Swing Set's Second Album Reissue on Blackberry Way Records

Blackberry Way Records have announced the reissue of Swing Set’s second album ‘The Soul Remains’. The album was originally released on Blackberry Way Records in 1990 and garnered airplay and reviews around the world. Twenty seven years after the original release this great blend of Guitar pop/rock with a wonderful lead track "Dreamin' You" will be reissued. There are also rumors of a possible follow up release with new songs. To see more about this and other exciting releases, please follow the link below. 

http://www.blackberrywayrecords.com/

Schonwald Announce their Fourth Studio Album

Schonwald have announced their fourth studio album 'Night Idyll' to be released on June 1st via Manic Depression Records. The Italian duo consisting of Alessandra Gismondi and Luca Bandini still focus on a atmospheric and synthetic darkwave sound drawing inspiration from New Order, The Cure, Suicide with guitars echoing My Bloody Valentine and Curve. The new album is now available for pre-order via Bandcamp and the duo have released, “Love Collides” as a preface to their dark sound.
https://schonwald.bandcamp.com/album/night-idyll

The band is currently touring as part for the promotion for the new album.
May 19 Cueva Rock – Cagliari + Digital Disorder, Uncodified
June 8 Bus Palladium – Paris + Soror Dolorosa
September 8 NCN – Nocturnal Culture Night – Leipzig
November 25 SOUNDFIELDS WAVE – Deinze + Ash Code, She Past Away

OMD Announce New Album for September

OMD have announced the release of a brand new studio album ‘The Punishment of Luxury’. The album will be contain 12 brand new tracks including the possible single "La Mitrailleuse" which is available instantly on Album pre-order. The album will be available in 7 formats and it will be released on September 1st 2017. The band will also be heading out on tour in support of the album later in the year. Tickets go on sale on Friday 19th May.

http://www.omd.uk.com

Instant Hit: Rive Gauche- Friends Are Friends

Rive Gauche was a short lived minimal-synth duo from Belgium who only released one single during their brief existence in the mid-80’s. Both songs on the recorded featured the singer Carol who also released “Breakdown” in 1981 and who later made appearance on the cover of this song by Snowy Red. “Friends are Friends”/alt."Friends and Friends" was also featured on A Tribute to Some Bizarre Vol.12 compilation which was released unofficially.

Retrovision: Swing Out Sister- Twilight World

Thirty years ago “Twilight World” entered the UK charts. It was the fourth single release for the Manchester based Swing Out Sister. The single appeared on their debut album ‘It’s better to Travel’ which went straight to Number 1 on the UK charts.

The Orginal Bananarama Line up Reunites for a Tour.

Amazing news from the house of Bananarama! Siobhan Fahey will join the other two founding members Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward after almost thirty years for a fifteen days tour in the UK. Although their reunion seemed very unlikely to happen, the ladies proved they still got the pop, the beat and the power for a 10's round. Who knows what else this great reunion might result in, new recording material perhaps. Let's hope for it! Until then, grab your tickets. 

https://twitter.com/VivaBananarama

Saint Etienne announce new Album for June

Saint Etienne are back with a brand new studio album 'Home Countries'. This is their first release since their "World and Music' from 2012. The new album was produced by Young Gun Silver Fox’s Shawn Lee along with other collaborators. It will feature 19 tracks with "Heather" being the lead track and it will be released in June on Heavenly.

Next Wave: Fader

Neil Arthur from Blancmange has teamed up with Benge of Wrangler and John and The Maths fame to create music as Fader. Together, they have put several songs resulting in the their first album entitled 'First Light'. As it is announced, the album will be "a twist of electronic Songs with haunting atmospheres". The songs were recorded and mixed at Benge's MemeTune Studios while Arthur recorded his own vocals in his home studio. The album will contain 11 studio tracks and it will be out on June 23rd.

   

WAW: Arca- Reverie

A Venezuelan electronic producer better known for his stage name Arca is back with a brand new studio album and his first release on XL Recordings. His eponymous third album will include 13 tracks out of which four have already been released as singles including the "Reverie". The video for the single was directed by Jesse Kanda.

Sparks Announce New Album and Tour

Sparks are back with a brand new studio album. Appearing on BBC Six Music, Ron and Russel said that the new album will be entitled 'Hippopotamus' and it will be released in September. A video for the title track has also been announced and you can watch it below. The band has also announced the first run of European Tour starting in August.

Fiat Lux Reveal "Secrets" 2017

We have stumbled upon some really great news for the Fiat Lux fans. This year, one of their trademark singles and the first song that got us into them has been rerecorded and reissued as "Secrets 2017". The song was originally released in 1984 when the band also planned to release their only album "Hired History" which was shelved back then and whose rights still lies in the hands of Polydor records. 

David and Steve, the the two remaining members (Ian Nelson who sadly passed away in 2006) did an interview with Electricity Club, in February this year which gives some exclusive information about the band itself, about the lost album and much more. More info here.

