GRAPHIC SHADOWS – For Altars For Firesides LP (1984)

Graphic Shadows were an alternative wave foursome led by Greg Lief and Franz Kellner, who were from Washington, DC. The album commences with the FOR ALTARS side and pushes things off with a few synth oriented new wave songs with minimalistic melodies and arrangements. Pay attention to the lyrics on the next two songs “Goodbye Libido” and “Like A Faucet”…These two are quirky and humorous. The last song is a synth heavy new wave jaunt.

The For Firesides side starts out with the charged up new wave pop rock of “No One Knows”…then we have the organ synth sounds of “Aim Low” with some power pop melodies thrown in. “Fine-Tooth Comb” is inventive with shimmering bells and subtle pace changes. The end of the album gets a little cheesy, but still maintains moderate synth wave elements, which saves these last few songs from crashing and burning.

This quite obscure and scarce album was recorded entirely on a Tascam 244 Portastudo 4 Track cassette, so there is that DIY vibe throughout the twelve song set. Out of print private pressing via Explicit Records.

FOR ALTARS
mother
dusk to dawn
junkie
goodbye libido
like a faucet
crest avenue

FOR FIRESIDES
no one knows
aim low
fine-toothed coms
cry for me
chocolate
obsession

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VICTORIA HARPER – Luxusartikel EP (1984)

Here we have Victoria Harper’s exquisite little electro wave extended player. There’s not much info to be garnered on Victoria, but this piece of vinyl is a blistering infusion of electronica with prime vocal melodies and lot’s of complimentary background sound effects that really spice things up...Highly recommended for female fronted electro dance minded collectors… Luxusartikel seems to be quite scarce these days, so keep your eyes peeled and snap this up when it surfaces …Out of print private pressing via Only A Revolution Records, United Kingdom.

SIDE ONE
tiny samples
private defender

SIDE TWO
element of real life
message unit

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KAMMER MUSIK – Scent Of Love EP (1983)

Here’s a female fronted new wave synth band that played out of New York City. Their sound centered around the interesting vocals of their leader - Linda “Olive” Freitag. Consistent new wave early 80’s music to be found on this one with a slight funkiness as an added treat… This foursome actually does a funky if not quirky new wave synth version of the classic Otis Redding “Respect”…The album jacket artwork caught my eye, and it ending up being a rather intriguing find…Scent Of Love EP should be easy to track down for the vinyl collectors out there..Out of print private pressing via Runway Productions.

SIDE ONE
nightlife
seven days

SIDE TWO
scent of love
respect

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OUTLINE – Maybe It’s A Game LP (1982)

Here’s a request and recommendation from one of the followers of VO. Outline was a new wave band hailing out of Australia. Lots of great synth wave 80’s bands came from down under…Solid melancholic new wave penned tunes are in store for this rare album…There are some power pop tangents and good use of synths as well…The vinyl package comes with a nice gatefold jacket and a bonus 12” containing 3 additional non album tracks. I’ve included a scarce promo music video for the title song below…Out of print private pressing via Powderworks Records.



SIDE ONE
security set
maybe it’s a game
stay with me
power & control
she’s welcome

SIDE TWO
the cicada
sex aids
faces
we dream
fire in the ghost train

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TIN TWIST – Sometimes It’s Funny 7” (1981)

Tin Twist was an obscure post punk indie band from Vancouver, Canada. The band had a female lead vocalist by the name of Conny Nowe and this was their debut release that’s DIY in nature. “Stupid Cars” would be my favorite with its synth pokes and laughable lyrics. The 7” jacket is hand screened. Out of print private pressing via Mo Da Mu.

SIDE A
sometimes it’s funny

SIDE B
sitting here, waiting here
stupid cars

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FZ13 – Hold Your Breath Forever LP (1988)

Here’s an intriguing obscurity coming out of Manhattan Beach, CA. FZ13 was an alternative band made up of two core members – Robert Turman and Scott Mccarter. More info on member Robert Turman can be found at- http://robertturman.com/fz13.html. This album essentially has different themes on each of the two sides – A stark post punk goth influenced Side One and an alternative indie rock Side Two.

Side One has three stellar dark indie rock post punk songs. It starts with “Step Down Again”, which eases the listener in with some decent guitars and then gives little evil stabs of more guitar work. Then there is the darkness of “Evil Sleeps With Good” ….This is an eerie post punk almost goth song with touches of industrial sound effects in the background, a very nice touch and I would say this is the standout track on the album…It finishes up the side with the driving guitar post punk influenced “Like A Chain”…

Side Two tempers things up just a bit with a more indie alternative approach with “Cool” and “Salvation”…Then there is a tribute/memorial song, which is very good despite the sobering subject matter. The last two songs are melded together, so I didn’t split them up, but they both pick things up with a bold attitude and crunchy guitar melodies. Along with this full length LP, FZ13 issued a 4 song cassette tape the same year. I have no idea what that sounds like. The Hold Your Breath Forever LP should be readily available in the marketplace for modest prices…Out of print private pressing via Aptitude Records…

SIDE ONE
step down again
evil sleeps with good
like a chain

SIDE TWO
cool
salvation
atlanta
cold wind
long dark night in texas

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DICK TRACEY – Movin’ To The Beat 12” (1983)

Dick Tracey was a power pop new wave band from Pennsylvania. The song breakdown - - “Movin’ To The Beat” launches into a tightly wound fast paced power pop number with inventive lyrics …..“A Modern Experience” is an infectious power pop synth wave gem that demands to be played over and over again – ear candy indeed. The last song “When The Lites Go Out” is a slower number with a bit of quirkiness in the lyrical delivery...A solid variety of material is on tap on this obscure gem..Enjoy….Out of print private pressing via DT Records…

SIDE ONE
movin’ to the beat

SIDE TWO
a modern experience
when the lites go out

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