Archive for the post-punk Category

Lyon in Winter- As Winter Falls LP

Posted in 1980s, 1986, new wave, post-punk, san francisco on January 13, 2020 by Frankie Teardrop

Ripped this one to upgrade a while back and thought I’d share it for those who are unfamiliar. Here we have the lone LP from Lyon in Winter. This LP is an excellent slice of smooth new wave with some excellent post-punk bass grooves.  I’m reminded often of things like The Lucy Show, The Hurting, Dole, and Fiat Lux. Lots of saxophone, if that’s your thing (hint: as long as there are icy synths, I’m down with sax, too).

“The Haunting Moon” is the clear standout for me here, often appearing in some lounge DJ sets here in NYC, but the whole album is a solid listen from front to back. The LP came out in 1986 and is still pretty attainable, for those who might want to grab a copy of their own…

Hope y’all enjoy this one.

EDIT: It appears the Discogs entry on this album is incorrect, as this is NOT an album from former Negativeland member Richard Lyons, but by another musician with the same name, who operated out of the Boston area. It DOES appear (unless that tag is incorrect as well and the sleeve is referencing another guy by the same name), that Merle Allin, the brother of G.G., played bass on this LP. With all of this in mind, if anyone has any further info about this record, I’d love to hear more!

Lyon in Winter- As Winter Falls LP
1. I Dream
2. Summer
3. The Haunting Moon
4. Push! Pound!
5. As Winter Falls
6. Please Don’t…
7. The Change

*download it here*

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*

Desert Corbusier ‎– A Cake Of Your Own Dough K7

Posted in 1980, desert corbusier, Dutch, netherlands, post-punk on October 16, 2019 by Frankie Teardrop

Major life delays here but thought I’d make it up to you all with an extremely rare DIY Dutch cassette from one of the country’s greatest guitar-based bands, Desert Corbusier. Most folks might already be familiar with the band thanks to their lone 12”from 1984, which is currently selling for a cool grand if you happen to have that kind of cash just lying around…

This cassette appears to be the band’s debut release, and for a moment there, I thought it was the only other release, until three more cassettes mysteriously appeared on Discogs within the last few months. If anyone happens to have a copy of those 1983 and beyond cassettes lying around, you know what to do!

As for this tape, it’s certainly a bit more raw and angular than the icier sound they developed in the year to follow, but still lots to love here for fans of dark, heady, minimalistic post-punk. Definitely a welcome addition to the canon, especially notable for fans of Trop Tard, The Fall, and the like. Enjoy!

Desert Corbusier ‎– A Cake Of Your Own Dough K7
1. Cute Little Hamster
2. Roter Hals
3. Sedative Age
4. Morning After
5. Finsterniss
6. Plastic Love
7. Violence
8. Ich, Verlierer
9. Two Kicks, One Thrill

*download it here*

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*

RJ/8- Tomorrow Never Listens 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, post-punk, power pop, US on June 5, 2019 by Frankie Teardrop

I can never get enough of rickety, DIY post-punk from 1981. This 7” fits the bill perfectly, two razor sharp energetic tracks from US band RJ/8. This is their only release, one and done, the way these things often go. The band recorded these tracks in Virginia, where they were likely from, also home to Fresh Tracks, the label responsible for pressing this 7”.

Early Sad Lovers and Giants vibes here, mostly due to the copious use of saxophone and call-and-response echoes. Overall, a very UK sound mixed with a smidge of power-pop energy, very rare to hear in the States around this period of time.

Wish I could tell you more about this one, but hope y’all enjoy!

RJ/8- Tomorrow Never Listens 7”
1. Tomorrow Never Listens
2. The Game

*download it here*

Emerald Vein – Existence & Land of the Living LPs

Posted in 1980s, 1988, 1990s, 1991, dreampop, emerald vein, ethereal, post-punk on April 9, 2019 by Frankie Teardrop

Just spotted a photo of one of these LPs come up in a recent memories post, as I picked up a copy of this based on the cover art alone during my last trip to Boston a year or so ago. Here we have both vinyl releases by Emerald Vein, aka the solo project of Boston-based musician Robert Young. Previous bands of Robert’s included alternative band Uzi and post-punk band A Scanner Darkly, whose 1988 LP This Is the Way serves as a solid Sisters of Mercy-esque guitar record.

