Joy Before The Storm - Silence Ever After (1985)

This LP has got to be one of the best US minimal synth obscurities. The album art represents the sound rather accurately, like looking through the window of a sad loner, just him and his analog instruments. Hah. The best track is most definitely "We're All Alone", but there are a few other gems littered in there as well. It's been extremely difficult to find any useful information regarding this record, I found some miscellaneous info on another US band by the same name, but there's no evidence they are linked. Info always appreciated. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Attic Window
A2 - We're All Alone
A3 - These Things Happen
A4 - We Should Be Closer
A5 - Cheerleader
B1 - Shadow Of A Radio Tower
B2 - Walking On Air
B3 - Quiet Past
B4 - Westchester Siren

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Yön - I Dream (1987)

Here we have a 7" that I consider to be one of the 'holy grails' of US minimal synth/wave. I know that term gets thrown around a lot, but this dark-tinged gem sure seems to qualify. It's extremely rare and I'm not sure too many people are aware of its existence yet. There's no cover sleeve version that I'm aware of, and the band members are listed as "Mr. M/Britain", which for me wasn't very telling. The record was released on Tekno-Wave Records in Texas, which has also been a dead end in my search for further info. I've been quite curious about this one so if anyone out there knows anything please speak up! I'll let the sound speak for itself here, instant winners on both sides. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - I Dream
B - Knowledge

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Body and Soul - Something's Going On Here (1983)

Here's a very rare and unknown piece of US wave history. Update: Some info has been found. It seems this was a solo effort by "Rob Watson" and was pressed to 800 copies. More than I would've expected. Mr. Watson has had his hands in quite a few other things as well, it seems. I'll have to do a bit more investigation on that. As for this record, the a-side is a nice upbeat, club-friendly track... but I think I prefer the gloomy, mellow b-side. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Something's Going On Here
B - The Graylands

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Velvascurge - Human Element (1985)

If you caught Goutroy's recent compilation of excellent obscurities then you probably noticed the excellent Velvascurge song "...In The Numbers". For me it's the standout track on the record (honorable mention to "Shadow (Reprise)"), but since I know many of you are just like myself and like to hear the whole thing... here it is! Velvascurge were a US trio from Miami, FL with only one other release in 1989, a CD called "Wiggley Snake" (thanks to Vinyl Obscurity for that info). Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Only The Shadow Knows
A2 - ...In The Numbers
A3 - Shadow (Reprise)
B1 - Wild Western World
B2 - Syndicated Life

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Teai Benet - 2:00 Love (1983)

Really nice US wave 7" from Texas! Female vox and wonderful synth & guitar play. Don't have much to say about this one so I'll let the video below do the talking. Enjoy!

RPFTRP!



Track List:

A - 2:00 Love
B - Bend Me, Shape Me

Download (link removed by request of copyright owner)

Responding To Treatment - Self-Titled EP (1982)

So it took me a few days to get 2011's first post up, but I think you'll find it worth the wait. If the cover art for this one doesn't tell you everything you need to know, then I just can't help you (but I'll try anyway). This 12" was made in the US of A and delivers top notch minimal synth wave that the whole family can enjoy (How's that?). Clean, crisp synthesizers cruise from track to track on drum machine perfection. The harmonic, quasi-surf vocals only add to the fun. For fans of the darker tinged tunes, like me, "The Look In Your Eyes" steers in that direction a bit. Really great record, guys & gals. A true gem from beginning to end. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Change My Mind
A2 - The Look In Your Eyes
B1 - Designer Genes
B2 - The Movies

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F-Systems - People (1980)

Here's a fun 7" from the southern United States. Austin, Texas of all places! Don't be fooled, however, as the sounds held within resemble something more like a British import. The standout track "People" is a catchy sort of synth-driven post-punk that I can't seem to get enough of... (see the video performance below). Shiny gold top and vocals with attitude for miles. The b-side is no slouch, either. Fits in quite well around here. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - People
B - Naked Kiss

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Factual - For The Song (1984)

Here we have the last release from Tennessee-based synth band, Factual. You can get the earlier 2 records here on Goutroy's blog to complete the discography. A while back I posted another Robb Earls project called Warm Dark Pocket, which you can get here. Mr. Goutroy did most of the work on the bio, so I'll just say this ones right about in line with the rest of Factual's material. The title track is a truly great blend of guitar and synth work that shouldn't disappoint. It reminds me of Epitaphe, a bit. The b-side is of course a remix of the title song taken from a previous 12", also quite nice! Enjoy.

