Archive for the post-punk Category

Entertainment- Gender CD

Posted in 2008, coldwave, darkwave, deathrock, Entertainment, georgia, post-punk, US on March 22, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I have a handful of synth/coldwave updates to keep you kids salivating throughout the week, but first things first, I have a newer LP from a fantastic underground artist to whet your appetite. Uploaded with permission of the band, here’s Entertainment’s debut LP in its crisp, intense glory.

I’ve been honored to share the stage with these boys in the past, and am pleased today to bring you a digital upload of the 2008 CD, currently out of print last I’ve heard. A handful of copies of the CD can still be found on Amazon, but you can get your hands on a limited edition remastered LP via Duchess Archive by clicking here. Otherwise, astute listeners can expect buzzing synths, unforgivable rhythms, and incisive vocals, coming at you from Athens, Georgia. You can read a little more about the record on Post-Punk dot com (click on “reviews” and scroll down for initial take on this hard-hitting latter day classic). Otherwise, here’s the information:

Entertainment- Gender
1. Romance in a Rain
2. Swing Movements
3. A Seduction Walks
4. Patroness
5. New Joys
6. The Nervous Walk
7. Confusion of Senses
8. Flesh

*download it here*

Stay tuned for LPs by Feu Ma Mere and Bugger West to follow in the next few days!

Panoramas- Amanda 12”

Posted in 1981, coldwave, french, Panoramas, polydor, post-punk on March 17, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s another French post-punk/coldwave release, dating back to 1981. Can’t seem to dig up a ton of info on Panoramas, but this particular 12” was released on Polydor. There’s also a 7” version of the record, which you can nab over at Dreams and Voices. However, this 12” features two additional tracks! The real gem of the lot is the title track. While more romantic and less dark than many of their contemporaries, these tracks are catchy as hell.

Panoramas- Amanda 12”
1. Amanda
2. Sinbad the Sailor
3. Les Secrets Du Pharon
4. Future Star

*download it here*

Revel Hotel- The Beating of the Wings EP

Posted in 2000s, 2010, nyc, post-punk, Revel Hotel, synthpop on March 15, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Allow me to deviate slightly from this blog’s usual course to announce the release of my band Revel Hotel’s debut studio EP, The Beating of the Wings. In true Systems of Romance fashion, I’ve uploaded it for free download for any and all interested parties.

Revel Hotel formed as a three piece in ’06, playing our first show at Wierd soon after. Since then, we’ve changed our name, added a guitar player, and have been carving out our own niche here in New York City. While this is our first studio release, we’ve also issued a downloadable EP of a recent radio session, as aired on 91.5FM and mixed by JennaX. Alongside two tracks that appear on the studio EP, we cut two newer songs, as well as a rather faithtful cover of B-Movie’s “Nowhere Girl.” Those sessions can be downloaded here.

Our studio debut was recorded in March ’09, lovingly mixed and mastered over the course of a year. Without any further ado, here’s the info:

Revel Hotel- The Beating of the Wings EP
1. Purify
2. 1,000 Dreams
3. Terminission
4. Dark Naked
5. Before I Disappear

*download it here*

For anyone interested in purchasing the EP (no obligations, please!), the record is currently available on CDBaby, iTunes, and Wierd Records.

Otherwise, please feel free to spread the record around at will! Systems of Romance will soon resume regular activity, but in the interim, thanks for listening, and hope you enjoy!

Visit us at these hubs:
Webpage
Myspace
Facebook

Dobri Isak- Mi plačemo iza tamnih naočara K7

Posted in 1980s, 1986, darkwave, dobri isak, lo-fi, post-punk, serbian on February 17, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Contained within this post is Dobri Isak’s lone record, released on cassette in 1986. This Serbian darkwave/post-punk band drew heavy inspiration from Joy Division, so this is definitely a must for fans of dark, furious, and somewhat lo-fi post-punk and goth rock.

