Spöön Fazer- Music For Life 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1982, avant-garde, Spöön Fazer, synth, uk, wave on December 5, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s act is UK based avant-garde musician Spöön Fazer. Spöön Fazer was formed in 1978 as a solo venture for drummer Simon Patterson, who earned his nickname from his work in previous outfit The Whippets From Nowhere (a.k.a. 39 Steppes in later incarnations).

As Spöön Fazer, Simon would release a handful of singles, an EP, and a cassette-only recording, all exploring the avant-garde side of a budding wave scene. His calling card was a series of synth drums, drummed on heavily with sets of spoons. On record, two previous members of the Whippets joined Simon on bass, guitars, and backing vocals. As Simon’s career progressed, he developed a heavy interest in Japanese rhythms and instrumentation, which would manifest in Spoon Fazer’s last recordings.

Though Spöön Fazer’s discography is minute (and tough to pin down exactly what exists), Simon has since been involved in several working projects, as both a contributor and a remixer.

I’ve uploaded all three tracks from Spöön Fazer’s Music For Life 7”, also occasionally referred to as the ‘Do Different Dances’ single. I believe this release was combined with another 7” to form the more widely known Music 2 Live 2 = Music 4 Life single.

Details:

Spöön Fazer- Music For Life/Do Different Dances 7”
1. Do Different Dances
2. Beat Dance Drumming
3. Motorway Amber Time

*download it here*

Here’s a handful of useful links on Spöön Fazer. The first looks to be an official site (though I can’t seem to get it loaded fully- but it could just be me) and the second, an interview with Simon Patterson from a Spöön Fazer fansite.

Spoon Fazer homepage
An interview with Simon Patterson

2 Comments »

Kissing the Pink- Naked LP

Posted in 1980s, 1983, 1990s, funk, kissing the pink, synth, uk on December 3, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Formed in 1980, Kissing the Pink was a short lived UK new wave/synth act who flirted with hometown chart success throughout their tenure. The seven piece act (with most members contributing vocals) shortened their name to KTP in their latter days as a result of the name’s suggestive nature. Their style was a hybrid mix of funk and synthesizers, akin to the likes of Factory records bands A Certain Ratio and Section 25. Longtime Factory associate Martin Hannett also produced the band’s first single for ‘Don’t Hide in the Shadows’ in 1981.

Since then, the band has released four full length LPs, each seemingly the result of a more trimmed down lineup and a more dance oriented sound. Also, members of Kissing the Pink have also collaborated with various artists in the jazz, pop, and psychedelic mediums. The band is still considered active, with select members still working together, though few recordings have surfaced. A home page states that the band may be morphing into a different project, but not other conclusive information is scarce.

I’ve uploaded the entirety of their debut full length, the seminal wave record Naked, released in 1983. The leadoff track ‘The Last Film’ cracked the British top 20 upon its initial release.

Details:

Kissing the Pink- Naked LP
1. The Last Film
2. Frightened in France
3. Watching Their Eyes
4. Love Lasts Forever
5. All For You
6. The Last Film (Hymn Version)
7. Big Man Restless
8. Desert Song
9. Broken Body
10. Maybe This Day
11. In Awe of Industry
12. Mr. Blunt

*download it here*

and for your viewing pleasure, here’s the official video for “Watching Their Eyes,” my favorite track on this record:

For more on the band, including some links to pick up some of their material, and an official page with photos, interviews, full discography, and more, click below:

Comprehensive KTP website

I believe there is a CD reissue of Naked available, but it’s since sold out and is fetching high prices in the secondary market. Let me know if there’s an official outlet and I’ll be happy to remove the link as per usual.

1 Comment »

Pink Military- Blood & Lipstick 12”/Did You See Her? 7”

Posted in 1979, 1980, 1980s, big in japan, pink military, post-punk, punk on November 29, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s band rose from the ashes of short lived and seminal anarcho-punk band Big In Japan. Following their breakup in 1978, vocalist Jayne Casey formed post-punk outfit Pink Military.

Originally named Pink Military Stand Alone, the outfit focused on dance rhythms under a somewhat thrashy and hypnotic post-punk aesthetic. The band’s output consists of a few lone 12” releases and one full length record, 1980’s Do Animals Believe in God?. Though the core members of the group were Jayne Casey and guitar/keyboardist Nicky Cool, the band would revolve through a few different lineups before disbanding shortly after their full length saw the light of day. Jayne would continue on with another string of collaborators under the name Pink Industry, which was much more of a minimal electro project.

For your listening pleasure, I’ve uploaded two single releases…Both the 1979 Blood & Lipstick 12” and the slightly later Did You See Her? 7”.

