SOVIETS – Self Tilted EP (1981)

Here presented is a rare post punk extended player coming out of France. There’s not much to be found on this obscurity other than this looks to be their only release. The Soviet’s sound is rooted in a classic dark post punk aesthetic. They strip the musical structure down to a few basic guitar chords and progressions with an emphasis on a gloom drenched back drop. An above par edge driven record.. Out of print private pressing via Music Please.

SIDE A
soviets
I trial

SIDE B
hey hey hey
tuesday 13 march

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STURM UND DRANG – Self Titled EP (1984)

Debut extended player from this five member band hailing out of Den Haag, Netherlands. Post punk and indie rock attributes are in full gear throughout. Sturm Und Drang deliver with a sharp-edged punch at times, unearthing a raw emotion on some tracks and then finding their softer side with more toned down melodic offerings. Shortly after this release, Sturm Und Drang was picked up by Dutch independent label Torso and would produce a full length LP and 12”single. As for this S/T vinyl, it’s a consistent post punk romp that is worthy of your attention. Out of print private pressing via Gunmen Shots.

SIDE I
say cheese
bay-bee

SIDE II
talk of food
c.c. video
t.i.t.s.

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THE FLOOD – Tilt! LP (1984)

Here we have an outstanding minimal synth rarity which comes out of Greece. The Flood was composed of a whopping seven members, but you would never know it by the minimal electronic nature of the album’s delivery. The members used no less than eight different types of synthesizers for this album – Roland Jupiter 6 / Yahama CS60 / Moog Prodigy…to name a few on the list. There are both female and male vocal arrangements throughout. For the active minimal synth vinyl collectors out there, this should be top of mind if you don’t already have it. There’s not much more to say about this electronic gem… Out of print pressing via CVR Records, Greece.

PART A
moments
she was a fire
feel your breath
deep hot brown

PART B
kindergarden
shadows (in the haunted corridor)
lost control reaction
tilt

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HA! – Ah EP (1984)

A very obscure and rare release by this four member American indie outfit hailing from Illinois. The music was recorded via 4-Track, so it has a great independent feel and of course a low production value to complement the DIY flavor. Four tracks of melancholic guitar indie new wave. Out of print private pressing via Uncalled Four Music.

SIDE A
1000 words
end like this
you won’t care

SIDE B
bleed together
no more tomorrows

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NATION III – V Piece EP (1987)

Here’s a completely unknown independent obscurity from the United Kingdom. Nation III consisted of five members. There’s post punk and indie new wave styles in full effect with competent guitars, synth arrangements and above par impassioned male vocals. The lead off track “Prague” has some excellent atmospheric synth sounds behind the emotional vocal…The last song, “Image Of God” is a tribal pulsed tune with screeches and howls…If anyone has information on this band, please share…interesting vinyl and quite good all the way through…Out of print private pressing.

SIDE I
prague
still life

SIDE II
definitely Sonia
flowers
image of a god

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SHADES OF HADES – Everlasting Love EP (1986)

With exception of the underwhelming new wave rock version of the Doors classic “Break On Through”, this Italian synth wave group of five provides an entertaining extended player of originals with synth melodies and guitar infused gloomy new wave. The standout is the gothic laced “Dorothy”…Out of print pressing via Hiara Records, Italy.

SIDE A
waterline (so far away)
break on through

SIDE B
dorothy
everlasting love

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DRESS FOR SUCCESS – Self Titled LP (1985)

There’s not much to know about this American new wave foursome other than their penchant for pumping out polished MTV friendly synth pop new wave tunes. Vocals are mixed with male and female turn taking. Although the entire set is consistent, check out “Love From Afar” and “Now Is The Time” for a slick up-tempo synth wave groove. The synth pop German band The Other Ones comes to mind after hearing the lush female vocals and playful lyrical content on Dress For Success. This one definitely warrants multiple spins. Also, it doesn’t seem to be the easiest wax to track down, but there are a couple out there for modest prices. A fun unknown album with hip grooves and nifty hooks throughout. Out of print private pressing via Dress For Success and Paragon Artists.

SIDE ONE
no no
have you heard
blood jungle
i’m on fire
love from afar

SIDE TWO
now is the time
love is the victim
do it for you
eyes
monsta movie

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