ZapTown

Welcome to Episode 1 of I Met The Beast. As our goal is to turn you on to different genres of music, as well as provide knowledgeable resources within that genre, ZapTown is proud to bring you this exclusive podcast that unites coldwave, minimal synth, and post-punk obscurities together in one bundle.

Frank Deserto (also known by many as Frankie Teardrop) is a musician at heart and can also be found floating around the Brooklyn scene as a DJ, regularly rotating for Contempt!, Exotic Birds, and Wierd Records.

You will find him playing synths and bass for the band Revel Hotel: www.revelhotel.net. Their debut EP will be released in March.

Also, he can be found playing synth with The Hunt: www.myspace.com/thehuntbegins

If you like the music you hear on this Podcast or simply want to know more about the genre, please go visit Frank’s extensive and exquisite blog: Systems Of Romance: www.systemsofromance.com

Of course, we always recommend you to go out and purchase music you hear from this podcast and help support the artists. So, without further ado: I Met The Beast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:27:54 — 120.7MB)

1. “CC Exit” by Led Er Est (2009, Wierd Records)
This underground NYC band’s first full length record was my favorite of last year, combining lo-fi minimal synth with icy hooks and Italo Disco rhythms.  This atmospheric instrumental sounds straight out of a John Carpenter flick, circa 1985.

2. “The Mutant Glow” by Victrola (2009, Mannequin Mailorder)
This Italian minimal synth band released one monster 12’’ in 1983, and haven’t been heard from since.  Fortunately, our friends at Mannequin dug up a series of lost Italian synth recordings, issued as the highly coveted Danza Meccanica compilation.  This is a standout among standouts.

3. “Flesh” by A Split Second (1986, Antler Records)
This Belgian EBM band features contributions from Peter Bonne, also infamous for his work under Twilight Ritual and Linear Movement.  Legend has it that this track, played at a slower speed by one creative DJ, helped kick off the New Beat movement of the late 1980s.

4. “Dance” by Twice a Man (1982, Silence Records)
Formed in 1981, this Swedish duo is still active to date, constructing ambient soundscapes using a variety of synthesized gear.  However, their 1982 debut Music For Girls is an early minimal synth masterpiece, one of the best of its kind.  Every track is absolutely killer, including this anthemic number.

5. “Fire” by Ruins (1984, Black Square Records)
Walking a fine line between Italo disco and darkwave, this track is an unstoppable dance monster, a staple of my current DJ sets.  The band split in 1992, but have since reactivated, playing several shows throughout their native country.

6. “Man Without Limits” by Lisfrank (1983, Mask Productions)
Keeping with the Italian theme, this underrated darkwave band released one 12’’ in 1982, appearing on a handful of compilations before disappearing into the ether.  This midtempo track is plucked from the killer First Relation compilation, chock full of Italian synth rarities.

7. “Gato Negro” by Further Reductions (2009, self-released)
Further Reductions are a brand new italo-inspired synth duo from the bowels of New York City.  The entire world awaits their upcoming releases on Dark Entries, Captured Tracks, and Wierd Records, just based on the strength of this track alone.  Pulsing synths and gorgeous, yet detached female vocals are a recipe for success here.

8. “Discowar” by Oto (1986, Madrigal Records)
This French band walked a fine line between incisive coldwave and dark synthpop. Not much is known about this three piece, but their 1983 track “Anyway” will be given a remastered treatment on the upcoming Cold Waves and Minimal Electronics Vol. 1 compilation, due out on Angular Records in February.

9. “Another Land” by Medio Mutante (2008, Cititrax)
A modern minimal synth classic, this band combines analog synthesizers with latin-inspired rhythms, a product of their bi-coastal location.  It’s a particular obsession of mine these days, both on the Ipod and on the turntables.

