Next Wave: Schonwald

Schonwald is an Italian cold wave duo consisting of Alessandra Gismondi and Luca Bandini. This two-piece unit has been surreptitiously dwelling in the shadowy corners of the European underworld for a few years now, releasing their debut LP in 2009 and performing at festivals with the likes of UK Decay, and other similar bands. Schonwald are now encroaching on world submission with the unleashing of their long-anticipated “Mercurial” single. A chilling and hopelessly bleak drum-machine rhythm sets the tone, parting the waves of rippling darkness into a massive surge of inescapable, hushed-yet-crushing electronic melancholia. European post punk at it’s finest, Alessandra and Luca of Schonwald create a pulsing, black-lit atmospheric electronic vibration so cold, hypnotic, and simple, it’s perfect for our endlessly frozen world. 

Take a listen here:
https://soundcloud.com/hozac-records/schonwald-mercurial
Like of follow:
https://www.facebook.com/schonwald.music
https://twitter.com/#!/weareschonwald

Rational Youth's Live Recordings and Archive Tracks to be Released as Magic Box

Artoffact Records have announced the release of 'Magic Box', a compilation which includes Rational Youth's live Recordings from 1983 as well as previously unreleased material. This three CD collection includes the double-CD Live 1983 and a third, limited edition CD that collects Rational Youth archive tracks, demos, 7" remixes, as well as solo tracks from Bill Vorn, Kevin Komoda, and Tracy Howe. The CDs also includes two tracks from the infamous "Affection" cassette, and a track from Heaven Seventeen, a pre-Rational Youth project. All tracks have been remastered from original tapes where possible. Limited to 390 copies worldwide. 'Magic Box' will be out on November 5th. 

More info:
http://www.stormingthebase.com/rational-youth-magic-box-live-1983-archives-cd-3cd

Marc Almond Returns with a New Single and Announces New Album for 2014

Marc Almond has announced the release of double A side single, "Burn Bright/The Dancing Marquis", on 4 November 2013, the stunning result of his collaboration with legendary record producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T-Rex, The Moody Blues, Morrissey). Marc defines the partnership as one of the highlights of his career. "Burn Bright/The Dancing Marquis" will be available as a download from all usual retailers. For the die hard fans looking for a highly collectable piece, Strike Force Entertainment will print 1,000 copies on 7" purple coloured vinyl in a beautifully designed gatefold sleeve, complete with a CD version of the tracks. The double A single precedes an EP/Mini Album out early next year, with a full studio album to follow in the summer.

More info:
http://www.marcalmond.co.uk/news/index

Retrovision: Marc Almond- Tears Run Rings

Twenty five years ago Marc Almond released "Tears Run Rings" which remained one of his most successful solo singles of all time. The single was taken from the album The Stars We Are which was released during the same year. The song reached #26 in the UK charts and managed to enter the US Billboard charts as the only Marc Almond solo single. There were two different video versions recorded for the song.

Minimal Wave to Reissue Blancmange Debut EP Irene and Mavis

Minimal Wave have announced the release of Blancmange seminal debut EP 'Irene & Mavis' in November, 2013. This EP was originally recorded in 1979, released in 1980 and it was a different sound and not exactly representative of what Blancmange later went on to become. The D.I.Y. sound of the EP fits right in there with the early output of Soft Cell, the Human League, and Cabaret Voltaire. It stands out as an important record, capturing the mundane with modern electronics and remains as an artifact representative of the band before they went on to reach pop chart success. 

 The Irene & Mavis EP has been newly remastered and will be released as a numbered limited edition 10” EP in November. A digital release will follow.

September Singles Round Up

Simple Minds- Blood Diamonds
Azure Blue- Sunset

Hooverphonic- Amalfi

Gary Numan- Love Hurt Bleed

Sky Ferreira- You Are Not The One

Tricky- Valentine

OMD- Night Cafe

Arcade Fire- Reflektor

Beck- Gimme

Motorama- Eyes

Depeche Mode- Should Be Higher

WAW: Princes Century- Twin House

Maya Postepski also know for her work with Trust and Austra has recorded solo material under the name Princes Century. Her debut album 'Lossless' was released in May this year and features an energizing trip through her enigmatic synth wave sound. The video for the song "Twin House" was directed by Kate Young and Leah Finkel.

  

Dead Wax Records to Release Kinetic Ideals' This Face EP

Deadwax Records have announced the release of Kinetic Ideals "This Face" 12" EP. Recorded after almost 30 years, the EP will feature the three session tracks, plus an additional song recorded at Toronto's Manta Sound studios later in the winter of 1985. They have been digitized from the original master tapes by Peter J. Moore of Cowboy Junkies' The Trinity Session fame, carefully remastered by Nicolás Zúñiga of Dead Wax Records and sound just great with all their original analogue glory. Patrick Duffy plays the drums here but has also designed the whole artwork for the release, which is presented in gorgeous clear vinyl, housed in a heavy matt finish sleeve with printed inner sleeve. A short run of 420 copies for worldwide distribution.

http://www.deadwaxrecords.es/releases_kineticideals_this_face.php

B-Movie's New Releases Announced

B-Movie are back! Earlier this year the band has announced the release of an EP as well as the brand new album. Both releases were released during the summer and feature brand new material. The EP is entitled 'Distant Skies' while the album with new material is called 'The Age of Illusion'. The album features new material, recorded by the original line up and it is the first release since 'Forever Running' (1985). The band will also embark on tour to promote new releases. 

More news via B-Movie official.
http://www.b-movie.co.uk/

Next Wave: Mr Kitty

Mr Kitty is Dallas based electronic artist who combines all the different music styles from New wave to Goth. His musical career started in 2010 and since then he has released three albums, he shared the stage with Crystal Castles and had his music featured in the Dallas Observer. His most recent release is the album 'Life' which features 15 tracks and a ride through the electronic explosion of styles. Take a listen and follow.

http://mrkittydm.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/mrkittydm