Author Archives: Frank Deserto
I Met The Beast – Episode 2
Welcome to Episode 2 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 is out now.
Also, he can be found playing synths 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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:29:29 — 122.9MB)
1. Bunnydrums- “Crawl” (1983, Funk Dungeon Music, Inc.)
One of the most underrated bands in North America, Philadelphia’s own Bunnydrums combined dark, driving post-punk with a tense, psychedelic atmosphere. The band split after a New Year’s Eve performance in 1986, reforming in the new millennium for a series of local shows.
2. Abecedarians- “Ghosts” (1990, Independent Project Records)
Formed in Los Angeles, Abecedarians were one of the few non-UK acts to be signed to the infamous Factory Records, who issued their debut EP in 1985. While the remainder of their material was issued on Caroline, this particular version of “Ghosts” hails from The Other Side of the Fence, a 2×10’’ compilation released posthumously. Rumor has it that the band found these earlier versions far superior to their Caroline counterparts. I’m inclined to agree.
3. Red Temple Spirits- “Soft Machine” (1989, Fundamental)
Completing a trifecta of US-based post-punk/guitar wave acts, this Los Angeles quartet dropped two nearly perfect records in the late 1980s, heavily influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and Pink Floyd. Combining these classic rock influences with tribal post-punk rhythms, the band instantly set themselves apart from their more Deathrock-driven peers.
4. Frank (Just Frank)- “The Closet Song” (2010, Wierd Records/La Forme Lente)
One of the brightest modern bands to appear on the horizon, this French duo is slated to release their anticipated debut, The Brutal Wave, on Wierd Records in just a few short weeks. As a teaser, the band included this particular gem on the fantastic Circuit D’Actes compilation, released on 12’’ wax by budding French label La Forme Lente. The compilation is limited to 500 copies, so be sure to snag one as soon as possible!
5. Ian North- “Sex, Lust, You” (1982, Neo Records)
A true renaissance man, Ian North’s career dates back to the 1970s, where he played in several glam rock/power-pop outfits with past and future members of Sparks and Roxy Music. Shifting his interest to synthesizers, he released the Rape of Orchards 12’’ in 1982. Since then, North has remained active to date as a musician, painter, and producer.
6. Kindest Lines- “Destructive Paths” (2010, Self-Released)
Hailing from New Orleans, Kindest Lines are a budding synth act, one of the most refreshing and enticing I’ve heard in some time. Featuring seductive female vocals, murky synth lines, trickling guitars, and chest-thumping beats, this track quickly became a favorite, appearing in nearly every DJ set of mine to date. Be sure to keep close watch on this one…
7. U-BahnX- “Young Hearts of Europe (Essential Mega-Mix)” (1985, EMI)
This track is a true dance floor destroyer. Hailing from Germany, U-BahnX threw out all the stops for this beat and hook ridden number. Though countless versions of the track exist, spread across several 12 and 7’’ records, it remains their only release.
8. Nine Circles- “Twinkling Stars” (1982, VPRO)
A true lost gem of the minimal synth era, Nine Circles were a duo from the Netherlands who recorded several tracks in the early 1980s. Until the release of a s/t collection in 1996, their material was scattered across several compilations, mostly unheard by the masses. This track is a gem among gems, and will also making a prominent appearance on the upcoming Cold Waves and Minimal Electronics Vol. 1 compilation, a must-hear for all future synth aficionados.
9. Lustans Lakejer- “Diamanter” (1982, Stranded Rekords)
Best described as the Swedish Ultravox, Lustans Lakejer were one of the biggest bands in their home nation, responsible for dozens of killer new romantic-tinged tracks. Like most early wave acts, the band rose from the aftermath of punk, incorporating more synthesizers as gear became more common and affordable. This particular track appeared as a stand-alone single in 1982, collected on the killer Retronics compilation in 1999, a release that triggered the band’s reactivation.