Details:

Blood & Lipstick 12” (1979)
1. Spellbound
2. Blood and Lipstick
3. Clowntown
4. I Cry

Did You See Her? 7”: (1980)
1. Did You See Her?
2. Every Day

*download both here*

3 Comments »

Ceremony- Our Last Goodbye EP

Posted in 2000s, 2005, ceremony, dreampop, shoegaze, underground, virginia on November 26, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Very seldom can a stellar band split up and form two equal (if not better) bands in the wake of their demise. This is fortunately the case with Skywave, a since defunct noise-pop band from Virginia which yielded both previously covered A Place to Bury Strangers and today’s band, Ceremony.

Whereas APTBS was formed in NYC by guitarist Oliver Ackermann, ex-Skywave members Paul Baker and John Fedowitz continued on as Ceremony in their hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Though Ceremony also continues down a similarly apocalyptic path with their blend of harsh noise rock, they’ve taken added a more notable synthetic element to their songs, which splinter with distortion, hard-hitting drum machines, and whirring electronic melodies.

I’ve uploaded a single track from their newest offering, 2007’s full length recording, Disappear. As a bonus, I’ve also zipped up an earlier EP for your listening pleasure.

download Ceremony- ‘I Heard You Call My Name’

Ceremony- Our Last Goodbye EP
1. Our Last Goodbye
2. Someday
3. Marianne
4. Do You Love Me?

*download it here*

Lo and behold! For the first time in what feels like ages, I can effectively post purchasing links and live videos as additional treats, since Ceremony is a currently active band with easily available material. On that note, here’s an appropriately glitchy video for the song ‘You Never Stay,’ also featured on Disappear.

and last but not least, a few web resources for more information and purchasing:
Myspace page
Purchase Disappear from Safranin Sound

1 Comment »

Rhythm and Faith- Time to Run 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1983, goth, goth-rock, ice the falling rain, post-punk, rhythm and faith, uk on November 20, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s post is on one-shot UK act Rhythm & Faith. Another sparsely documented act, this female-fronted goth-rock band released but one 12” single in 1983 on Future Records, an offshoot of seminal punk label No Future (also home to early incarnations of And Also the Trees and Christian Death). One of the tracks from this 12” also appears on the killer The Invisible Frame compilation, which also features Ice the Falling Rain, Two, and Blitz.

The roots of Rhythm and Faith date back to 1980. Anna and Stefano originally played in a similar band in Italy called Style Sindrome. That band released one track on the legendary Gathered compilation before splitting. Anna and Stefano relocated from Rome to London in 1982, forming this band in the process. Style Sindrome’s other recorded material wouldn’t see the light of day until a reissue in 2012.

Rhythm and Faith’s sound is very reminiscent of Juju-era Siouxsie & the Banshees, so fans may want to especially check this one out.

Rhythm & Faith- Time To Run 12”
1. Time to Run
2. Young Too Young Girl
3. When the Wind Blows Love Will Die
4. Illusions

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 8.17.17)

Starting tomorrow, I’ll be off and away for the holidays, so expect some more treats early next week!

2 Comments »

Look Back In Anger- Caprice 12”

Posted in 1980s, 1984, goth-rock, look back in anger, post-punk, the cult, uk on November 16, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Another zip file for you folks today… I’ve uploaded the entirety of Look Back In Anger’s Caprice, a six-track female fronted goth-rock record produced by Billy Duffy (The Cult/Theatre of Hate).

The band hails from Southampton, and formed in 1981, quickly securing gigs with like-minded acts Brilliant and Death Cult. The band released a cassette recording and an initial single early on, and made two parting recordings for small-time label Criminal Damage in 1984, the Flowers single and the Caprice mini-album/EP. The band folded soon after.

Personnel:
Mich Ebeling (vocals)
Jim Newby (guitar)
Steve Butler (keyboards)
Simon Tuffnell (bass)
Chris Pickford (drums)

Look Back In Anger- Caprice 12”
1. Grey Sky
2. Silent Partner
3. Executioner
4. Torment
5. The Dark
6. Inamorata

*download it here*

This record often appears on the net, fetching decent prices…Keep your eyes peeled for it and snap it up if and when you can…and happy weekend, kiddies!

3 Comments »

Aimless Device- Hard to Be Nice MLP

Posted in 1980s, 1985, Belgian, post-punk, synth, wave on November 14, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Today’s band is Aimless Device, a Belgian band mixing driving synthesizers and hard-hitting post-punk. I can’t find much information on these gents, aside from a tidbit cluing in on latter-day bassist Ferre Baelen’s previous involvement in similarly styled T.C. Matic. The band’s scant (and scarce) discography consists of four EPs and repeated compilation appearances, and some of their material has since appeared on CD. The band’s final single was released in 1987, and the band folded a few years later.

