Instant Hit: Vogue- Sahara

Vogue was a Los Angeles based group consisting of Aret Michel Madilian, Julie Kubat and Teresa Kubat. They released their only single, a wonderfully synth driven and very atmospheric "Sahara" in 1983. The song was issued as 12" for Aret Records and featured "Shattered Peace" on a B-side. The song appeared on A.A.V.V. Your Silent Face compilation which was released in 2010.  

 

Next Wave: The Phone

The Phone is a retro-analogue synth project by Jonni Mogul and Steve Lippert paying homage to some of the old heroes namely Soft Cell, Kraftwerk and the likes but with a rather unique sound in the end. Their music is minimal synth-wave with Casio VL-1 sounds, rhythms and samples. To this date, they have released two singles on Attractive, “Discreet Affair” and a powerful uptempo dancefloor filler "Cabaret Noire" which features Sharon Abbout from Poeme Electronique on vocals. Their debut album is called 'Songs From This Nuclear Age' and it is out on August 20th via Attractive. 

 http://www.facebook.com/phone

Instant Hit: Hysterica Passio- Grey Over Life

Hysterica Passio, a NY downtown 4 piece group, released their only single "Grey Over Life" in 1982 for the Fire in Heart records. The band only lasted about 3 years but they managed to gain a good following playing at all the local venues such as Danceteria, The Pyramid Lounge, The Mudd Club & Maxwells. 

The Best of Propaganda on ZTT announced for September.

After the successful reissue of Propaganda's second album 'Wishful Thinking' this year, one more record is to be released from the ZTT music factory. The brand new compilation is entitled 'Noise And Girls Come Out To Play: A Compact Introduction To Propaganda'. The compilation features classics, rarities and noise-shots from their essential records as well as Propaganda's studio sessions during the years spent taping at 'Sarm Studios', 1983 to 1986. The compilation is announced for release on September 3, 2012 and it is available on pre-order. 

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Propaganda

Reissue: Drinking Electricity- Overload + Singles

Drinking Electricity's debut and only album 'Overload' has been reissued by Medical Records this August. The album was originally released by Survival Records which was founded by the band's members Anne-Marie Heighway and David Rome in 1981. This double LP collection showcases Drinking Electricity's full LP 'Overload' while the second LP contains the singles released during the 1980-1982 period. The LP is presented in a double gatefold jacket with custom Drinking Electricity inspired artwork. Inner gatefold jacket features a variety of pictures of the band during this period. The release also features a bonus 2-sided insert with liner notes and interview of the band by Dave Segal. 

For more info click here

In Conversation: Featureless Ghost

Featureless Ghost is an Atlanta based synth-pop duo consisting of Matt Weiner and Elise Tippins. Performing and recording music together since 2007, Matt and Elise relocated from Brooklyn to Atlanta and spontaneously formed "Featureless Ghost. The music of Featureless Ghost gives a new landmark to the dark electronic synth-pop with their retro futurstic sound driven by analogue synthesizers and electro beats complemented with visual aesthetics and vintage collages.
The prolific duo has released 2 full lengths, 3 singles, and an EP. They have releases on Crash Symbols, Ruralfaune, and Double Phantom Digital and just released a cassette EP on Night-People. This will be followed by a vinyl LP this summer (2012), also on Night-People records.
Find out more about Featureless Ghost and hear what Elise and Matt said about their musical influences, live performances and future plans in music in the Q-A below.

Lost Videos: Front 242- U Men

"U Men" was one of the tracks from Front 242 debut album Geography which was released in april 1982. The single was issued by New Dance and it was backed with "Ethics". Sadly there is not much info about this great rare Front 242 video which is available on YouTube. 

Out This Week: Parallels- XII

Toronto-based electro pop outfit Parallels have released a follow up to their debut album "Visionaries" which was issued in 2010. The new album announces lighter italo pop sound with synth starlight which is a result of the split between Cameron Findlay and Holly Dodson who were working together on their debut album. The album release was preceded by 'Time Will Crawl' EP which was released in May. The new album is available on vinyl and CD and it is out on Marigold Records.  

www.parallels.fm
 

Blancmange Announce 'The Very Best Of' Compilation for July

Blancmange have announced the release of their new greatest hist compilation 'The Very Best of ' for July 16, 2012. This bumper collection, which follows their recent sell-out UK tour, has been designed and compiled in consultation with Neil Arthur and Stephen Luscombe. It includes all their UK hits, plus some rare John Peel sessions and an airing of a track from a forthcoming project. The two CD compilation which also includes 12" versions of the songs will be out Music Club Deluxe. 

 http://www.demonmusicgroup.co.uk/

 

Next Wave: Terror Bird

Terror Bird is a project by the Canadian artist Nikki Never which took shape probably in 2009 when she released her debut album Sociopaths Are Glam for 'Night People'. Since then, she has released another three albums for several different record labels including her latest album Secret Rituals which was issued by the German record label Adagio830. The music of Terror Bird was influenced by the Smiths, David Bowie, Kate Bush and many others and it is haunted and ethereal bedroom pop driven by wonderful piano and synth arrangements and guided by Nikki's powerful and affecting voice. Nikki is currently touring Europe with Bianka Karre.

http://terrorbirdzeband.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Terror-Bird

     

  

Out This Week: iamamiwhoami- Kin

The long awaited new iamamiwhoami album 'Kin' is ready and waiting for you in the shops. This is the first full-length album by the Swedish singer-songwriter Jonna Lee. 'Kin' gained attention on the internet due to video chapters from the album being released online beginning since 2009. All the tracks from the album were previously released as singles from the first track "Sever" which was released in January all the way to "Goods" released a week before the actual album release. The album is available digital, Vinyl LP, CD and DVD and in the shops since Monday June 11, 2012. 

 http://www.iamamiwhoami.net/

 

Instant Hit: Patrick Cowley feat Paul Parker- Right on Target

San Francisco based hi-NRG singer and performer Paul Parker released his second single "Right on Target" in 1982. This song was produced by Patrick Cowley and it remained his biggest hit to date. The single was issued as both 7" and 12" single and it was backed by "Pushin' Too Hard" which was written by Sky Saxon. "Right on Target" was released through several different record labels including Megatron Records and Polydor.   