10. Figure Study- “Lesson One” (2009, Self-Released)
An ice-cold gem of the new NYC synth scene, Figure Study has a bright future ahead of them. The duo is currently hard at work on their debut EP, and if this track is of any indication, we’re in for a real treat.
11. Buzz- “Kennedy” (1986, Danceteria)
Hailing from the inner recesses of France, Buzz released several dance-driven 12’’ records in the mid-1980s, including this seven-minute epic. Buzz called it quits on the dawn of a new decade, but like many of their under-appreciated peers, latter day interest has led to their resurrection. After a self-released reissue, the band can now be found recording new material and touring in their native land.
12. Thomas Dolby- “One of Our Submarines” (1982, Venice In Peril)
Astute readers should certainly be familiar with Mr. Dolby, a true pioneer of the New Wave era. While he’s best known as a one hit wonder with “She Blinded Me With Science,” Dolby’s debut record The Golden Age of Wireless contained several catchy classics, including this more downtrodden single.
13. Eleven Pond- “Watching Trees” (1986, Self-Released)
Moonlighting in upstate NY, Eleven Pond released one unstoppable LP in 1986, disappearing into obscurity soon after. Considered by many to be the Holy Grail of synth music, original copies of Bas Relief sell for astronomical amounts, sought after by fans and collectors worldwide. In 2009, budding San Francisco-based label Dark Entries contacted the band and re-released Bas Relief on vinyl, allowing this amazing track, among others to reach a brand new audience. Testament to its greatness, this track also appears on the upcoming Cold Waves and Minimal Electronics compilation.
14. Clay Pedrini- “New Dream” (1984, Sensation)
As is the case with most Italo cuts, this particular track appears as a one-off single, issued by Sensation Records in 1984. As it stands, it’s one of the genre’s undisputed classics, filled to the brim with catchy hooks and driving beats.
15. Led Er Est- “Lonesome Xoxo” (2010, Mannequin Mailorder)
Hot on the heels of their 2009 debut on Wierd Records, NYC’s Led Er Est have served up another series of haunting, disco-tinged tracks, due for release on Italy’s Mannequin Mailorder label. The split 12’’, shared with Italain band Ancien Régime, is currently available for preorder on the Mannequin webpage, so be sure to snap up a copy before they’re all sold out!
16. Charles De Goal- “Radio On” (1980, New Rose Records)
It’s difficult to pin down Charles De Goal, one of greats of the early French post-punk movement. Originally conceived as a solo project for Patrick Blain (formerly of C.O.M.A.), Charles De Goal walked a fine line between minimal synth, post-punk, experimental music, and early coldwave, often exploring each of these sounds on the same LP. This particular track is plucked from the band’s debut record, Algorythmes.
17. The Frozen Autumn- “Is Everything Real?” (2002, Eibon Records)
As a fan of “classic” darkwave music, the 1990s were often a decade filled with cheap knock-off acts, giving in to digital technology in lieu of solid songwriting. One of the few exceptions to this rule were The Frozen Autumn, an Italian outfit formed in 1993. Inspired heavily by labelmates Clan of Xymox, the band has helped keep the darkwave sound alive and well in a new age.
18. Cybotron- “El Salvador” (1983, Fantasy)
This early electro outfit were primarily inspired by the likes of George Clinton and Kraftwerk, combining both funk and cold, synthesized soundscapes for a sound virtually unexplored at the time. Heading up the Detroit electronic scene, the band’s early classics are still club staples to date, and have been instrumental in the development of house and techno music.
19. Front 242- “Take One” (1983, Red Rhino/Wax Trax)
A household name as far as EBM music is concerned, Front 242 began in 1980, and were one of the most prolific groups of the Belgian electronic scene. Released shortly after their near-perfect debut LP Geography, this track was one of the first releases on Wax Trax records, documenting the band at their catchiest and most direct. As with most of the band’s best material, “Take One” still sounds fresh to date.
I Met The Beast – Episode 1
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.
