In mid-2019, we touched briefly on ARPALICE, a New York-based duo featuring the formidable talents of Dalila Pasotti (Other Crimes, Amazon Dart) and Andrea Sicco (Twin Guns). Their early demos gave us here at Post-punk.com a glimpse into their world, and we’ve had our eyes on them ever since, patiently waiting for a full-length to materialize. On June 16th, the duo released their self-titled debut LP, and in short, it delivers in spades.

Opening track “Obsidian Soul” comes out of the gate swinging, with a churning guitar riff and thumping rhythm section building into a powerful frenzy of intent by way of Pasotti’s smoldering vocals. “Give me what I want, give me what is mine,” she screams towards the end of the track, a true statement of intent. “Cross the Line,” the album’s primary single, follows with a more cinematic sway that is equal parts Mick Harvey and Lee Hazelwood as it is Pulp and Suede. Sicco’s backup vocals lifts Pasotti’s soaring chorus to dizzying heights. “If You Believe Me” is a relentless onslaught of descending riffs and proto-punk power, channeling the fire of early Patti Smith into a blissful romp of guitar-driven chaos. “Coming Down” is aptly named, taking things down a notch and letting Sicco’s smooth croon take the lead for a few moments of roadside bliss, windows down on an endless country highway drive.

Halfway through, the album shows a gorgeous moment of vulnerability. “The Sphynx” peels back many of the album’s layers, providing room for Pasotti’s vocals and harmonies to cut deep alongside a minimal guitar line. “Nobody’s Child” rings true, a track that is equal parts Bauhaus as it is latter-era Nico, pulsing with powerful post-punk energy and bubbling, theremin-esque synths. It’s no wonder this track first caught our eye back in 2018, and it’s a delight to hear once more, as it remains one of the band’s most engaging tracks.  The album takes a much darker turn with “Alpha Centuri,” a slow, bluesy dirge that delivers on the band’s psychedelic energy.

“Don’t You Know It’s a War” begins with Sicco’s carefully considered croon, trading off with Pasotti as the song unravels. It’s a song that really exemplifies the duo’s sense of camaraderie, both playful and politically driven. Penultimate track “1959” is a highlight – with it’s programmed drum rhythms, synth sweeps, and driving riffs providing the backdrop for a solo Sicco vocal, the lyric channeling nostalgia as the song builds and slithers with tension. Lastly, “Wonderstreet” brings the record to a slow, satisfying conclusion, leaving behind a faint trace of dust and cinder.

ARPALICE is available digitally at the moment, via Bandcamp. Its an album to be played loudly, windows down, the wind hitting your face and cutting through the humidity, just as the sun is about to set. With that in mind, check below for the full album credits, artwork, and purchasing links:i

ARPALICE- ARPALICE
1. Obsidian Soul
2. Cross the Line
3. If You Believe Me
4. Coming Down
5. The Sphynx
6. Nobody’s Child
7. Alpha Centauri
8. Don’t You Know There’s a War
9. 1959
10. Wonderstreet

Purchase digitally via Bandcamp

The post ARPALICE Offer Up Cinematic Summer Vibes With Their Debut LP appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

During last year’s WGT,  while promoting his critically acclaimed second studio LP New Kind of Cross, Dwyer packed the venue at 5 pm with a banging set that kept the high energy going until Boy Harsher, one of the artist’s featured in his mix below, took the stage hours later.

While Buzz Kull is an underground favorite, Dwyer is also not forgotten by his contemporaries, as seen by new interpretations of his album tracks, the first of which is of Liars’ remix of the titular “New Kind of Cross.”

On the remix, Dwyer comments:

“Liars are a band that I grew up on in the early 2000’s and to have Angus work on this remix leaves me speechless, I am still not sure if its a reality. I really look up to Angus and to see the way he supports other artists, especially those in Australia who do not have much of platform to exist on, it really warms my heart..”

Listen below:

The next remix is by Russian electronic music duo SUPERNOVA 1006, who also take a crack at “New Kind of Cross”, which markedly different results, with a dark, rhythmic, and concussive snare.

Of SUPERNOVA 1006 Dwyer recalls:

“The first performance in Russia (St. Petersburg) was in 2018, I had not slept at all, the entire night was little foggy from memory, but I do remember seeing SUPERNOVA 1006 perform, it was abrasive and intense. Andrey has been in touch since meeting that night and I really admire their style of production and cannot wait to hear their new album—Technical Support.”

Listen below:

Dwyer and Zanias will embark on their tour June 1st, with their first date at Klub Kegelbahn in Lucerne, Switzerland.

On touring with Zanias, Dwyer remarks:

“Zanias and I are constantly pushing each other to heighten certain aspects of our live performance. Both being solo artists, it’s nice to be able to share these experiences with someone who can relate to the challenges of performing alone.”

Listen to Buzz Kull’s special Post-Punk.com mix ahead of the tour, and see full dates below.