As for Emerald Vein, Young took things in a more ethereal direction, mixing a few post-punk tracks in with neoclassical and dream pop influences. Kind of my sweet spot for when the air has a bit of a chill in it still. Both of these LPs are unique listens, calling the likes of In the Nursery, Into a Circle, Breathless, Mark Renner, Eden, Black Tape For a Blue Girl, and maybe even a little Gilmour-era Pink Floyd to mind here and there. Land of the Living has a track or two with some co-harmonies from Colleen Nichole Jacobucci, and has an overall more experimental touch but is still very much in the vein of the first LP. Terence Donahue, drummer of A Scanner Darkly, also performs on a handful of tracks across both releases. Donahue was also involved with IPR stalwarts Deception Bay.

Here’s the details for both LPs. Note: will be taking better quality album photos shortly, please stand by!

Emerald Vein- Existence LP (1989)
1. Worship
2. Existence
3. Completely Nothing
4. The Messiah
5. Promise
6. Out Of My Head
7. Take Hold
8. In His World

Emerald Vein- Land of the Living LP (1991)
1. Land Of The Living
2. The Difference
3. The Living End
4. Memory Inside My Head
5. Breath
6. Father Of Lies
7. Light
8. My Maker
9. Bury This Void
10. Colors

*download both here*

Robert has also made a digital download of his favorite cuts from both albums available here, if you’d like to upgrade some of the tracks from vinyl rips to crystal clear digital copies. Definitely worth grabbing the link above for the full discography, and even though Robert’s Bandcampo is pay-what-you-want, I deeply encourage purchasing the tracks and supporting Young’s work.

Black September- Rainbow Kiss 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1986, goth, indie, post-punk, uk on February 22, 2019 by Frankie Teardrop

Let’s get some guitars into the mix, shall we? Here’s a relatively cheap, but nonetheless obscure single from UK band Black September, who released this one slab of wax in 1986 via Lost Moment Records (Jesus Couldn’t Drum, Skin Side Out, B-Z Party, etc.).

The band were a four piece, led by Ian Hunter. While most folks might recognize the name from Mott the Hoople, though I’m not familiar enough with their catalog to confirm if this is indeed the same Ian Hunter, or someone with the same name. Otherwise, the music sounds suspiciously close to Death Cult, with a slightly more indie/commercial vibe. Other touchstones might include early Gene Loves Jezebel, Zero Le Creche, or Into a Circle – slightly anthemic, guitar-driven tracks with sweeping synths, through and through. I tend to prefer the b-side, but both tracks aim to please.

As of now, the single is a couple of bucks through the usual channels, so if you dig it, it’s well worth picking up!

Black September- Rainbow Kiss 12”
1. Rainbow Kiss
2. David

*download it here*

 

Fourwaycross- Fourwaycross K7

Posted in 1980s, 1985, california, fourwaycross, post-punk, US on December 4, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Picking back up where our last post left off, here’s an album that’s been near and dear to my heart for many moons, hailing from the same general area and scene as Drowning Pool, Abecedarians, etc. While there seems to be a lot of activity in the area, there doesn’t seem to be as much love out there for Fourwaycross, who began in 1984 in Los Angeles. Though the main core of the band was Tom Dolan, Biff Sanders, Steve Gerdes and Courtney Davies, the band has shifted lineups and styles seamlessly over the years, most notably drafting Brad Laner and Beth Thompson, who would then go on to form Medicine upon the band’s demise.

Despite the lineup changes, the original core of the band offered up what is in my opinion, their strongest work, 1985’s self-titled cassette. The release is haunting, singular, and transcends genres to allow for neo-classical passages, Savage Republic-esque tribal post-punk, ethereal instrumentals with flutes in tow, and psychedelic, haunting folk. The cassette was reissued several times over in a variety of formats, including a vinyl pressing (affordable and essential), cassettes with alternate artwork, and even a CD-R issue in 2011 as interest in post-punk music was thriving. That said, this rip comes from an original cassette from 1985, in pristine condition.

This is the band’s earliest material, not counting a posthumous release of outtakes, demos, and rare tracks on Independent Project Records, released as Pendulum. The band would issue three equally strong albums following this debut, and have released a handful of excellent singles in the last year featuring the original core lineup. You can listen and purchase the new work via the band’s Bandcamp, and you can also find them all on Facebook. Courtney and Steve have also launched a new project called The Roogs, who are currently working on material.

