Absolute Body Control- Numbers K7

Posted in 1980s, 1982, 2000s, absolute body control, Belgian, minimal, new wave, the klinik on April 4, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s some classic cream-of-the-crop minimal synth to wrap up this week, especially relevant as this band has just reactivated and is playing in the US this very moment.

I’ve uploaded a rare cassette release by Belgian act Absolute Body Control, whose origins date back to early 1980. The band featured a slightly rotating lineup throughout their early years, driven by Dirk Ivans. Pairing down from a three piece, the main contributors are Dirk and Eric van Wonterghem, a fan who joined shortly after the band released its first single. Absolute Body Control were among the first wave of Belgian electronic acts, and they developed a substantial cult following both on record and on stage.

In 1984, Dirk formed the Klinik, yet Absolute Body Control continued releasing cassettes until 1993, which saw the release of their lone compact disc, Eat This. The band was mostly inactive even before that and officially folded just after its release. However, demand in the new millennium led to several reissues of the band’s back catalog as well as several live festival appearances. Just recently A.B.C. took to the studio to re-record 13 of their best tracks, released as the Wind(re)Wind LP. An EP of new material was also released this year, and both will be available to purchase through iTunes and Amazon by June, though CD copies are now for sale through various outlets.

This featured release dates back to a 1982 cassette issue. Unlike the majority of their output, Numbers is exclusively instrumental, and each track is simply titled in numeric order (though original tracklistings are simply labeled “part one” and “part two” respectively). On that note, pardon the obvious lack of tracklisting. Without any further ado:

Absolute Body Control- Numbers K7

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* – reissued as a digital release via Bandcamp!

I’m ashamed to admit that I’ll be missing tonight’s NYC gig, as I’ll be playing one of my own, but if you’re hip to it, drop on by the Music Hall of Williamsburg, if you aren’t coming to see us, that is. Otherwise, The band will be playing Saturday, April 5th in Los Angeles before flying back to Europe for some appearances. For all relevant information, click below:

Absolute Body Control on Myspace

and finally, a quick heads up: starting late next week, Systems of Romance will be offline for a spell while I’ll be kicking around New Orleans. However, this coming Wednesday, I will make it a point to upload another A.B.C. release with vocals to sweetly make up for the inactivity…

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Babel 17- Shades LP

Posted in 1990s, 1991, babel 17, coldwave, france on April 3, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post features hard-edged French coldwave act Babel 17, who officially formed in 1989. Members of the band had been playing together under various names since 1983, scrapping, rewriting, and experimenting with songs and ideas before settling upon their official name and sound. The first incarnation’s drummer would go on to join Little Nemo, who helped the newly formed Babel 17 land a record contract with the prestigious Lively Art label.

The band released two albums and a series of singles before splitting in 1993, just as their peers were folding and Lively Art closed its doors. The band was rumored to have a third album all ready for release before Lively Art folded. However, though the band has the tracklisting and a few songs up on their official page, I’ve been unable to track it down in any medium. Instead, I’ve uploaded the band’s seminal sophomore record, 1991’s Shades for your listening pleasure, complete with CD only bonus tracks. I believe this release was originally upgraded from an EP, though both shared the same name. The details:

Babel 17- Shades LP
1. Shades of a Dream
2. XVI – XVII – XVIII
3. La Curee
4. Bittersweetness
5. Nohm-Bo
6. Madness Strides Along
7. Lo-Hi
8. A Prayer
9. Bittermixness
10. In Distress

*download link removed—-> album re-released on Infrastition in 2009! see below for links for purchase*

Here’s a clip of the band performing the title track live in 1990:

Last but not least, here’s some further information on Babel 17, including a link to purchase their first record, 1990’s Celeano Fragments through Infrastition.com:

Babel 17 official page
Infrastition.com

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Linear Movement- Pulse Music LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, autumn, linear movement, minimal, synth, twilight ritual on March 31, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop


Here’s an offshoot of this month’s post on Autumn. Ever-changing in both style and sound, Peter Bonne broke off from the Autumn project and briefly formed Linear Movement as an outlet for his newest material. These tracks are more song-oriented than the soundtrack-esque and experimental sound of Autumn’s early material, but are equally well-crafted. The record features both male and female vocals and contributions by Peter Koutstaal and Lieve Van Steerteghem.