Playlist:

• Schwefelgelb – Wie Die Koepfe
• Luminance – Raised to Forget
• Ministry – Over the Shoulder
• Boy Harsher – LA
• Front Line Assembly – Resist
• Tzusing – King Of Hosts
• Parole e azioni – Fais confiance au soldat allemand
• Enola Gay – Running (Buzz Kull Remix)
• DSX Sid Lamar – 90 Degrees
• Rendez-Vous – Workout
• Multiple Man – High On The Hog
• Selofan – Ist Die Liebe Tot
• Qual – Inject Your Mind

The post Listen to Buzz Kull’s Liars and SUPERNOVA 1006 Mix of “New Kind of Cross”—Plus a Synth Laden Playlist Ahead of his European Tour with Zanias appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

With that in mind, please enjoy this two hour continuous mix of some second-tier post-punk bands, mostly from the UK. Many of our readers may already be familiar with most of these artists, while fans freshly exploring the genre should find lots to love outside of the standard post-punk diet of Siouxsie, Smith, and Moz.

Enjoy, and feel free to share some of your favorites in the comments!

Tracklisting:

1. Lucinda- A Certain Ratio (UK, 1982, Sextet LP, Factory)
2. Is Vic There?- Department S (UK, 1980, Is Vic There? 7”, Demon Records)
3. Institution Walls (Remix)- B-Movie (UK, 1981, Remembrance Day 7”, Deram)
4. Autocrat- For Against (US, 1987, Echelons LP, Independent Project Records)
5. A Moment Like This- Fra Lippo Lippi (Norway, 1981, In Silence LP, Uniton Records)
6. War Games- Opposition (UK, 1981, Breaking the Silence LP, Disc’ AZ International)
7. The Fire- The Names (Belgium, 1982, Swimming LP, Les Discques Du Crépuscule)
8. Electric Dreams- The Lucy Show (UK, 1984, Electric Dreams 7”, Piggy Bank Records)
9. The Square- The Passions (UK, 1981, Thirty Thousand Feet Over China LP, Fiction Records)
10. The Ultimate Stranger- Red Zebra (Belgium, 1981, Bastogne 12”, Zebra Records)
11. Colourless Dream- Sad Lovers and Giants (UK, 1981, Colourless Dream 7”, Last Movement)
12. Taboo- Easter and the Totem (UK, 1982, Hip Replacement LP, Ark Music Publishers)
13. You Move Me- The Comsat Angels (UK, 1985, 7 Day Weekend LP, Jive)
14. A To I- In The Nursery (UK, 1983, When Cherished Dreams Come Through LP, Paragon)
15. A- The Associates (UK, 1980, The Affectionate Punch LP, Fiction)
16. Judas- The Wake (Scotland, 1982, Harmony LP, Factory)
17. Crazy- Pylon (US, 1983 Chomp LP, DB Records)
18. Missiles- The Sound (UK, 1980, Jeopardy LP, Korova)
19. Die Matrosen- Liliput (Switzerland, 1980, Split 7”, Rough Trade)
20. The Art of War- Siglo XX  (Belgium, 1982, The Art of War 12”, Antler)
21. A Day’s Wait- Altered Images (UK, 1981, Happy Birthday LP, Epic)
22. A Sullen Sky- Lowlife (Scotland, 1987, Diminuendo LP, Nightshift Records UK)
23. Hollow Inside- The Mighty Lemon Drops (UK, 1988, World Without End LP, Chrysalis)
24. Euthenics- Modern Eon (UK, 1981, Fiction Tales LP, Dindisc)
25. Smiles and Laughter- Modern English (UK, 1981, Smiles and Laughter 7”, 4AD)
26. We’re So Cool- Au Pairs (UK, 1981, Playing With a Different Sex LP, Human Records)
27. Ghosts- Abecedarians (US, 1990, The Other Side of the Fence LP, Independent Project Records)
28. Over the Fancies- Ellysgarden (France, 1994, Echoes CD, Alea Jacta Est)
29. Bad Blood- Breathless (UK, 1986, Nailing Colours to the Wheel 12”, Tenor Vossa Records)
30. Military Tactics- The Pollen (France, 1988, Contrasts LP, Danceteria)
31. Firefly- B.F.G. (UK, 1988, Fathoms LP, Attica Records)

The post Scratching the Surface – A Post-Punk Playlist appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

“We enjoyed adding our light and shade to MGT’s new album with our contributions to the “Assembly Line” – getting us warmed up for our further adventures this year too!” – Lol Tolhurst and Pearl Thompson

“So pleased to have collaborated with these legends.. a huge influence on our music.. the moment we heard Lol’s and Pearl’s instrumentation on the song I was amazed how Curesque it sounded! You’ve got 50% of the original and classic Cure lineup right there… sounds brilliant” – Mark Gemini Thwaite

“As a long time fan of The Cure it is a true blessing to have Lol and Pearl add their magic to my favourite song on this album. Most grateful indeed!” – Ashton Nyte

In addition to the remix of “The Assembly Line,” MGT has also released an accompanying b-side, “All The Broken Things (Lol Tolhurst Remix).” Tolhurst adds, “I loved remixing “Broken Things,” such a beautiful track!”