There seems to be an abundance of information about the band, despite their relative obscurity. The band, whose name translates to “Kind Isaac,” originally formed in 1983. After three years and a handful of lineup shifts, they dropped their first and only release. The cassette (which translates to “We Cry Behind Dark Glasses) was limited to 100 copies, which quickly sold out. The record contains an Arnold Layne song, the band several members were active in alongside Dobri Isak.

Though the record came out in 1986, Dobri Isak remained together until 1996, playing their last gig with Arnold Layne and splitting soon after. In 2009, PMK Records re-released their cassette, tacking on a few extra bonus tracks at the end. However, here’s a rip of the original cassette, as donated by a generous last.fm user. Be sure to purchase the reissue if you dig these tracks!

Dobri Isak- Mi plačemo iza tamnih naočara K7
1. Ona Se Igra Nožem
2. Sinoć Si Sanjao Da Si Pas
3. Mi Plačemo Iza Tamnih Naočara
4. Čekamo Te (Na Istom Mestu)
5. Ja Znam Da Ću Propasti
6. Nepoznata
7. Feniks
8. Plakati Su Ikone
9. Dozvoli Mi Da Ostanem U Tvome Krevetu
10. Mrzim Te
11. Tu U Uglu (Tada Sam Te Poslednji Put Video)

*download it here*

Note: My upload of the cassette seems to have an extra track inserted in the middle, one which does not appear on the official discogs/reissue listing. According to the cassette artwork- “Nepoznata” does not appear on the release, but might very well be a hidden track. Any information welcome!

Repetition- The Still Reflex 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1981, 7'', post-punk, Repetition, Sarah Osburn, Spizzenergi on February 10, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Have a few more 7” records to post over the next little while, so might as well keep them coming.

This particular post features a solid 7” by Belgian post-punk band Repetition, a five piece featuring an ex-member of Spizzenergi (Pete Petrol). The two tracks hail from 1981, and sound a bit Siouxsie-ish, a rather popular sound at the time.

After releasing this single, the band switched vocalists to Steve Musham, who would go on to form jangle-pop band The Corn Dollies in the mid 80s. Musham would sing on the 1981 follow up A Full Rotation and 1982’s A Will to Win. Sarah Osborne, vocalist for this single, also sang for Marine, KLINGONS and lastly and most prominently for new wave band Allez Allez. Osborne married the Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory, the pair having met during bandmate Martyn Ware’s production work for Allez Allez’s second album Promises.

Otherwise, both tracks on this single are essential listening for that cold, early post-punk sound. Enjoy!

Repetition- The Still Reflex 7”
1. The Still Reflex
2. Fade Out

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 5.31.13)

Outer Circle- My Mona Lisa 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, minimal, minimal synth, new wave, nth, outer circle, post-punk, US on February 2, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

This particular post comes as a generous donation from band member Brad Bechtel, and features the follow up 12” from Outer Circle, released in 1984. At this point in time, guitarist Cole Coonce joined the band’s lineup, solidifying the band as a six piece. The remaining band members, being Steve Spingola (vocals), Pat Collison (synth), Paul Santos (bass), Lee Howell (drums), and of course Bechtel on lap steel guitar are still intact, returning with more of their distinctive edge.

The 12” features three original tracks and two remixes of “My Mona Lisa,” as done by Gary Otto. Here’s the details:

Outer Circle- My Mona Lisa 12”
1. My Mona Lisa
2. Building Dreams
3. Warm Gun
4. My Mona Lisa (Gary Otto Mix)
5. My Mona Lisa (Instrumental)

*download it here*

In case you missed it, nab the first Outer Circle 12” here!

Orchestre Rouge- Yellow Laugher LP + Soon Come Violence 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, coldwave, end of data, french, martin hannett, Orchestre Rouge, passion fodder, post-punk, tanit on February 2, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

I was just reminded about this killer album through a video posting on ye ol’ Facebook, perpetual time waster and otherwise social networking site. With that in mind, I’ve uploaded a killer full length by French coldwave band Orchestre Rouge. Attached is their debut record, 1982’s Yellow Laughter, a particularly driving guitar record released on RCA. The record was lovingly produced by Martin Hannett, famed producer for Joy Divison, Blue In Heaven, and a slew of other Factory Records bands.

