Spiral Visions - Danse Macabre (1982)

Incredibly hard to find EP from this British synth wave band. Spiral Visions is an alias of the slightly more well-known Vision. As per usual, not a great deal of time to write about this one, but the a-side takes the cake for me. The chorus of "Despair" is wonderful, and "Voices" is a true gem! Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Despair
A2 - Voices
B1 - Picture Portrait
B2 - Dance With Me

Download (re-up 10/08/13)





P.S. Happy holidays to everyone! I likely won't have a fresh post until the new year, but expect big things. January should see a few top-notch 7"s from France, and by way of popular demand: Crispy Nuggets vol. 4!

Most exciting of all, I'm planning to re-issue a band from this very blog. Here's your hint: The band is great. ;D

Various - 391 Umbria (1983)

Fantastic spread of artists on this Italian compilation. I can't say quite enough about each and every artist here. Unlike a lot of compilations, I can happily listen all the way through this one without missing a beat. You'll hear everything from minimal synth to post-punk on this scarce tape. Some favorites being the recently re-issued Aidons La Norvege, Syndrome, Die Crucis, Mengue, and of course X-Offender. Not 100% sure of the exact release year. Anyone? Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Brain Machine - Intro
A2 - Brain Machine - F.A.L.L.
A3 - Die Crucis - Flaming Desire
A4 - Aidons La Norvege - Ostaggi
A5 - Aidons La Norvege - Bellinz Lager
A6 - Plan K - Esecuzione
A7 - Plan K - Trottima
A8 - Warhead - Don't Vex The Dead
B1 - Syndrome - Don't Rustle
B2 - Syndrome - Rock New Life
B3 - Mengue - African Beat
B4 - Militia - Echi
B5 - X-Offender - Wehrmacht
B6 - Strange Militia - Ho Paura Dei Bambini
B7 - Choking Sensation - Nine

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Plastic Dolls - Don't Forget Me (1984)

What a fantastically rare Greek 7" we have here. There's almost nothing to be known about this one. At least, I don't have a clue (so if anyone out there knows something about this band, please speak up). I can tell you that it's one of the best unknowns from Greece you'll ever hear. The title track features drilling synth perfection, male and female vox, and a great chorus topped off by just the right amount of guitar. "The End" sets a much darker, desperately melancholic tone. And, of course, that is a good thing! Minimalist design and lack of cover helped bury this gem in a few bins, I'm sure. Keep an eye out while you hunt. In the meantime, enjoy!

Track List:

A - Don't Forget Me
B - The End

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Neurox - A Raving Night (1984)

This is easily one of my favorite dark Italian wave records. Both sides of this 7" do a perfect job of blending male and female vocals, as well as synths and guitars. Very catchy from start to finish. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - A Raving Night
B - Romantic

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