 

In Conversation: David Hewson (Poeme Electronique)

David Hewson, a prominent British composer renowned for his exceptional scores in television and film, is equally recognized as the founder and creative force behind Poeme Electronique, a musical endeavor he established in the early 80s. While many associate Poeme Electronique with their debut "Echoes Fade" released in 1982, the resonance of their impact has endured, and now, Poeme Electronique makes a triumphant return.

In an exclusive interview, David shares insights into his early musical journey, the inception of Poeme Electronique, his diverse range of musical projects, and exciting plans for the future. Join us as we delve into three decades of music with David Hewson and discover the compelling story behind Poeme Electronique's enduring legacy. Enjoy the interview!

Next Wave: Featureless Ghost

Featureless Ghost is an Atlanta based synth-pop duo consisting of Matt Weiner and Elise Tippins. Performing and recording music together since 2007, Matt and Elise relocated from Brooklyn to Atlanta and spontaneously formed "Featureless Ghost. The music of Featureless Ghost gives a new landmark to the dark electronic synth-pop with their retro futuristic sound driven by analogue synthesizers and electro beats complemented with visual aesthetics and vintage collages. 

The prolific duo has released 2 full lengths, 3 singles, and an EP. They have releases on Crash Symbols, Ruralfaune, and Double Phantom Digital and just released a cassette EP on Night-People. This will be followed by a vinyl LP this summer(2012), also on Night-People records. 

More about Featureless Ghost, coming soon, stay tuned!  

www.featurelessghost.com
www.facebook.com/featurelessghost
www.soundcloud.com/featurelessghost
 

Next Wave: Honeydrum

Honeydrum are a New Bro'nswick based lo-fi retro pop group consisting of Joseph Black (voice & guitar), Raymond “Ray” Schwab (guitar & keys), Erik ‘Dougal’ Sandberg (bass guitar)and Marc ‘Klein-Goldblatt’ Esterow (drums & magic act). They deliver joyfull sounds bursting with coconut and ananas smells diffusing behind a dimmed tv screen of forbidden nooks and alleys, that could have existed in plans of Cpt. Hook for his fellow mallrats in the destiny mall called Sunrisepolis. Their brand new vinyl Stranger Calls 7'' & 'Do U Party?' EP was released on May 9th as a limited edition on opaque pink vinyl with CD. All songs written, produced & recorded by Honeydrum.  

http://soundcloud.com/amdiscs/sets/honeydrum-stranger-calls
http://honeydrum.tumblr.com
www.amdiscs.com

 

Section 25 to Reissue 'From The Hip' on Vinyl

Factory Records Ltd present a brand new vinyl edition of 'From The Hip' by Section 25, originally issued in the summer of 1984. The album was produced by Bernard Sumner of New Order an it marked band's  bold step toward the mainstream, combining smooth synthpop with seamless electro beats. Digitally re-mastered, this deluxe double vinyl edition features the original FACT 90 album plus a bonus 12” 45 rpm single coupling two versions of seminal single "Looking From A Hilltop". The album will be out on May 28, 2012. 

www.facebook.com/section25
 

Instant Hit: The Electronic Circus- Direct Lines

Chris Payne was one of the members of Gary Numan's backing band, later known as Dramtis, and he was also a co-writer on Visage's biggest hit "Fade to Gray". He released one single under the name The Electronic Circus in 1981. The 7 " single was entitled "Direct Lines" and was backed by "Le Chorale". It was recorded by Tony Nod Harris for Scratch Records. 

Next Wave: Linea Aspera

Linea Aspera is a London based synth-pop duo consisting of Ryan Ambridge(Synths/Programming) and Alison Lewis(Vocals /Synths). Their music is influenced by early 80's underground synth-pop and features dark tones and minimal structures. Their self titled debut EP will be out on Dark Entries by the end of July. Check out the video for "Malarone" which was conceptualized, filmed and edited by Alison Lewis.

Find out more about Linea Aspera: 

www.facebook.com/lineaaspera
http://lineaaspera.bandcamp.com
 

Instant Hit: Dramatis- Ex Luna Scientia

Dramatis was Gary Numan's backing band which was formed around the core of Ced Sharpley and Chris Payne. They released a couple of singles and one album before disbanding in 1982. Both, their debut single "Ex Luna Scientia" (From the Moon) and their only album For Future Reference were released in 1981 on 'The Rocket Record Co'. The single was backed bu "Lady D.J." which didn't appear on their album. Gary Numan provided vocals for the song "Love Needs No Disguise" which reached No. 33 in the UK Charts.    

 

Parade Ground To Release 'The 15th Floor'

Following the issue of 'The Golden Years' compilation which was released last year through Dark Entries Records, Parade Ground have returned with a new album entitled 'The 15th Floor'. The album was originally recorded in 1989, but it was never released. 'The 15th Floor' features 12 tracks and it comes as in a limited edition of 520 hand-numbered copies, 180 gram vinyl plus insert with notes from Colin Newman (Wire) and Patrick Codenys (Front 242). The album is available on pre-order and it will released on May 25, 2012. 

 
www.reverbnation.com/