The original versions of the tracks “The Assembly Line” and “All The Broken Things” are featured on MGT’s forthcoming album, Gemini Nyte, that’s due out on February 23rd from Cleopatra Records. The album is now available for pre-order at iTunes & Bandcamp.

MGT is a collaboration between former The Mission/Peter Murphy guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite and vocalist Ashton Nyte of The Awakening. The upcoming album Gemini Nyte features 13 new songs written and recorded by Thwaite and Nyte, plus Paul Ferguson (KILLING JOKE) on drums and guest appearances by Burton C Bell (FEAR FACTORY) and Lol Tolhurst & Pearl Thompson,

In case you missed it, watch MGT’s recently released videos:

“All The Broken Things”

“Every Little Dream”

MGT will tour in support of Gemini Nyte with labelmate Jyrki 69 in March. The band’s lineup will feature Thwaite and Nyte, along with bassist Richard Vernon (The Mission) and drummer Nick Mason (Living Dead). Dates are listed below.

MGT Tour Dates (w/Jyrki 69):

• Mar 9 – Mesa, AZ – Club Red
• Mar 10 – Fullerton, CA – Slide Bar
• Mar 11 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
• Mar 13 – Portland, OR – Analog Lounge
• Mar 15 – Seattle, WA – Studio Seven
• Mar 16 – Boise, ID – Grainey’s Basement
• Mar 17 – Salt Lake City, UT – Liquid Joe’s
• Mar 18 – Las Vegas, NV – Beauty Bar
• Mar 21 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go

For More Information:
https://www.facebook.com/mark.gemini.thwaite/
https://twitter.com/markgthwaite
http://www.mgtofficial.com/

The post MGT teams up with founding members of The Cure for a remix of “The Assembly Line” appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

With that in mind, we’d like to mark the occasion with our own collection of Bowie favorites, mixed together continuously and clocking in roughly over 2 hours long. In an effort to be willfully obscure, we’ve avoided much of the classic 70s material instead focusing on deep cuts, outtakes, alternate versions, and relatively underheard material across Bowie’s career. It’s probably a little gloomier than most tributes are, but this is Post-Punk.com, after all…

Without any further ado, view the track listing below:

1. A Small Plot Of Land
Sparse, tense version of the 1.Outside track. Taken from the Basquiat soundtrack, released in 1996.

2. Funhouse
Unreleased Earthling-era outtake with some thematic ties to “Fame.” Recorded ~1997/1998.

3. ‘Tis A Pity She Was A Whore
Released as the b-side to the Sue (In a Season of Crime) single in 2014. Both single recordings feature the Maria Schneider orchestra, many of whose members would work with Bowie on Blackstar.

4. Shadow Man
Originally recorded in 1971 during the Ziggy Stardust sessions, re-recorded in 2001 for the aborted Toy LP and released on the Slow Burn single in 2002.

5. You’ve Been Around
Originally written with Tin Machine, recorded in 1993 for Black Tie White Noise and again for Reeves Gabrels’ The Sacred Squall of Now LP in 1995. This version also features Gary Oldman on vocals.

6. Loving The Alien (Single Mix)
A vastly shortened and improved 7” single mix from 1984. Original version appears on Tonight.

7. The Man Who Sold The World (Live Version)
Re-recorded with Brian Eno during the 1.Outside sessions, released on the Strangers When We Meet single in 1995.

8. This Is Not America
Recorded with The Pat Metheny Group and released on The Falcon and the Snowman soundtrack in 1985.

9. The Drowned Girl (Vom Ertrunkenen Mädchen)
From the Baal EP, 1982.

10. Pallas Athena
From Black Tie White Noise, 1993. An alternate live version from 1997 appears as a standalone single under Tao Jones Index.

11. The Voyeur of Utter Destruction (As Beauty)
From 1.Outside, 1995.

12. Nature Boy (feat. Massive Attack)
From Moulin Rouge soundtrack, 2001.

13. We Are The Dead
From Diamond Dogs, 1974.

14. After All
From The Man Who Sold the World, 1970.

15. Some Are
Outtake from Low sessions, released in 1991 under the Sound+Vision series.

16. A Foggy Day (In London Town)
Recorded with Angelo Badalamenti, released on Red Hot + Rhapsody in 1998.

17. I Can’t Give Everything Away (Farewell Mix)
Nine Inch Nails reinterpretation of the final Blackstar track, released secretly via Soundcloud in 2017.

18. I Can’t Read (Long Version)
Originally released on the debut Tin Machine record, re-recorded for The Ice Storm soundtrack in 1997.

19. Untitled No. 1
From The Buddha of Suburbia, released in 1993 as a soundtrack to a film of the same name. Listen carefully for some vocal nods to Marc Bolan toward the end of the track.