I’ve uploaded the entirety of their debut, 1985’s Hard to Be Nice for your listening pleasure.

Aimless Device- Hard To Be Nice 12”
1. No Friend of Mine
2. Till the Rain Falls
3. Hyena
4. Heart of Gold
5. Waterloo Bound

*DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED* The band’s entire discography has been reissued via OnderStroom Records. Click here for more info.

That said, I’m considering breaking format and uploading full-lengths from certain artists, depending on how little or much they released. I still may keep to a two-track preview for bands with expansive output (or current, supportable acts) but may begin uploading full length singles, EPs, and records by bands since defunct. Any reader opinions on the matter?

7 Comments »

Pre Fix- Underneathica 7”

Posted in 1981, arizona, post-punk, pre fix, san francisco, subterranean records on November 12, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

Here’s an incredibly rare treat to kick off your Monday, ladies and gentlemen. I have found scarce tidbits of information about today’s band, Tuscon, AZ’s Pre Fix. The band, whose credits consist of multi-instrumentalists Johnny Glenn and David Herbert, released but one curious and excitingly strange 45” in 1981 on San Fransciso’s Subterranean records.

Credits for the Underneathica single also include production by Tommy Tadlock, more well known for his work with Tuxedomoon. Post-Pre Fix, Johnny Glenn formed The Ballad of Johnny Glenn.

For your listening pleasure, here’s both sides of their lone single:

Pre Fix- Underneathica 7”
1. Underneathica
2. Ectomorphine

*download it here*

4 Comments »

Asylum Party- Mère LP

Posted in 1980s, 1990, asylum party, coldwave, france, post-punk on November 9, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop

My very first post in Systems of Romance featured French coldwave greats Asylum Party, formed in 1985, who released a duo of solid records and a series of captivating singles before their demise.

I’m fulfilling a request for today’s post- for I’ve uploaded the entirety of their second record, Mère complete with the Ticket to Ride 7” attached as a bonus. These two tracks appear on the CD reissue, also rather hard to get ahold of. With that in mind, happy Friday, ladies and gentlemen!

Asylum Party- Mère LP
1. Pure Joy in My Heart
2. Sur La Route
3. It’s Over (Dead Folls Damin)
4. Mother
5. Pas Très Loin
6. Someone Else
7. Un Sang d’Hier
8. Madhouse Grass
9. Euphoria
10. Le Temps des Serpents
11. Inner World Is Up (Jump)
12. Ticket to Ride
13. Beside

*download it here!*

14 Comments »

Bell Hollow

Posted in 2000s, bell hollow, dreampop, nyc, post-punk, shoegaze on November 7, 2007 by Frankie Teardrop


I’m pleased to post about today’s band, NYC local dreampop favorites Bell Hollow. Fresh off the release of their debut full-length, Foxgloves, the band shall be playing their cd release party in the heart of New York next Friday, November 16th, at Don Hills.

The band’s origins date back to 2003, where like minded bassist Christopher Bollman and guitarist Greg Fasolino (both veterans of NYC deathrock outfit Naked & the Dead) formed Bell Hollow to explore and rekindle a love of all things dream-pop and post-punk. The band’s lineup was fully realised with the inclusion of singer Nick Niles in 2005 and the addition of their second drummer, Todd Karasik, in 2006.

Bell Hollow’s sound calls to the glory days of shimmering shoegaze and guitar-pop, swirling guitars, locked-in rhythms, and ethereal vocals, and the band’s influences (Kitchens of Distinction, The Sound, Sad Lovers and Giants) are built upon with solid songwriting, clever arrangements, and admirable musicianship. The band has two releases under their belt, 2006’s Sons of the Burgess Shale EP and 2007’s Foxgloves, both released under indie label five03 (also home of the likeminded and equally captivating Prids). Both releases were recorded and produced by local NYC engineer Hillary Johnson, who also fills out the quartet’s live sound with synthesizers. Acoustic guitar contributions on Foxgloves are also made by Josh Strawn, lead vocalist of fellow NYC outfit Blacklist.

For today’s downloads, I’ve uploaded one track each from Bell Hollow’s releases…the first, a favorite of mine from their debut EP and the second, the lead-off track from Foxgloves.

download Bell Hollow- ‘Secret Key’
download Bell Hollow- ‘Seven Sisters’

If you like what you hear, be sure to support these local darlings and pick up copies of their records, which are available through the iTunes music store, as well as straight from five03. Again, Bell Hollow will grace the stage on Friday, Nov. 16th at Don Hills here in New York City, so be sure to drop by if you’re in the neighborhood! For more on the band, including purchase links, I entreat you to visit the following web-hubs:

Bell Hollow on myspace
purchase Bell Hollow records via five03

4 Comments »

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