This is the lone Linear Movement release, for the project spanned but two years before Peter re-joined with Geert Coppens to form Twilight Ritual. It was originally released on cassette in 1983 and re-released on CD through Micrart.com.

Without any further ado, here’s the details:

Linear Movement- Pulse Music LP
1. To Another Soul
2. Cytogenetic Movement
3. Five Faces
4. Due To You
5. Don’t Try To Trick Me
6. Way Out Of Living
7. You Won
8. The Linear Way
9. Magical Melody
10. The Other Way Round

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* Visit Micart to purchase these mp3s properly:
Micrart dot com

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Grauzone- Die Sunrise Tapes LP

Posted in 1991, grauzone, minimal, NDW, new wave, swiss, synth on March 30, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

A quick lazy Sunday post…I’ve had this one uploaded on divshare for a few months now, but forgot to post it here for everyone to enjoy. For a full writeup on Grauzone, see this post here, and otherwise, enjoy this classic Swiss minimal collection, released in 1998 and compiling Grauzone’s studio output.

Grauzone- Die Sunrise Tapes LP
1. Film 2
2. Eisbar
3. Hinter Den Bergen
4. Maikafer Flieg
5. Marmelade Und Himbeereis
6. Wutendes Glas
7. Kalte Kriecht
8. Kunstgewerbe
9. Der Weg Zu Zweit
10. In Der Nacht
11. Traume Mit Mir
12. Ich Und Du
13. Moskau
14. Ich Lieb Sie
15. Schlachtet
16. Raum

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED*- Full Grauzone discography has been reissued as of 2010. Click here to grab a copy from CD Baby.

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Weep- Never Ever demo

Posted in 2000s, nyc, post-punk, shoegaze, weep on March 26, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Now, listen up kids, this one is something brand-spanking new, and certainly special. I’m pleased to bring you five tracks from a prolific and multi-talented gentlemen who you may remember from such multimedia projects as the Venture Brothers, Mors Syphilitica, and Requiem in White.

Doc Hammer’s newest musical endeavor, simply entitled Weep, is his best yet, and instead of relying on operatic female vocals, his own voice graces these tracks and adds a new and exciting element to the already stellar, driving music. This demo was completely self-recorded, and each track is passionate and gripping without being overwrought and overbearing. It calls to mind the best epic swirls of shoegaze, the heaviest percussion of early post-punk, and tosses dozens of unforgettable hooks in for good measure. Weep was just unveiled this year, and will soon develop into a full-fledged live band, as these songs are simply a taste of what’s to come. A damn fine taste.

Here’s the tracklisting:

Weep- Never Ever demo
1. The Weep
2. Lay There and Drown
3. The Hole
4. One Lock, One Key
5. Can’t Be True

*download link removed*

Otherwise, for more information about Weep, visit the official myspace page, linked just below. Also, I’ve reviewed the demo for Post Punk dot com, so take a peek if you’re so inclined.

Weep on myspace
Post-punk myspace

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Pink Turns Blue- If Two Worlds Kiss LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, 2000s, darkwave, german, new wave, pink turns blue, post-punk, reformed on March 24, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

German post-punk band Pink Turns Blue is a recent discovery of mine, a band who are enjoying a bit of a renaissance these days as a reactivated unit. The band originally formed in 1985, and combined the playful edge of new wave with the dark undertones of the post-punk movement. Sources claim they are one of the pioneering darkwave bands, ushering in a new faction of post-punk inspired music. The band would release six full lengths and a series of seminal singles before splitting in 1995.

Due to high demand, Pink Turns Blue briefly reformed in 2003 to release a best-of compilation, appearing live at various festivals throughout the year. The reformation led to further collaborations between members, and the band has since released two full length records, 2005’s Phoenix and 2007’s Ghost.