Track List:

A - For The Song
B - Psychotic Romance (Remix)

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Friends Of The Maid - Friends Of The Maid (1984)

It's been quite a long time since I've posted anything here, and I'm sorry for that! I've been in between homes, and finally getting settled down again. Hopefully I'll be able to post a bit more often now!

This DIY 12" was made in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA! A great obscure synthwave record for your listening pleasure. The main line-up involved in recording this record had a split after the record was released, although Brett Edgar and Carl White supposedly continued on and recorded more music as Friends Of The Maid (I have no further knowledge of this). The obvious stand-out track here is "Love Turn Around", which really could have been a hit with a bit more exposure. Enjoy!


Track List:

A1 - Love Turn Around
A2 - My Love For You Is Gone
B1 - Waiting For A Chance
B2 - Carolina Called
B3 - Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
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Ian North - Rape Of Orchids EP (1982)

As I said in the previous post, Ian North has played the role of both the artist and the producer. This time as the artist. This is the last of his efforts, in the same era, at least. I believe he is currently promoting new music and you can probably find out more on his myspace page, if interested. In any case, "Sex Lust You" is the winner here, for me. Check it out. Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Only Love Is Left Alive
A2 - Romance
B1 - Sex Lust You
B2 - White Gardens

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Anti-Matter - 2 x 7inch (81-83)

This is what I believe to be the band's entire discography. If there were other releases, please let me know. Both records self-released in the US on Prehistoric Records, and feature 2 minimal synth gems a piece.

Infatuation was produced by Ian North, who made a great 12" EP called "Rape Of Orchids", which I will post... hmm, after this!


Anti-Matter - Industrial City (1981)


Track List:

A - Industrial City
B - Invisible Man

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Anti-Matter - Infatuation (1983)


Track List:

A - Infatuation
B - Digital Dance

Download



Enjoy!

Vogue - Sahara (1983)

Super scarce 12" from the US (I love when I can say that, however seldom). Nice dark minimal sound on this one. The title track is mostly an instrumental until near the end, when male vocals and female "ahh"s make a brief entrance. Not the case with the b-side, which takes the cake by a slight edge for me. Cold, haunting vocals littered throughout track's icey landscape. Check it out. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Sahara
B - Shattered Peace

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Radio Berlin - Dance The Youth E.P. (1982)

Nice 7" from the United States here. Radio Berlin was formed in 1981 by members of the band Futurisk (from my home state of Florida ;D). They released this 7'' and the track "Go Down" on a local compilation before dissapearing. Some pretty interesting lyrics on this one, I'm sure you'll see what I mean. Plenty of raw, analog synth as well. Enjoy.

Track List:

A1 - Gare Du Nord
B1 - Dance The Youth
B2 - Political Pop

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Wrinklemuzik - A Move To The Right (1981)

Ultra-rare minimal synth 7" out of the US, of which I know very little about. I believe it's the only release by the artist. This one really has the familiar sound of scarcity that we crave so much. The title track kicks things off nicely, with waves of trippy analog synthesizers and haunting vocal textures. What follows are two icey instrumentals, the first of which is more akin to track one, the last of which is quite strange and spacey... definitely worth checking out! Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - A Move To The Right
A2 - Bangkok
B1 - Rein

Download (link removed)
Listen at Myspace
Purchase at Amazon (also available on iTunes)

Support this great artist and buy it!

Ashley Morance - Over The Wall (1982)

Rather unknown US synth wave 7". Fairly certain this is the only release/work by this artist other than playing keys for an obscure punk band called Mourning Noise in 1983, and some other, more recent work under the name "Mike Morance". Not much info beyond that, both tracks are pretty good here. Enjoy!

Track List:

A - Over The Wall
B - I'll Stay Here

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Warm Dark Pocket - Warm Dark Pocket (1986)

Warm Dark Pocket was a project of Robb Earls and Marilyn Blair which formed not too long after Earls' previous (and more well-known) band, Factual. One of the few DIY wave bands from Nashville, Tennessee. Great intimate echoey male and female vox with uptempo rhythms and cold backgrounded guitars and choral synth textures.