 

Instant Hit: Die Form - Slow Love

Die Form released "Slow Love" in 1986 as a single on the French Label Attitude. As most of their music it was some fine electro synth-pop in the veil of darkness. The song was backed with "The Beast" and "Metaphase" both performed by Cécile Ke. The song was later included on the 'Poupée Mécanique' reissue from 1990.

Alphaville to Release 'Strange Attractor' in April

Alphaville are back with a brand new studio album! Their eight studio album is called 'Strange Attractor' and it is the first release in seven years. The album includes 13 new tracks including "Heartbreak City" which is the possible first single. 'Strange Attractor' is expected to be released through Polydor on April 7th.

Modern English Release 'Take me to the Trees'

Modern English is back with a new studio album in more than seven years. The album is entitled ‘Take me to the Trees’ was funded via Pledge with an originally planned March 2016 release. A year later, they have officially announced its release. The album was recorded, produced and mixed by Martyn Young from Colourbox and MARRS, who also adds additional keyboards. It has been released on February 24th and it is available on Paper/Cardboard Sleeve.

Retrovision: Fire Inc- Tonight’s What it Means to be Young

Introduced as ‘A Rock & Roll Fable’, Street of Fire was released and became hit in 1984. The film is a mix of musical, action, neo-noir, drama, and comedy, with elements of retro-1950s and 1980s. It also provide a brilliant Soundtrack from which today we remember “Tonight’s What it Means To be Young” originally sang by Ellen Aim and in the movie performed by Diane Lane.

Erasure Announce New Album for May

Erasure are back! They have announced the release of their seventeenth studio album which will be entitled ‘World Be Gone’. ‘World Be Gone’ features ten new tracks written, performed and produced by Erasure and was mixed by Matty Green and it will be available on CD, Vinyl, Cassette (with download code) and via Digital Download. The album will be released via Mute on May 19th 2017.

Clan of Xymox Announce a New Album 'Days of Black'

Clan of Xymox have announced the release of a brand new studio album coming this March. Their 16th studio album will be entitled 'Days of Black' and will include 12 new tracks. The album will be released end of March in USA via Metropolis and in Europe through Tristol. A small tour will follow in April after the official Album release.

http://www.clanofxymox.com

WAW: Sondre Lerche- Soft Feelings

We stay in Norway for our current We are Watching (WAW) video. This time, we would like to present a brand new video by Sondre Lerche for the song "Soft Feelings". The video is taken from their upcoming album 'Pleasure' which is going to be released in April. The video was directed by Johannes Greve Muskat.

Instant Hit: Clockwork Orange- Sensation Boys

Clockwork Orange was a short-lived Norwegian synth-pop group that emerged in the 1980s, releasing only a single during their brief existence. Titled "Sensation Boys," it debuted on Temptation Records in 1985. Despite its likely underground status at the time and its dark tone, it had the potential to resonate with both underground and mainstream audiences. Today, it remains emblematic of its genre's standards. In 2015, the song was reissued as a single under the title "The Last Sensation," featuring a 1984 demo alongside a new remix version of the track.

A Flock of Seagulls- 'Remixes and Rarities' to be Released in March

Cherry Red Records will release a a new Remixes and Rarities compilation in March. This time. it's A Flock of the Seagulls' compilation coming on two discs which will include tracks from their most productive and successful period (1982- 1986). There is a variety of the song versions including the remixes, live versions and also 12". The compilations is set for release on March 24th 2017.

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/remixes-rarities-deluxe-2cd-edition/

Tempers Release New EP 'Fundamental Fantasy'

Tempers have released a brand new EP titled 'Fundamental Fantasy'. This is their first release since the long player 'Services' was released in 2015. The have kept their synth driven melancholic and gloomy darkwave sound expressed in four brand new tracks. The new EP is out on The Vinyl Factory and can be previewed below.

Best of 1987- The Album List

Let's dive into the 1987 Albums campaign! This year marked an interesting crossover period where music styles from the first half of the decade began transforming into new genres, creating fresh musical opportunities and providing stages for new talents.

In terms of innovation, MTV Europe was launched, and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" became the first single released on CD, while the cassette tape continued to rise in popularity.

Synthpop was still prominent in the mainstream, with Erasure and Pet Shop Boys maintaining its presence. The pop hits from the emerging Stock Aitken Waterman pop factory, including Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," became chart-toppers and contributed to making it the best-selling single of the year.

On the other hand, House music was slowly growing and taking over dance floors, providing a fresh and dynamic sound. Simultaneously, indie pop/rock was flourishing, offering more diverse and alternative forms of music.

At the Brit Awards, Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel received honors for Best Female and Best Male, respectively, showcasing the diversity and richness of the musical landscape in 1987.