However, jumping back 20 years, I’ve uploaded their debut record, 1987’s If Two Worlds Kiss. The details:

Pink Turns Blue- If Two Worlds Kiss LP
1. I Coldly Stare Out
2. After All
3. Walking On Both Sides
4. State Of Mind
5. When It Rains
6. If Two Worlds Kiss
7. That Was You
8. Missing You
9. A Moment Sometimes
10. When The Hammer Comes Down

DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED- digital files for all of Pink Turns Blue’s work can be found on iTunes!

Feels like it’s been ages since I’ve posted a video…but here’s a clip of the band performing the equally amazing “Your Master is Calling” from their 1988 sophomore effort, Meta.

Last but not least, for more information on Pink Turns Blue as well as pictures, bits and bobs, and links to nab their newer records, please click below:

Pink Turns Blue dot com
Myspace

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Modern Eon- Fiction Tales PLUS CD

Posted in 1980s, 1981, modern eon, post-punk, uk on March 19, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

This one is a bit of a classic in its genre. Liverpool based post-punk act Modern Eon released but one underground record during their short tenure, and though it didn’t make the splash that their contemporaries (Echo & the Bunnymen, The Chameleons, Modern English) did, the record is held in high regard by those who’ve discovered it, and its lush production mirrors and even outdoes some of the best records of its kind. I also adore the cover, perhaps my all-time favorite of any cover from the era, designed by the always excellent Brothers Quay.

Modern Eon formed in 1979 and released a handful of singles before cutting their lone full length, 1981’s Fiction Tales. The band appeared on John Peel’s radio program, but misfortune soon fell upon them as their drummer, Cliff Hewitt, injured his wrist. The band did a quick tour with Cliff’s tracks pre-programmed on primitive drum machines, but the band failed to record their sophomore effort, a shame, especially as they were rumored to have demoed new material. After Modern Eon’s demise, sax/guitarist Tim Lever would join up with Dead Or Alive, who made the charts with their more new wave-styled sound.

Note that this particular CD contains all of their 7” releases and extra tracks. I do believe it’s a bootleg, but the quality is absolutely impeccable! Thanks to Jeff for the donation!

Modern Eon- Fiction Tales LP
1. Second Still
2. The Grass Still Grows
3. Playwrite
4. Watching The Dancers
5. Real Hymn
6. Waiting For The Cavalry
7. High Noon
8. Child’s Play
9. Choreography
10. Euthenics
11. In A Strange Way
12. Mechanic
13. Second Still (7″ Version)
14. Special Patrol
15. Choreography (7″ Version)
16. The Look A Smack
17. Euthenics (7″ Version)
18. Waiting For The Cavalry (7″ Version)
19. Cardinal Signs
20. Child’s Play (7″ Version)
21. Visionary
22. Mechanic (7″ Version)
23. Splash!

*download link removed* – check out the new 2-disc Cherry Red reissue of this excellent album!

For more info on Modern Eon, including a full bio, pictures, a gig-ography, and more, click below:

Modern Eon homepage

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Autumn- Experiments With Environments LP

Posted in 1980s, 1982, autumn, Belgian, experimental, minimal, synth, twilight ritual on March 17, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post features Belgian minimal wave band Autumn’s original 1982 cassette, Experiments With Environments. I’m unable to dig up a ton of information about the band, but the primarily two-piece outfit released countless underground cassette tapes documenting their pioneering and experimental synth work for five years throughout the early 1980s, many of which have only seen the light of day due to recent CD-r releases via collective label Micrart. Just before retiring the name to persue other projects, Autumn would record their own soundtrack to Fritz Lang’s silent classic Metropolis, which was occasionally performed alongside screening’s of the film before an ‘official’ score was made available.

As Autumn changed directions and laid their moniker to rest, members Geert Coppens and Peter Bonne would find some more success as members of Twilight Ritual, while Peter would also work as Linear Movement a short period of time.