Without any further ado, here’s the info on this cassette:

Fourwaycross- Fourwaycross K7
1. Intro
2. When Will You
3. Apologize
4. Sharpened Knives
5. Long Talk
6. Driving Thru Trees
7. MF
8. Strictly Morphine

*download it here*

Drowning Pool- Satori LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, drowning pool, los angeles, post-punk, US on November 5, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Are y’all down with the sickness?

If so, this one is a request for the 1987 comp. from Drowning Pool, the nu metal bandthe post-punk band from Los Angeles, California. The band were also featured on the Ultraviolet compilation I posted last time around, so the name should certainly sound familiar… You may also recognize the band via their debut single under the name Landscape of Sound, which has also been featured here previously.

This particular double LP is a compilation of sorts, collecting a series of rare tracks alongside centerpieces from their four major LPs. This LP may have been shared in the past, but certainly at a low bitrate according to all sources I could find. As such, it’s an excellent introduction point AND a solid record to fill in the gaps, even if you have their other LPs in your collection. This record was released in 1987 via Nate Starkman and Son, an offshoot of Independent Project Records. It’s actually some small mystery they weren’t officially on IPR, as the sound and style and location all line up. They would have certainly been a welcome addition to the roster.

For those unfamiliar with Drowning Pool, there’s lots to love here across the post-punk spectrum. On paper, the band come off like a much more sinister and experimental take on Dead Can Dance, with tribal passages and ethereal soundscapes nestled among pure post-punk fury and avant-ghetto chaos. I’m also reminded of In the Nursery’s earlier, more primitive records. Of course, apt comparisons could also be made to local scene bands Autumnfair and Savage Republic, as the band no doubt ran in similar circles.

Soon after this LP was released, Drowning Pool changed their name to Mumbles and released one LP before disbanding. If you like what you hear here, you’d do well to seek out the band’s LPs, which are all rather affordable and all worth pouring over in great detail. For those who like to check on these things, the band keep an active social media presence, so you can check in on them for some old photos, details, stories, and more. Otherwise, here’s all the info:

Drowning Pool- Satori LP
1. Petit Malfacteur
2. Ritual Regeneration/Toy Soldiers*
3. Ruts
4. Nierika
5. Festival Of Healing
6. Fired From Within
7. Uncork The Mind
8. Game Room
9. You Are My Rescue
10. Weaving Petals
11. Muted Streak
12. Master Bebra
13. Ghirlandaio’s Apprentice/Macaulay Call*

*ripped as one track

*download it here*

—–

Also seems fitting to post a band from LA, as I’ll be landing there tomorrow to kick off a tour with Public Memory, who I’m playing synths with these days. Perhaps we’ll cross paths? Check here for full list of west coast dates, and come say hi if you’re in town!

Various Artists- Ultraviolet LP

Posted in 1980s, 1989, abecedarians, california, post-punk, US on October 15, 2018 by Frankie Teardrop

Fresh off the needle, here’s an updated rip of a favorite US post-punk compilation from ’89, released on Sketch Records. Ultraviolet collects nine tracks of California-based post-punk and new wave tracks, several of the bands who were seldom heard from again. The first two bands are likely the most well-known of the lot, as both Abecedarians and Drowning Pool (not the nu metal band of the same name, mind you) have respectable cult followings. Abecedarians of course, have been covered here before a handful of times (and have their debut 12” release on Factory Records), and Drowning Pool’s body of work is incredibly enjoyable, in line with many of the other bands from the time period (Red Temple Spirits, Savage Republic, etc.).

The most notable standout, and one of the best reasons to own this compilation is for the track “Eleven Is Waiting” by Homeland. Not only is the song an absolute corker, an five-minute post-punk workout with haunting melodies, a chorus-drenched bass line, flutes, and a tempo that changes tempos near its close, it’s also a curious footnote to the Brian Jonestown Massacre story, as Homeland was singer Anton Newcombe’s first project. The band released one excellent demo cassette in 1989, which has since been reissued on CD-r, as has a slew of unreleased work including additional demos and live tracks, all of which likely exist due to the Brian Jonestown Massacre’s indie success over the years.

That all said, here’s the good stuff:

Various Artists- Ultraviolet
1. Laugh At Yourself (Live)- Abecedarians
2. Edith, Hold Out Your Hand- Drowning Pool
3. In Their Eyes- 3D Picnic
4. During Moss- X-1 Whiteman
5. Blue Roses- Electric-Cool-Aide
6. Green Gel- Blue Death Ride ’69
7. Eleven Is Waiting- Homeland
8. Tundra- Man From Missouri
9. Sesso Fantasma- Prison of Socrates

*download it here*