10. “Look East For Eden” by The Snake Corps (1985, Midnight Music)
Stepping outside of our minimal synth playlist for a moment, here’s a killer track from underrated UK post-punk band The Snake Corps, whose debut Flesh on Flesh seldom leaves my turntable.  The record features an aggressive, yet downtrodden sound, driven primarily by the guitar work of Tristan Garel-Funk, previously active in Sad Lovers and Giants.

11. “Nova Heart” by Spoons (1982, A&M Records)
A classic cut from a Canadian-based synthpop band, Spoons flirted with some chart success in the early 1980s with this catchy-as-sin single.  The track opened several doors for the budding band, who would go on to work with Nile Rodgers and open for The Police and Simple Minds.

12. “Give Me” by Sensitive (1985, Sensation Records)
Sensation Records were notorious for releasing countless classic Italo disco cuts, from M & G’s “When I Let You Down” to Clay Pedrini’s “New Dream.”  The label also released one of three unforgettable italo classics by this aptly named three-piece.  The original 12’’ tends to sell for over 200 euro, so keep your eyes peeled for this one!

13. “Thunder and Lightning” by Boxbury Beat (2009, Hommage Records)
This Norwegian outfit released but one 7’’ in 1985, but this particular track was unearthed for the epic Maskindans compilation, featuring two discs of Scandinavian synth work, spanning from 1980-1988.  Definitely a must-hear from start to finish!

14. “Greatful Vision” by Second Decay (1992, Subtronic Records)
This latter-day darkwave track keeps the spirit of the preceding decade alive with a commanding synth lead and a catchy chorus.  Our friends at Dark Entries have just released a limited, remastered edition of this highly coveted debut on crisp wax.  Nab it while the getting is good!

15. “Black and White” by Void Vision (2010, Blind Prophet)
Void Vision are one of the brightest rising stars in the NYC underbelly, featuring a highly energetic duo keen on vintage analog gear and ethereal hooks.  This particular track will appear as the b-side for their upcoming 7’’, which is due out on Blind Prophet in just a few short weeks.

16. “Love Changes” by Experimental Products (1984, Short Circuit Records)
Formed in Delaware and based in Philadelphia, Experimental Products were one of the few unstoppable minimal synth duos in all of these United States.  After releasing their 1982 debut, Experimental Products unleashed their masterpiece, a massive three track 12’’ that solidified their place in the minimal electronic scene.

17. “Sun Flight” by Silicon Teens (1980, Mute Records)
Many may be more familiar with Silicon Teens brainchild Daniel Miller’s work as both head of Mute Records (Depeche Mode, Cabaret Voltaire, Fad Gadget) and man behind The Normal, whose futuristic T.V.O.D./Warm Leatherette 7’’ took Britain by storm in 1978.   Whereas the majority of Miller’s Silicon Teens output featured synth versions of classic rock n’ roll tunes, this slower, more despondent tune continues Miller’s dystopian narrative.

18. “V.O.I.C.E.” by Poeme Electronique (1982, Carrere)
Poeme Electronique were an all electronic band hailing from the U.K.  While their debut A-side “The Echoes Fade” became a minor hit in their home country, the flipside painted a catchier and punchier picture of the band.  Until recently, these were the only tracks available, but our friends at Anna Logue Records have just released a 2xLP compilation of unreleased goodies, many of similar quality.  Seek it out!

19. “Fridged” by Flue (1981, Torso)
Hailing from the Netherlands, this ice-cold post-punk band issued several classic records throughout the early 1980s.  Their debut full-length, from which this track hails, was produced by Dick Polak, member of fellow Dutch band Mecano.

20. “Jakarta” by Trisomie 21 (1987, Play It Again Sam)
Trisomie 21 consists of brothers Philippe and Herve Lomprez.  Taking their name from the extra chromosome that results in Down Syndrome, this French coldwave band began in 1983, and are still highly prolific to date.  This particularly upbeat track hails from an underrated 12’’ and concludes our podcast with driving bass, oscillating synthesizers, and jagged guitars.