20. A Better Future (Remix by Air)
From a limited edition bonus disc release of Heathen, 2002.

21. Ricochet
Art-damaged track from Let’s Dance, 1983 that hints more towards Bowie’s dark jazz past.

22. African Night Flight (Tony Visconti 2017 Mix)
Original version from Lodger, 1979. Newly completed mix taken from the A New Career In a New Town boxset, released in 2017.

23. All the Young Dudes
Aladdin Sane outtake, recorded in 1972. Heavily bootlegged in various formats until an official release in 1995.

24. The Bewlay Brothers
Haunting final track from Hunky Dory, 1971.

25. Crystal Japan
Recorded for a Japanese ad campaign, released as a standalone single in 1980.

26. I’m Afraid Of Americans
Recorded with Brian Eno for the 1.Outside sessions, released on the Showgirls soundtrack, 1995.

27. The Secret Life Of Arabia
Controversial final track from “Heroes” released in 1977.

28. When The Wind Blows (Extended Mix)
Inspired by the Chernobyl disaster and originally released on the soundtrack of the same name. This mix released as a 12” single in 1986.

29. The Motel
Scott Walker-esque centerpiece from 1.Outside, released in 1995.

30. No Plan
Blackstar outtake, originally written for Lazarus and released as part of a standalone EP in 2017.

31. Bring Me The Disco King
From Reality, released in 2003. The song’s origins date back to 1992, as the song was demoed for Black Tie White Noise. It was attempted again in 1997 for Earthling before finally finding a home on Bowie’s last album before a ten year hiatus.

The post Torture Comes and Torture Goes – A David Bowie Mix appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

“What’s This?” from The Nightmare Before Christmas

“Ice Dance” from Edward Scissorhands

“Walkin in a Winter Wonderland” aka Max Shreck’s Christmas Speech from Batman Returns

These are certainly Christmas films of the gothic variety, with the early harmonious early 90s archetypal children’s choir evoking the crystalline beauty of snowfall, also used in popular films such as Home Alone and Harry Potter.

Besides listening to Jack Skellington and co. serenade us about kidnapping Santa Claus on repeat, there are plenty of other less-obvious options available from the post-punk cannon that can easily liven up a dead Christmas playlist.

Nick Cave

This outtake from Saint Nick’s 1997 10th studio LP The Boatman’s Call will get you in the Christmas feels, guaranteed.

The Cure

Robert Smith and his band The Cure are noted for their love of Christmas and use the holiday as a metaphor in songs like “Other Voices,” “Hey You!,” “Last Dance,” and “The Snakepit,” but only one studio recording directly refers to celebrating the holiday in such a festive manner enough to be called a Christmas song – 1982’s “Let’s Go To Bed”.

Despite this, The Cure actually did celebrate the holiday at Wembley Arena 1987, singing “Merry Christmas Everybody.”

Okay, okay, “Last Dance” is a Christmas song, but definitely not one to listen to while spreading holiday cheer.

Siouxsie and The Banshees

When Robert Smith was a Banshee, this b-side to “Melt!” was recorded, with the accompanying French Television performance where Robert and Budgie’s eyes say it all.

…But did you know that the earlier single “Israel” is a Christmas song? This may surprise some given Siouxsie’s rumored Jewish background and iconic use of the Star of David on a t-shirt, but it is there in the lyrics:

“Shattered fragments of the past
Meet in veins on the stained glass
Like the lifeline in your palm
Red and green reflects the scene
Of a long forgotten dream
There were princes and there were kings”

“In Israel, will they sing Happy Noel
In Israel, in Israel
Israel, in Israel
In Israel, will they sing Happy Noel”

New Order

Back in 1982, New Order decided to give the patrons of their club The Hacienda a gift bag with a special Flexi Single (limited edition of 4000), just in time for Christmas.

Included were the band’s take on the classical pieces “Rocking Carol” (aka “We Will Rock You“) and Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy,” utilizing lo-fi drum machines, sequencers and, overzealous use of the vocoder.

The two songs were originally recorded for a TV piece to be used by Factory boss Tony Wilson on his new Granada Reports TV programme, but went unaired, and unused until they were given away as a holiday gift.

Alien Sex Fiend

Saint Nik is not singing about Thanksgiving turkey here!

Stuff the Turkey

The Damned

The Damned issued this 1980 tongue-in-cheek Christmas single around the time they released their Black Album.

There Ain’t No Sanity Clause

Cocteau Twins

In 1993, Cocteau Twins released the Snow EP, featuring the best versions of “Winter Wonderland” and “Frosty The Snowman” ever recorded.

Winter Wonderland

Frosty The Snowman

Cranes

Dream pop favorites Cranes have released two delicate Christmas tracks, one of which is an original composition. The other is a stunning take on the John Lennon/Yoko Ono classic.

Happy Christmas (War Is Over)

The Christmas Angel

Shelleyan Orphan

The late Caroline Crawley’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful on this sad Christmas song.

Ice

The Legendary Pink Dots

You know what? Not sure if this track is Christmas and/or snowman related, but we don’t care, Edward Ka-Spel can do no wrong.