Next Wave: Patience

End of last year, we discovered another interesting music act that we thought would be worth sharing here. Her name is Roxanne Clifford and she is not a new face to the music biz. Already with her band Veronica Falls she made first steps into indie pop. Now the things have changed for her, she took a new name and adopted a completely different music style and musical arrangement. Under the name Patience she discovers the new world of synth pop and minimal wave. Her debut "The Church" was released on Night School Records in 2016 and the second single "Pressure" followed soon after. She seems to be doing well in the new footsteps and we hope to hear more from her in 2017.

Retrovision: Opus III- It's a Fine Day

Twenty five years ago, Opus III topped the UK charts with "It's a Fine Day" reaching #5. The single was actually a cover and house makeover of the classic by Jane released in 1983 and written by poet and musician Edward Barton. The song's video below featured the singer Kirsty Hawkshaw (with her standout shaved head and bodysuit) performing and dancing.

 

Instant Hit: Brain- D.I.X.O

For all of those that the future is still kept in some of the most obscure and brilliant 80's tracks, should check this one out. Futuristic and experimental and a lot of forward thinking with the musical arrangement and design. There is not much info about the band itself and this is their only release from 1982. According to some sources on the internet, this single was reissued by Private Records from Berlin.

Blondie to Release a Brand new Studio Album 'Pollinator' in May

Blondie have announced the release of a brand new studio album 'Pollinator' in May this year. This is their first studio album in more than five years and a follow up to 'Panic of Girls' which was released in 2011. "Fun" has been announced as the first single from the album. 

For more info check blondie.net.

Sixth June to Release 'Virgo Rising' in February

Sixth June have announced the release of a brand new studio album titled 'Virgo Rising'. This will be their first album in four years and a follow up to their debut 'Everytime' released in 2010. As for now only the lead track "Night Before" is available for listening. Nice to hear some Sax mixing with the usual Sixth June arrangement. The album will be released through Aufnahme + Wiedergabe and is already available on pre-order.

http://aufnahmeundwiedergabe.bigcartel.com/

WAW: Baustelle- Amanda Lear

The Italian band Baustelle have announced the release of a brand new album 'L’amore e la violenza'. We were very excited to discover this "Amanda Lear" tune which we believe will be the first single from the album and to lead us into another great synth pop year. 

The video for the song was directed by Barbara Guieu.

Goldfrapp Announce theRelease of New Album 'Silver Eye'

Goldfrapp are back! The band announced through their official page that their 7th studio album will be entitled 'Silver Eye'. As all the previous releases this one will be released through Mute and the first single of the album "Anywhere" can already be streamed below. As per first single it seems that they are mixing their upbeat and downtempo styles. The album will include 9 more tracks and is officially set for release on March 31st 2017.

www.goldfrapp.com

Drab Majesty Release their second album 'Demonstration'

In 2016, we had a huge crush with their song "The Heiress" and this is where the story with Drab Majesty begins for us. Happy to see that they have released a new album. The new album will be entitled 'Demonstration' and for those who never listened to them, Drab Majesty blend goth with 80's synths and art post-punk sound and visuals, recalling Clan of Xymox and the Cure. The band will also embark on an extensive tour which will include Europe as well. The first single from the album entitled "39 by Design" is already available on Youtube.

Piano Magic to release their 12 Studio Album 'Closure'

Piano Magic are back with a brand new album which celebrates 10 years of Piano Magic. The band released their debut album 'Popular Mechanics' in 1997 and another eleven studio albums followed to this date. This new album was recorded in London between April and August of 2016 and features guest appearances from Peter Milton Walsh of The Apartments, Audrey Riley (go-to cellist for The Go-Betweens, Nick Cave and more). ‘Closure,’ will be formally released by Second Language Music on January 20th 2017 worldwide on CD, 180gm vinyl and digital download formats. The first single form the album is entitled Exile and can be streamed below.

'No Plan' EP Marks One Year of David Bowie's Passing Away

A year after his passing away, a new EP has posthumously been released through Columbia and Sony. This release is entitled 'No Plan' and it is coinciding with what would be David Bowie's 70th birthday. Some songs appeared in the Broadway musical Lazarus and were originally recorded during the Blackstar sessions. The EP is out now digital with the lead track "No Plan".

Transfigure Release Debut Album Translation

First head up for this year is the news that Transfigure finally have released their debut album. Following their EP releases from 2014 and from last year, comes their first long player. The album will be entitled 'Translation' and it will contain 8 tracks, out of which the lead track "Fields" was already featured on their EP from last year.

Hailing from Newcastle, the duo reflects the city club feel in some songs while on the other hand they also tend to be emotional and introspective. Musically they collect and end echo the best from the late's and and early 90's electro forms from the likes of New Order, Pet Shop Boys and St Etienne.

Stream and buy here.

Retrovision: Curiosity Killed the Cat- Down to Earth

Born somewhere on the crossroads between 1986 and 1987, Curiosity Killed the Cat made their chart debut in the UK with "Down to Earth" reaching #26. This Prefab Sprout inspired sound with jazz and funk influences was becoming more and more popular among bands of that time and they contributed to the sound that would eventually become popular as Sophisti-Pop.
Welcome to 1987!