I dunno what it is about 1981, but most of my favorite DIY post-punk records from the UK (or anywhere else really) come exclusively from this year. Must have been something in the water.
Anyway, I’ve had this single for a while now, but just getting around to posting it. No, the a-side is not a cover of the stone-cold killer 1977 track by everyone’s favorite butt-rock band Foreigner, but is instead a jangly, frenetic, piano, guitar, and feedback driven post-punk track that is as catchy as it is chaotic, devolving into madness at the end. You have a great duality, with the gloomy male vocal driving the verses and an icy female vocal singing the chorus. The b-side is a really special track as well, extremely moody even when it picks up pace for a moment.
Definitely lots to love here for fans of I’m So Hollow, Factory Records, Modern Eon, Living Links, The Flowers, and all the other DIY post-punk bands from that era. This is their only release, and there’s not much info about the band, but perhaps someone out there can fill in the gaps…
Otherwise, enjoy!
The Wild Side – Cold As Ice 7”
1. Cold As Ice
2. Tell Me Why