Frosty

Xmal Deutschland

German post-punk heroes Xmal Deutschland’s instrumental track “Xmas in Australia” is an enigmatic track featured on the band’s 1984 album Tocsin.

Norma Loy

Usher’s French Cold-Wave band Norma Loy recorded a bleak Christmas song, not for the faint of heart.

Sad Lovers and Giants

Sad Lovers and Giants ended their first run with 1991’s Treehouse Poetry, which features this driving, yet atmospheric track:

Shock Therapy

Detroit’s Shock Therapy does Christmas:

Cristina

New Wave singer Cristina’s “Things Fall Apart” was listed as one of The Cure’s Robert Smith’s favorite tracks of the 80s. Depicting a disenfranchised punk’s take on Christmas cheer, it’s one of the bleakest, yet most satisfying takedowns of the holiday. Come for the catchy hooks, stay for the clever lyrics.

Absolute Body Control

Dirk Ivens‘ original minimal synth/ebm project Absolute Body Control issued this driving instrumental track in 1988.

London After Midnight

Los Angeles’ gothic rock darlings London After Midnight have their own Christmas ballad, a cover of “Sally’s Song” from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Type O Negative

When the late Type O Negative frontman Peter Steele was not having his mother greet gift-wrapped Christmas groupies at his door, he was penning such gothic rock holiday classics as “Red Water (Christmas Mourning).“

Al Jourgensen

“It’s Always Christmas Time” is a track featured on the Alien Christmas EP by Al Jourgensen. the song sounds like nothing else he has ever done, resembling more of a song by A Flock of Seagulls or The Cure than anything by latter-day Ministry, probably due to this being a collaboration with guitarist Mark Thwaite, who is known for his work with The Mission, and Peter Murphy.

Industrial and Neofolk Christmas Songs

For some people, Christmas would not be Christmas without Coil, Current 93, and Rose McDowall.

 HÖH and Current 93 | Crowleymass

Coil | Christmas Is Now Drawing Near

Sorrow | The Little Drummer Boy

Rosa Mundi | The Snow Man

Goth Christmas music from your drunken uncle

Starting with the now-classic Porn Orchard parody of what a Christmas song would sound like sung by Tom Waits and Peter Murphy, we present to you a few Christmas songs to listen to with copious amounts of whiskey and eggnog.

The overplayed new wave Christmas song

A great goth/ethereal holiday compilation from Projekt Records

Excelsis ~ A Dark Noel features holiday tracks by This Ascension, Lycia, Faith and The Muse, Eya O, and more! The original compilation was released in 1995, with two additional volumes following, each showcasing artists from the Projekt Records roster. The first compilation has just been re-released on vinyl, CD, and digital formats.

Last, but certainly not least, here is a cover of Wham’s “Last Christmas” by Death In Rome. Be warned, this will certainly send you to Whamhalla!

You can enjoy many of these tracks on our Spotify playlist below. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

The post Christmas Songs for Goths appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

We’re excited to feature this excellent podcast from Frankie’s favorite archives, the third in a regular series (click here to listen to the first installment and here for the second). As before, this podcast focuses entirely on female-fronted projects, running the gamut from experimental industrial dirges to minimal post-punk, jumping between countries and continents with only the feminine mystique to string these songs together. Without any further ado, click above to listen, with tracklisting and descriptions to follow below.

1. “Ite Missa Est”- A Modest Proposal (Netherlands, 1986, A Modest Proposal LP, Rosebud Records)
Four piece cold post-punk from Northern Europe, complete with ominous bells and incisive guitar. The band recorded their debut as a 4-piece, losing one member for their follow up in 1991. Hint: there may just be some copies of this still available on the band’s site, though it likely hasn’t been updated in years.

2. “Sugar Pink Go Go Baby”- Trash Groove Girls (Germany, 1986, Vol. 1 Arbeit, Sport & Spiel LP, What’s So Funny About..)
One of my favorite all-female acts, hailing from Germany. Dark, bleak, repetitive, yet incredibly catchy for all of your NDW dancefloor needs.

3. “Som Vatten”- Aptit (Sweden, 1982, Han Vågar Inte 7”, Nacksving)
The B-side of this band’s only 7”… Not much can be said about this group, sadly.

4. “Wall Of Convention”- Send No Flowers (UK, 1982, Send No Flowers 7”, Praxis)
Indie-tinged post-punk from the UK, another incisive three piece. All three tracks from this 7” are fantastic and very much worth tracking down. This particular track was also featured on a cassette compilation alongside Attrition.

5. “Hast Du Angst Vor Dieser Nacht”- Angela Werner (Germany, 1981, Angela Werner LP, RCA)
Incredible mutant disco/NDW track from Angela’s debut LP, released on a major label and beloved by all synth loving outsiders since its release. Not only was Angela a prolific artist in her own right, she also contributed vocals and lyrics to the legendary Jyl LP (which may be featured on the next installment, come to think of it).

