Archive for the coldwave Category

The (Hypothetical) Prophets

Posted in 1980s, coldwave, france, minimal, the hypothetical prophets, wave on September 5, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop


The (Hypothetical) Prophets were an ephemeral French coldwave band consisting of duo Bernard Szajner and Karel Beer. The band formed in 1980 and released a series of 12” singles and one full length record before their quick demise.

Despite a short discography, the band’s craft was unique. Singing in both their native tongue as well as English and alternating between male and female vocals, the the dozen or so songs recorded under this name are haunting minimal wave at its finest, a mixture of harsh electronic experimentation and catchy pulses of synth.

I’ve been trying to get a hold of their lone LP, 1982’s Around the World With the (Hypothetical) Prophets, but in the meanwhile, I’ve uploaded two tracks, both appearing as their own respective A-side. However, these versions are plucked from the 2004 So Young, But So Cold: Underground French Music 1977-1983 compilation. Enjoy!

download the (Hypothetical) Prophets – ‘Person to Person’
download the (Hypothetical) Prophets – ‘Wallenberg’

I didn’t think I’d be able to find any videos, but lo and behold, click below for the video for ‘Person to Person.’

Since the band’s split, Bernard Szajner would continue to record music under his own name until 1986, persuing other artistic ventures in theatre and the arts soon after. However, according to his official site, plans are in the works to release four (!) records and rehearse a band for future touring. For more information, news, and bits and bobs on Bernard, click below for his official site:

Official Bernard Szajner site
pick up So Young But So Cold through CDuniverse.com

The Snake Corps

Posted in 1980s, british, coldwave, dreampop, post-punk, sad lovers and giants, shoegaze, snake corps on August 28, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

The Snake Corps formed in 1984 after the original demise of British psychedelic post-punk act Sad Lovers & Giants. In the wake of the band’s split, guitarist Tristan Garel-Funk formed a new five-piece unit, collecting a few more like minded-fellows, and set out under this new name.

The band was not unlike it’s predecessor, exploring a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape alongside a driving post-punk edge. The band would tour heavily outside of the UK, developing a slight cult following for their curious blend of dreamy effects and hard punk rhthyms. The band, though hard-working, had a very distanced approach to their affairs and had alienated the British record industry, rejecting potential superstardom as a new shoegaze movement was taking hold of Britain towards the end of the decade.

The band would take a hiatus around 1990 after recording a handful of poorly distributed records, never quite achieving the success or recognition as many of their contemporaries would shortly. In 1993, a long-since recorded final record hit the market alongside a career retrospective, but though a bit of buzz was finally on their side, members of the band had already parted for keeps and the band officially called it a day.

I’ve uploaded two tracks by the Snake Corps for your downloading pleasure. The first, ‘Animals All’ hails from their debut record, 1985’s Flesh on Flesh. The second song, ‘Seagull’s Eye’ is a more catchy number, featured as the opening track on 1990’s Smother Earth.

download Snake Corps- ‘Animals All’
download Snake Corps- ‘Seagull’s Eye’

for further information on the band:
Official Snake Corps website– for a full discography, images, videos, and more!

Der Deutsche Adel- Der Deutsche Adel MLP

Posted in 1980s, 1984, coldwave, der deutsche adel, german on August 24, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Happy friday, ladies and gents. Today’s band is one I could find little information on aside from their origin and lone release info.

Der Deutsche Adel is the name of the band, a German post-punk band with a killer synth-heavy sound and just one self-titled release under their belt. Can’t seem to dig up any more info about the record, but it’s easily one of the best of its kind.

Though the band hailed from Germany, there are French and Spanish pressings of this mini-LP, the former released on Divine (Mecano, Fra Lippo Lippi, End of Data, Complot Bronswick, Seconde Chambre, etc.). Curious. Here’s the info:

Der Deutsche Adel- Der Deutsche Adel MLP
1. Unfurled Flags
2. Build Those Fires
3. Dive
4. Sometimes
5. Sally Oh Sally
6. Guess Works

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 6.30.12)

EDIT: For more information about Der Deutsche Adel, please visit THIS informative fan page!