From the insert:

"Warm Dark Pocket brings music back to the basics of well defined beat charged with emotion and atmosphere." -Robb Earls

"Warm Dark Pocket is one of the wild mysteries of the universe -- one with solid definition yet open and expansive." -Marilyn Blair

Enjoy!


Track List:

A1 - Door Inside
A2 - Pressure Zone
B1 - The Other Side
B2 - Shadows Burning

Download



To hear Earls' previous band, Factual, go to this hotspot. Thanks, Goutroy!

Art Interface - This Day In History (CD-R) + Wardance Video

After the first Art Interface post, I had a request for the Wardance video. So, thanks to the generosity of AI's Douglas Vasey, I've received the video as well as a CD-R containing further works by the band. I hope you don't mind that I kept the mullet-sporting host in the video clip, I think it's a nice touch (hah!). Enjoy!


This Day In History (CD-R)

Track List:

01 - Secretaries From Heaven
02 - Chinese Takeaway
03 - Raygun Assassins
04 - This Day In History
05 - Commie Plot
06 - The Walls Have Ears
07 - Wardance
08 - Dance Hit
09 - Real Pretty-Like
10 - City Of Funk
11 - New Mood
12 - Joyride
13 - World's Happiest Person
14 - Cross That Line, Buddy You Die
15 - The Parable Of The Insane Leading The Blind
16 - Sermonette
17 - Secretaries From Heaven ('81 Demo w/ '09 Radio Overdub)

Download


Wardance Video (taken from UNDERGROUND U.S.A. #14 VHS)



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Symbols - Voices (1982)

Really nice and obscure 12" from the US here. Starts a bit down-tempo and brooding with the title track, and picks up the tempo a bit through the b-side, while losing none of the mood. The early 80s really is a bottomless pit of outstanding gems... or so we hope... Enjoy!

Track List:

A1 - Voices
B1 - Speed of Light
B2 - Broken Promise

Download (sendspace)
Download (direct)

Near Paris - Untitled (1985)

This is probably one of the best obscure wave records to come out of the US. Highly sought after -- and for good reason. Four solid tracks of dark electronics, guitars, and female vocals. Unfortunately there are only 4 tracks on this, their only release. It certainly leaves you wanting more. Don't miss it. Enjoy!

(Update: Nov. 22, 2010 - there will be more!)

Track List:

A1 - Visions
A2 - Shattered Glass
B1 - Ceiling
B2 - Believe Me

Download

Art Interface - Great Big World of Noise and Shit (1986)

I decided to rip this record mainly because I have not seen it around anywhere, but also because the song "Secretaries from Heaven" is pretty damn good and ultra-catchy. It's a rather strange record, in that it starts out as a sort of rock album, until it gets to the aforementioned track, becoming almost an entirely new album -- or band, even.

I received this LP directly from the artist (Douglas Vasey) who also provided me with the "Wardance" 7inch, which I will post below for those interested. Here is what he has to say about the record:

"when i started in 79 guitar ruled; synths were new weird toys. to me, when i came up w/ it in 81, sfh was a parody of synth music- so simple it about played itself- but i had those great lyrics on hand, and the combination of the 2 was more than expected. tho i have done lots of synth based songs [even songs where what sounds like a guitar is overdriven synth-sig. bother, overcome] i still prefer more melodic /poetic compositions [not ballads, mind you! ugh!]. by the 90's it was apparent there was a real rift in music AND in my writing, so i reorganized my output accordingly into 2 bands- AI, & Earthbound. most people like the AI stuff better. however @ the time the lp came out it was still anything goes, so that makes the mix of songs included on it a bit of both. now its a relic, but i dont want anyone to feel cheated by its diversity..."

With that said, I'll admit I'm not too into the more rock-ish part of the album (the first 5 tracks), but then, my tastes are pretty synth-driven. The remainder of the record is a pretty enjoyable synth obscurity, though. So check it out!

Track list:

A1 - Blue Menace
A2 - No Face
A3 - Beautiful/Invisible
A4 - Summer
A5 - Death In The West
A6 - Secretaries From Heaven
B1 - Assassin
B2 - After The Fact
B3 - Chinese Take Away
B4 - Dub In The West
B5 - This Day In History

Download


Art Interface - Wardance (7") (1984):

A - Wardance
B - Raygun Assassins

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