6. “Swan Song”- Sleeping Dogs Wake (Germany, 1993, Sugar Kisses CD, Hyperium Records)
Ethereal vibes from an otherwise moody and tense post-punk band, who flirted with similar sonic territory as bands like Cranes and Beautiful Pea Green Boat. While the band lived mostly on One Little Indian records (alongside tourmates The Sugarcubes) for most of their career, this track hails from their underrated fourth LP.

7. “Sea Anguish”- Ceilings Below (US, 1986, Ceilings Below LP, After Hours Records)
One of many standouts from this virtually unknown post-punk band. The quartet hailed from Ohio and only released this one record, though label After Hours Records were responsible for a string of similarly obscure post-punk gems (The Terrible Parade and Primary Colours, the latter who was featured on the second installment of this series).

8. “Famous”- W.A.T. (Netherlands, 1983, Defreeze Mini-LP, Plurex Records)
Otherwise known as World According To, this band released three records before disbanding. This track is plucked from their first LP, released on the classic Plurex Records (Minny Pops, Nasmak, A Blaze Colour, and the killer Hours compilation, not to be missed).

9. “Art Nègre”- Cha Cha Guitri (France, 1981?, French Synth Wave – St Etienne – 1981 compilation, Born Bad Records)
Art-damaged minimal electro, absolutely killer and a staple of my more synth-centric DJ sets. Legend has it that this band only performed twice and released two tracks on compilations before disappearing. Fortunately, Born Bad Records has collected these tracks as well as a slew of unreleased material for a reissue in 2014.

10. “Clouds Sail By”- Electric Circus (UK, 1988, Hello LP, Venture)
Fans of Kate Bush should love this otherwise lush, moody synth-driven track from this band’s lone LP. Vocalist Shauna would release a handful of solo tracks before disappearing into the ether that this track was birthed from.

11. “Sweet Warm Rain”- Still (Japan, 1985, Pale Face, Strawberry Records) 
Five piece Japanese new wave band with some dark flourishes, this track kicks off their gorgeous debut LP, well-worth seeking out! Rumor has it that most LP copies of this album were severely water damaged, though fortunately there was a CD issue in 1992 featuring extra tracks.

12. “Pour Ne Pas Me Toucher”- Vienna (France, 1988, Pour Ne Pas Me Toucher 7”, Mute Sonet France)
New Order-inspired French synthpop smash from their second single. Both of these 7”s are infectious little gems that sadly never became the club smashes they deserve to be. Most notably, all three members of Vienna also contributed vocals to Martin Dupont’s classic Hot Paradox album. You can hear their vocal contributions on “He Saw the Light.“

13. “Faraway”- The Pollen (France, 1988, Contrasts LP Danceteria)
Perhaps the best (only?) hybrid of C86 style indie-pop and the French touching pop/coldwave sound, The Pollen are one of my absolute favorite obscure bands, and it’s a shame that they’re still so under-appreciated. Their debut LP was produced by Adrian Borland of The Sound.

14. “赤色人形館”- Satoe Nanaki (Japan, 1986, Das Rote Buppenhaus = 赤色人形館, Captain Records)
A very recent obsession, this is a solo recording from the drummer of Japanese band Nurse, a successful all-girl hardcore/punk band. Curiously enough, the rest of this LP sounds nothing like this track- a truly obscure post-punk nugget lost amidst a J-pop record.

15. “The Realm of Existence”- Pretty Poison (US, 1983, Expiration 7”, Svengali Records) 
I’d wager that everyone is familiar with Pretty Poison by way of their huge freestyle hits “Catch Me I’m Falling” and “Nighttime,” but very few freestyle fans traced this Philadelphia band’s origins back to a series of darker goth and post-punk inspired releases. Definitely a very different and equally incredible string of recordings, including a rather rare and blistering cover of Tuxedomoon’s “No Tears.” This track, a b-side, sits much more comfortably beside other Philadelphia post-punk bands such as Bunnydrums and Executive Slacks.

16. “Dream Dance”- Anabas (UK, 1983, Barricades 7”, Flame On Records)
Another incredible b-side from this UK post-punk/goth band. This Leeds band would release one other single under the name Annabas, though no one knows why they added the extra “N.”

17. “Nieskazitelna Twarz”- Made In Poland (Poland, 1986, “Nieskazitelna Twarz” 7”, Tonpress)
Incisive cold post-punk, very much in the vein of of labelmates Siekiera. Definitely recommended for fans of Xmal Deutschland, Stimmen Der Stille, and the like. The band reunited a few years ago and have released a handful of records since.

18. “Let Everyone Down”- An April March (Canada, 1996, Adagio EP, Bedazzled)
An April March have been one of my favorite bands since I was a wee one, and this track never fails to floor me. For those unfamiliar, this Canadian band formed in 1989 and recorded a string of incredible goth-tinged dreampop/shoegaze releases over the course of a decade. Bedazzled also released material by The Curtain Society and Monica Richard’s earlier project Strange Boutique.