As for membership, the band was a five piece, featuring Pascal Normal, who worked with both Tanit and End of Data after Orchestre Rouge’s disbandment. Théo Hakola and Denis Goulag went on to form Passion Fodder, taking their name from Orchestre Rouge’s second LP. As a quick aside, Passion Fodder also featured bassist Pascal Humbert, formerly of Tanit, now known for his work in both 16 Horsepower and Wovenhand. Pretty small world!

Anyway, I’ve also included the the 7” of “Soon Come Violence,” the band’s first single, featuring an exclusive b-side. Without any further ado, here’s the information:

Orchestre Rouge- Yellow Laughter LP
1. Soon Come Violence
2. Je Cherche Une Drogue (Qui Ne Fait Pas Mal)
3. Soft Kiss
4. Red Orange Blue
5. Hole In His Thigh
6. The Consul
7. Speakerine
8. Slugs
9. Crows

Orchestre Rouge- Soon Come Violence 7”
1. Soon Come Violence
2. Kazettlers Zeks

*download both here*

Calculated X- Four Windows 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, american, Calculated X, darkwave, minimal synth, new wave, post-punk, US on January 23, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Not much is known about Calculated X, aside from their American (Tennessee) origins, and contributions by the late Bobby Bowie (no relation to David, I’m afraid). That said, this particular 12”, released in 1982, is one of the very best dark synth records of all time. All three tracks are pure class, especially the driving “Dream Affair,” one of my favorite tracks to spin here in New York.

It seems as if the band has also released a full length record, but I can’t seem to find much information on it. That all said, if anyone’s able to fill in the gaps and tell more of the Calculated X story, feel free. Otherwise, here’s the info for this killer 12”.

Calculated X- Four Windows 12”
1. Four Windows
2. Girl Like You
3. Dream Affair

*download it here*

Belfegore- A Dog is Born LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, Belfegore, german, NDW, new wave, post-punk, synth on January 23, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a classic German post-punk record, one of the highlights of the NDW movement that swept the country throughout the 1980s. Combing dark synths, aggressive guitars, experimental tendencies, and deep grooves, this record has it all.

Formed in 1982, the members of Belfegore had their roots in equally stellar projects, including Nichts and Die Krupps. This record was the first of two released by the band. Their second record, released on Elektra, earned a bit more attention and exposure, while this first record was self funded and released by local independent label Pure Freude, also responsible for S.Y.P.H. and a handful of Mekons releases. Their second (self-titled) record also featured the hit “All That I Wanted,” which earned sporadic airplay on MTv and VH1.

The band opened up for U2’s Unforgettable Fire European tour in 1985, shifting members and splitting up soon after. Vocalist Meikel Clauss would leave the music business entirely, practicing medicine.

Here’s the information for the band’s debut record, released in 1983.

Belfegore- A Dog Is Born LP
1. Mensch Oder Gott
2. Glashaus
3. Herz Atmet Echos
4. Deutsche Mark´n Bein
5. Ridiculous
6. A Dog Is Born
7. WOW!
8. Schattenwelt
9. Der Fall Des IQ
10. Tod Durch Die Blume

*download it here*

Ziyo- Ziyo LP

Posted in 1980s, 1989, 1990s, 200s, coldwave, polish, post-punk, Ziyo on January 22, 2010 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s a classic post-punk record, the first of many from Polish act Ziyo, who formed in 1984. Though it took five years for the band to release their debut, the wait was well worth it, as this s/t record is a quintessential slice of coldwave music from the Eastern Block.

Ziyo are still together to date, and just released their eighth studio record in 2009. As it stands, they are just as vital and powerful as Siekiera and De Press, two of their shorter-lived peers. Perhaps the key to the band’s longevity is their more eclectic sound? Either way, let’s get to the details.

Ziyo- Ziyo LP
1. Nr 1
2. Poza Tym Miejscem
3. Graffiti
4. Obwarowany
5. Idziemy Wytrwale
6. Panie Prezydencie
7. Pod Jednym Niebem
8. Nowe Krajobrazy

*download it here*