarding this understated minimal synth/post-punk hybrid single, a private release on T.B. records. The band hailed from the UK, and naturally, this is their only release.

If anyone can fill in the blanks on this one, feel free to chime in. Otherwise, please do enjoy!

Terminal Beach- Love on Auto 7”
1. Love on Auto
2. Dark Words

*download it here*

18 Comments »

Various Artists- Systems of Romance vol. 3 & 4

Posted in 1980s, coldwave, compilations, minimal, minimal synth, NDW, post-punk, systems of romance on December 16, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I was going to wait until early next week to post these, but I’m terrible with keeping secrets, so here’s an early holiday treat for you all. Linked below are TWO new Systems of Romance loose tracks compilations, lovingly assembled and pieced together from various sources, private collections, and generous donations!

Before we get to the tracklistings, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for a truly solid year here at Systems of Romance, probably the best we’ve had yet. I really appreciate all the support from artists, fellow bloggers, and readers alike. Here’s to many more years and many more posts to come!

Warm fuzzies aside, let’s get to the good stuff!

Various Artists- Systems of Romance Vol. 3
1. Movements- Pascal Wathelet
2. The Aesthete- Biokonstruktor
3. Attack Decade- The Toy Shop
4. Erosion- Teepee
5. Demain Peut-Etre- Clair Instant
6. Man in the Railings- Plain Characters
7. Fate/Hate- Nyam Nyam
8. Mass Media- Monty Cantsin
9. Binary- Kazino
10. Ik En Mezelf- Fred A.
11. On- Zana
12. Fussball- Seltsame Zustände
13. Flickan I Mitt Badkar- Finish Him
14. Marche Nuptiale- Anches Doo Too Cool
15. New Harbours- Movement
16. Can’t Stop- Avantgarde De Luxe
17. Huge Box- The Bien
18. Paula- Nasa
19. Beautiful Lady- Hidden Pleasure

*download it here*

Various Artists- Systems of Romance Vol. 4
1. The Invitation- Portrait Bizarre
2. Robot Dynastie- Terminus B
3. Let’s Call-Up- Forum
4. Marilyn En Jean- Tonic
5. Camera Room- Breathing Age
6. Sons of the Snake- Alan Shearer
7. Last Train- Goûts De Luxe
8. Let Me Out of Here- Fizik
9. Certain Words- Clair Instant
10. You Hurt Me (Original Version)- Shark Vegas
11. Changing- Siam
12. Never Seen- Second Thoughts
13. Soba 23- Denis & Denis
14. Chant D’Yxos- Pascal Wathelet
15. XYZ- Pat Sheedy
16. Some Other Day- Insanity
17. In Loving Memory- Steve Ainsworth
18. The Letter- D’Arc

*download it here*

In case you missed them, you can get vol. 1 here and vol. 2 here! Have a great holiday, everyone!

32 Comments »

The Electronic Circus- Direct Lines 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, dramatis, electronic circus, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, synthpop, the electronic circus, visage on November 19, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a real quick post before I sneak off for the weekened. Uploaded here, by generous donation, we have one of the best minimal synth singles out there, at least in my opinion. The a-side is an absolute romantic synth classic, while the b-side here is a more atmospheric, piano-driven affair, an interesting but pleasant counterpoint to the sheer pop perfection on the flip.

Fun fact about this one. Main contributor Chris Payne was also in both Visage and the Dramatis (who had a solid hit with Gary Numan on vox). Easy to see why there’s such great mastery on this one! Here’s the info:

The Electronic Circus- Direct Lines 7”
1. Direct Lines
2. Le Chorale

*download link removed* – this 7” was reissued in 2017 by Animated Records in Chicago, and again in 2021 by Iron Lung Records. Support these labels and the artists and pick up a reissue copy if you can!

12 Comments »

Celibates- A Shameless Fashion LP

Posted in 1980s, 1981, celibates, minimal, minimal synth, post-punk on November 15, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Some of you may have seen this one kicking around previously over at Capa Nostra Syndicate, but I believe there may be a skip or two on that particular upload. So apologies for the repetition, but here’s a freshly ripped version of this quirky minimal synth/post-punk hybrid from 1981.

This particular LP actually serves as a nice companion to the VHF lp. Quirky synths, minimal beats, and a strange connection to bands like Devo, Voice Farm, and Futurisk. Of course, there’s a few duds along the way, but I especially am fond the first track. Minimal synth fans should recognize David Kane, one of the album’s main contributors. Better known as Quintronic, he’s the man responsible for the Trek w/ Quintronic LPs, which you can get over at Mutant Sounds. Kane was responsible for the electronic elements of the LP, while Kent Weber (of the Fems), played all guitars and effects. Terry Sullivan, the vocalist, has no other releases as far as I can tell.

Celibates- A Shameless Fashion
1. Coming Alone
2. Keeping The Count
3. Making Moves At Random
4. Girls With Headphones
5. Rap City (In Blue)
6. She’s The One
7. Reflex
8. Whipped Cream Girls

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 8.17.17)

(press photo courtesy of Greg)

14 Comments »

VHF- 1st Impressions LP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, synthpop, VHF on November 12, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I was going to wait until Monday came to post this one up, but news travels fast, and a few people are already asking for it. Up on the slab we have one of the rarest new wave records in existence, the elusive VHF LP. Not to be confused with the heavy metal band of the same name (though the logo looks conspicuously like Van Halen), this particular EP has more in common with Speak and Spell era Depeche Mode, Erasure, and soulful synthpop in that vein.

This LP was released in the UK in 1984 on Pennine Records. A power pop single by Any Trouble was the label’s only other release. Coincidentally, VHF has a bit of a power pop vibe going for it, instead employing a slew of synth leads and drum machines in that minimal style we all love to get the job done. A curious mix, which generally works.

This doesn’t complete the VHF saga though… There’s a 7” out there for the title track, which I believe features an exclusive b-side. Maybe we’ll hear that one some day, but in the interim, here’s the info for this ‘holy grail’ of rare wave records:

VHF- 1st Impressions LP
1. The Peril Of Passion
2. Let Me Fall
3. Smile On Demand
4. No Surprise
5. I Know You Wanna Say Goodbye
6. Don’t Call Me
7. First Impressions
8. Key To My Heart
9. Our Love Is Undecided
10. Mirage
11. Counting The Days
12. Replacement Heart

*download it here*

27 Comments »

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