19. “Siamese Sister”- Jo Lemaire and Flouze (Belgium, 1981, Pigmy World LP, Vertigo)
Belgian project featuring Jo Lemaire and her husband Philippe Depireux, mostly known for their cover of Serge Gainsbourg’s classic “Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je M’en Vais.” While this song was a smash throughout the European underground, the rest of the LP remains a bit underrated, with a sound a bit more akin to bands like The Passions. The success of “Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je M’en Vais” helped to launch Lemaire’s prominent solo career.

20. “Radio Silence”- The Primary (UK, 1983, Radio Silence 7”, Goldfish Records)
One-off single by this UK band, who were pals with Tears For Fears and recorded this single in their studio. A few similar flourishes from The Hurting trickle in here, as is expected. The band’s roots date back to Gestalt (not to be confused with the French coldwave band of the same name). Goldfish records morphed into Peeved Records, who released material by President Reagan Is Clever and Perfect Vision.

21. “Lär I Tid”- Kizza Ping (Sweden, 1981, Männen 7”, Dåvhjort Records)
Dark post-punk/new wave hybrid, this is the B-side from their lone 7” release.

22. “Nobody Knows”- Hi-I (Netherlands, 1986, Mind Your Head 12”, Square Music) 
This band features two vocalists and a series of dark melodies with prominently driving bass. Definite tribal influences, though catchier than many bands who explore similar sonic territory.

23. “The Wall”- Bikini Atoll (UK, 1981, The Wall 7”, Ready! Go! Records) 
Quirky post-punk, one of three releases from this band, who take their name from a nuclear testing site in the Marshall Islands.

24. “Survie”- Thérèse Racket (France, 1986, Survie LP, Scalen’Disc)
The title track from this incredibly underrated coldwave LP, a gem among gems. I pretty much never leave home without this LP in my bag.

25. “幻夜”- Manekineko Kagekidan (Japan, 1989, 第一歌曲集 10”, Telegraph Records)
Another Japanese anomaly, the rest of this 10” is more folky and quirky, complete with toy instruments and woodwind instruments. The same general template is applied here to more devastating results. Otherwise, this project was a side project of Zelda, a girl-group who released a handful of excellent new wave records and similarly flirted with several different styles over the course of their career.

26. “L.C.B.A.P. (Love Can Be A Pain)”- Ti-Tho (Germany, 1985, L.C.B.A.P. (Love Can Be A Pain) 12”, Polydor)
Synthpop smash and a recent DJ favorite of mine, this is the most commercial of this Hamburg-based duo’s releases. Huge beats, hooks, and let’s not forget the orchestra hits…

27. “Special”- Plus Instruments (Netherlands, 1981, Nasmak + Instruments Split 12”, Zickzack) 
Taking cues from bands such as This Heat and Camberwell Now, Plus Instruments were a rather prolific band, releasing dozens of tracks across LPs and split singles. Essentially conceived as a solo project and eventually main outlet for Truss de Groot (also involved in Nasmak), the band features rather prominent contributions from Lee Renaldo (Sonic Youth) and more recently Jim Sclavunos (Nick Cave & the Badseeds, Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, etc.). I’ve always loved how this track sounds like it’s about to fall off the rails at any moment, yet keeps pushing forward with precision.

28. “Wake Up”- Unit (Italy, 1985, VM Tre, Produzioni VM)
The VM series is all but legendary, featuring a handful of Italy’s most underground post-punk and synth bands. Released primarily on cassettes attached to fanzines until the final LP installment, each edition is absolutely crucial to the Italian underground story. Unfortunately, after enjoying their time in the fanzine spotlight, Unit were never heard from again…

29. “Mr. X”- Pauline Murray and the Invisible Girls (UK, 1980, Pauline Murray and the Invisible Girls LP, Illusive)
This track never fails to give me chills. Where to begin? Pauline Murray was originally the singer for Penetration, a semial ’77 punk band. Once the band split, Murray embarked on a crucial, yet underrated solo career, choosing her collaborators for each release. Her most famous (and rewarding) collaborative project was the Invisible Girls, a Manchester supergroup featuring Martin Hannett (producer, Factory Records), John Maher (Buzzcocks), and David Rowbotham + Vini Reilly of The Durutti Column.

30. “Tunnel Vision”- Ana Hausen (UK, 1981, Professionals 7”, Human Records)
I just did a spit-take when reading the credentials of this record. Apparently, this was one of CBS late-night talk show host Craig Fergusen’s early bands, one of several he drummed on before changing careers. As for this single, this is the flip, a gloomy, icy affair that begins with May Matisse’s distant, floating vocals, building to a powerfully driving Seventeen Seconds-esque track.

