The Severance- Dreams Of Youth 12”
Sometimes I forget just how much I love synthpop. We’re talking giant beats, huge hooks, almost shameless use of electronics and a tremendous command of melody. Mostly I just love stuff that sounds like classic-era Depeche Mode. Meanwhile, I picked this one up in a cheap-o bin in the bowels of NYC, and with just one glance to both the front & back covers, I knew exactly what to expect and knew it would hit that sweet spot…
This particular German 12” kicks off with a killer four-on-the-floor track. This track could have fit nicely in a set with “Strangelove,” Cetu Javu, Few Boys, Secession, Celebrate the Nun, and so on and so forth. While hearing three tracks of solid synthpop without any variation would have suited the works just fine, there’s a bit more to this record than meets the eye. While “Dreams Of Youth” will satisfy even the most thirsty of palates, the second track is the clear winner in my book, a more aggressive track with a little EBM flavor. Fans of The Arch, Aimless Device, and A Split Second should adore this one. The third track falls back to the synthpop sound, but is just as catchy as the A-side, with a slower tempo and a chirpy arpeggiator running throughout.
This is the first of three releases from The Severance, released in 1990 (arguably the peak of this sound), and I haven’t heard their 1994 LP to see how the band evolved over the years. Two members would reconvene as Winterkälte in the mid 90s, with a harsher, more industrial/ebm sound.
That all said, hope you enjoy!
The Severance- Dreams Of Youth 12”
1. Dreams of Youth
2. Electrocult
3. Crying Child
In other news, I just returned from San Francisco, which after a few days of record digging with Goutroy, I found some more gems to share, as well as a few to re-rip in higher quality. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for some West Coast goodies and some other surprises!
June 25, 2015 at 9:50 pm
Oh my God. The internet is merciless. i thought this little tune is forgotten.
Well, a catchy tune, indeed, but the production was low below standard, even for those past days.
but thank you for your kind words
i produced a remake of “Dreams of Youth” back in 2009. If you are interested, please drop a note.
many greets from Germany.
regards,
Deak Ferance
(former singer of “The Severance”)
June 26, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Great to hear from you, Deak! It’s always interesting to hear how the artists felt about their work after all these years. I also DJ, and aim to play one of these tracks out at a gig this weekend!
I would love to hear a new recording of “Dreams of Youth”- definitely keep me posted on anything you’re up to these days!
December 19, 2015 at 8:36 pm
Hi Frankie,
sorry for the long delay.
Here is the 2009 rerecorded version of “Dreams of Youth”
https://soundcloud.com/dudo/deak-ferance-feat-the-severance-dreams-of-youth-2009-long-version
greeting,
Deak Ferance
June 26, 2015 at 9:14 am
Thanks.
June 28, 2015 at 10:11 am
Thanks !
July 5, 2015 at 4:01 am
check this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE8J6Gs4hic