Here are the details for the Experiments With Environments release:

Autumn- Experiments With Environments
1. Ocilado Q
2. Memories
3. Twilight World Part 1
4. Towards Tokio Part 1
5. Reach You From Behind My Walls
6. I Still Care
7. Gardens
8. Friday
9. Mystery Screen
10. Twilight World Part 2
11. My New Friend
12. PSI, A Destiny Experience
13. Metal Dream
14. The Posession L
15. 7.49
16. Towards Tokio Part 2
17. Experiments With Environments
18. Pale Mist Meditation
19. Delayed Mind Creation

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* Mp3s available via iTunes music store and Micart:
Micrart dot com

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Ruth- Polaroïd/Roman/Photo LP

Posted in 1980s, 1985, coldwave, french, minimal, ruth, synth on March 13, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop

Ruth were an incredibly short lived French synth/coldwave project, combining the efforts of solo artist Thierry Müller and members Philippe Doray and Ruth Ellyeri. The band formed in the mid-80s and released one full-length lp, 1985’s Polaroïd/Roman/Photo before parting ways. Müller would explore graphic arts and soon after would continue his solo work and form a new synth/experimental project entitled Ilitch, which is still active to this day.

In 2007, two early Ruth recordings were uncovered and released as a lone 7”, expanding their scant discography. Since its release, the title track has been compiled several times over on various French wave discs, bringing Ruth’s semi-obscurity to a head as a classic of the genre. A subsequent re-release of their debut album on CD through Fractal Records (sadly out of print at this point) compiled a handful of exclusive remixes, all of which are included with today’s download. Without any further ado, the details:

Ruth- Polaroïd/Roman/Photo LP
1. Thriller
2. Polaroïd/Roman/Photo
3. She Brings The Rain
4. Misty Mouse
5. Mabelle
6. Mots
7. Tu M’Ennuies
8. Polaroïd/Roman/Photo (Cotton Wool Mix, 1984)
9. Sans Mots (L’Orchestre Inachevé, Remix 2001)
10. Polaroïd/Roman/Photo (Instrumental First Mix, 1982)

*LINK REMOVED*— purchase reissues from:
Angular (LP)
Infrastition (CD)

For some further information on Ruth, but moreso to learn more about Thierry Müller’s current work with Ilitch, click below:

Ilitch music
Myspace tribute to Ruth

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Into a Circle- Assassins LP

Posted in 1980s, 1988, getting the fear, into a circle, post-punk, uk on March 10, 2008 by Frankie Teardrop


Pardon the ball-dropping, ladies and gents, as this weekend was best spent soaking in the after effects of a short Nick Cave and the Badseeds set. Couldn’t muster the effort for a post. That said, all systems go this week, and I’ll kick this Monday off with a relatively cult favorite post-punk band, England’s own Into a Circle.

Into a Circle (a.k.a. In Two a Circle and In2a0) formed in 1985 in the wake of similarly styled outfit Getting the Fear, who released but one single (both as a 7” and 12”- will upload by request) before imploding. Afterwards, members Bee (aka Paul Hampshire) and Barry Jepson formed Into a Circle as a collective creative unit without the limitations of a four-piece band. Their material was self-produced and self-released, and Into a Circle quickly grew a rather significant cult following with their initial DIY single.

The band eventually signed with Abstract Records, who allowed them to continue their more laissez-faire work. The pair began to experiment more with tape loops and analog samples, drafting Strawberry Switchblade’s Rose McDowall for backup vocal duties both live and in the studio.

Into a Circle eventually split in 1989 after a final grueling tour, having released four well-received 12” singles and one record, 1988’s Assassins, which I’ve uploaded for you today. Both Getting the Fear and Into a Circle circulated several live recordings at concerts, and there were rumors of further collaborations and recordings, none of which have seen the light of day. Since then, Bee has been involved in Futon, an electro-rock group also featuring the ex-drummer of Suede.

Here’s the details for today’s download:

Into a Circle- Assassins LP (1988)
1. Beneath Mikhail
2. Over + Over
3. The Swinging Tree
4. ‘Elim
5. Forever
6. Allah Akhbar
7. Tender Skin
8. Evergreen
9. Assassins
10. Seraphin Twin

download link removed— click HERE to purchase the band’s entire discography on Cherry Red!

For your viewing pleasure, here’s a promotional video for ‘Evergreen,’ knicked straight off youtube:

There also exists a live clip of the band performing ‘Beneath Mikhail,’ so run a quick search over there if you want to see more! Otherwise, happy Monday, ladies and gents…

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