31. “I Feel the Cold”- Unknown Artist (Australia, 1984, A Girl’s Own Story film, Unreleased)
This track has haunted me for years. I recall watching a documentary about Jane Campion’s Portrait of a Lady in high school with my best friend, before skipping through the rest of the disc to see what else was on it. What we found was Campion’s early short film, the harrowing A Girl’s Own Story, staring Paul Chubb, Katharine Cullen, and a series of unknown Australian actors. Nicole Kidman, age 14 at the time (and star of the original film in discussion), was originally cast in the lead role, but turned it down due to reluctance to kiss a girl and wear a shower cap.  Anyway, the whole film is an unsettling tale of teenage misadventure and pregnancy culminating in this ice-cold track that captures the same doom and gloom of the Shangri-las, utilizing drum machines and synths. I ripped this straight from the DVD, and can’t really credit it to any artist or band, since this appears to be a studio creation by Alex Proyas, vocalist Kath Westlake, and Campion herself.

Thanks as always for listening!

The post La Mystique Féminine Vol. 3 appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Here is some background information of Leyla Records:

“Leyla is a brand new label based in Amsterdam and founded on a love of techno. Leyla is the natural evolution of what Surgeon and Regis achieved with their British Murder Boys project over ten years ago. Leyla is uncompromising but also accessible, light and dark.

In Arabic and Hebrew Leyla means darkness, but it’s also the name of countless princesses. She practiced occult rituals, worshipped the Sun and Saturn and stood for the authenticity of pre-humanist populations. She is the dark ages but she is also enlightenment. The dual roots of the name are represented in the label’s music and in its visual design, which takes its cue from the occult. The desire is to recapture the authentic feeling of techno from a specific era while retaining a modern touch. The old and the new. Now and then.

Leyla is about taking inspiration from a wide range of styles and places – industrial, folk, electro, Amsterdam, London, Berlin – and bringing it all together for a new generation.
We all have pivotal moments in our youth that anchor us throughout life. We return to these anchors at various times of need. Music is one of these anchors, the sounds that affected us most deeply in our formative years are the ones we return to time and again.

Leyla was founded by Chafik Chennouf, a man with over ten years experience in the electronic world as a DJ, producer, promoter and label owner. Chennouf first began collecting techno in the late 1990s, focusing on the sounds coming out of Birmingham. A few years later he helped bring some of the scene’s key artists, like Inigo Kennedy, to Holland for the first time, even doing early live broadcasts on international and local online platforms. Today Chennouf is going back to his roots to focus on the techno he loved and give it a platform to grow.

And so Leyla is born to represent new potentials for techno, with knowledge of its roots and an eye to the future.”

Find Leyla Records on Soundcloud and on Bandcamp

Tracklist:

1. Codex Empire – Hessdalen
2. Black Devil Disco Club & Cocknbullkid – In Doubt ( Mondkopf remix)
3. Stonith – Mort Vivant
4. Sarin – AIM 54C
5. Gesloten Cirkel – Chasing Away The Night
6. Fire At Work – Inhumani
7. The Hacker – Pure Energy
8. Thomas P. Heckmann – El Hazzared
9. Domenico Crisci – Alte Tanz
10. Qoso – Laphroaig
11. Electro Generator Group – To Believe ( Al Ferox remix)
12. The Hacker – Eurocold ( Terence Fixmer remix)
13. Syncom Data & Saara Soini – Rumpukone
14. Jerome Hill – Rump
15. Function – Semantics
16. Svreca – Overgang
17. Sawf – Rota
18. MRTVI – Rituel Sonore
19. Adam X – Rebellion In 2071
20. Opal – Delta Waves
21. Stave – Circle Pit
22. Tuomas Rantanen – Stigma
23. UVB – A Body Anthem
24. Gaja – A2
25. Regis – Weakness ( Somers Forge remix)
26. Traversable Wormhole – Sublight Velocities
27. The Horrorist – Now Destructor
28. Greg Gow & Gareth Whitehead – Vacant ( Silent Servant remix)
29. Ionic Vision – Die Macht ( Millimetric remix)
30. Impulse Controls – Devour
31. Stamba – Bark Number
32. Terence Fixmer & Douglas McCarthy – Destroy

The post Leyla Records head Chafik Chennouf has compiled an essential 2016 Dark Techno, Industrial, and EBM mix for Post-Punk.com appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

In this Love Letter to Paris mix we have collected some of our favorite French artists. Admittedly there is so much amazing French Music that one collection can never quite do it justice, but we can atleast try, starting with the goddess Edit Piaf and roll through the pioneers and champions of electro punk, deathrock, post-punk, wave, electro, dance punk, fetish, cold wave, minimal and synth wave, mutant wave, experimental and queer beats. Viva La France!!!!

Edit Piaf – Sous Le Ciel De Paris

Stereo Total – Ich Bin Der Stricherjunge

Noblesse Oblige – Zanzibar

Jad Wio – Bienvenue

Jacquy Bitch – Perdu Dans La Nuit

Trisomie 21 – The last Song

Dat Politics – Wow Signal

Volt – Volt!

Die Form – Enforced Sex

Vitalic – Stamina

Sexy Sushi – Sex Appeal

Kap Bambino – Country Memory

Corps Diplomatique – Paradis

Moderne – Indicatif

Mathématiques Modernes – Disco Rough

Ruth -Mots

End of Data – Symphonie

Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – Je t’aime

Special thanks to Mutant Transmissions Radio

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