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Archive for the minimal Category

Hysterica Passio- Grey Over Life 12”

Posted in 1980s, hysterica passio, minimal, nyc, synth, wave on August 30, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve only managed to dig up a few snippets about today’s band- NY based minimal synth act Hysterica Passio. Drawing name inspiration from an outdated term for dementia used in Shakespeare’s King Lear, the band put out but one 12” single in 1982 before their demise two years later. These two tracks would be featured on various DIY Flexi-Pop compilations soon after, but would never record another note.

Hysterica Passio- Grey Over Life 12”
1. Grey Over Life
2. Alone

*songs removed by request*

Naturally, I’ve no Youtube videos, band photos, or links to pick up their material in mass-quantities. The original vinyl single however, should one be lucky enough to find a copy online, fetches approximately $80.

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The Fast Set- Junction One 7”

Posted in 1980, 1980s, 4ad, minimal, synth, the fast set, wave on August 14, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Some classic minimal synth for you today, ladies and gentlemen… Today’s band is the Fast Set, a one man synth project who’s first and only 7” recording was also the very first release on Axis, aka 4AD.

The Fast Set is comprised of avant-artist David Knight, who signed with with Axis records upon its inception in 1980, just before label-head Ivo Watts-Russel was forced to change the label’s name to 4AD. As a one man project, the Fast Set recorded just one 7” single for the song ‘Junction One’ in 1980. The b-side of the single was a synthetic dirge rendition of ‘Children of the Revolution’ by T.Rex.

The band’s only other recorded moment was a cover of T.Rex’s ‘King of the Rumbling Spires,’ released on a Some Bizzare compilation in 1981. Afterwards, David disbanded his project and went on to work with the likes of Danielle Dax and the Shockheaded Peters.

Here’s that lone single for your listening and downloading pleasure:

The Fast Set- Junction One 7”
1. Junction One
2. Children of the Revolution

*DOWNLOAD LINKS REMOVED* Click here to purchase these via 4AD’s official site.

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Testcard F

Posted in 1980s, british, minimal, synth, synthpunk, testcard f, wave on August 9, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s band, Testcard F, has so little recorded output that I almost considered tossing it all at you, but that would take all the fun out of hunting it down and savoring it, wouldn’t it?

In fact, there’s not only just two singles and a John Peel recording available, there’s very little information to be found about this British band, aside from a few bits and bobs:

The band formed in 1981, and reconstructed and built their own synthesizers. Unlike some synth-punk and minimal wave acts of the time, this band near-completely utilized electronic instruments, drum machines, and backing tapes; the only organic instrumentation appearing in the form of trash cans, coat racks, and other assorted debris. Oftentimes, their live performances would be slagged viciously by heckling attendees, anxious for guitars. One particular gig in their hometown of Norwich ended in a small riot.

The band split immediately on the brink of success after winning a Norwich battle of the bands and recording their two singles and Peel Session in 1984.

I’ve uploaded their b-sides, both tracks which I enjoy more than their respective flip. The first, ‘Unfamiliar Room’ is a particular favorite of mine, featured on the Bandwagon Tango 7” and the second the b-side of the Third Stroke 7”. If anyone is anxious for the remaining a-sides and Peel recordings, drop a line and I’ll happily upload the rest.

download Testcard F- ‘Unfamiliar Room’
download Testcard F- ‘If Only it Wasn’t’

…and sadly, I have no photos, youtube clips, or homepages for you today, and naturally since their material is so far out of print, if you manage to come in cahoots with either of these vinyl singles, snap them up in a heartbeat!

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Twice a Man- Observations From a Borderland 12”

Posted in 12'', 1980s, 1983, minimal, minimal synth, swedish, twice a man on July 26, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Twice a Man is a Swedish synth project, formed in 1981 as an offshoot of Cosmic Overdose. The band primarily consists of members Karl Gasleben and Dan Söderqvist (with early contributions by Lars Falk) and has remained intact over nearly three decades. While most of their contemporaries made an ephemeral splash, Twice a Man has remained together since their inception, continuously recording and releasing records, with plans to release their sixteenth full-length this year.

On top of their pioneering synth work, Twice a Man has also had their hands in seven theatre productions throughout Europe and have scored three films with a variety of collaborators. The band still gigs in Europe on occasion.

For the downloading, here’s Twice a Man’s first 12” single for ‘Observations from a Borderland’, released shortly after their debut record Music for Girls. The single dates back to 1983, and while the a-side features a more atmospheric approach, the second is a straight-up synth-pop gem: