Zwischenfall – Sandy Eyes [DE134]

August 21, 2016October 26, 2022 hipodromedark entries records, fuzz dance, les disques du crépuscule, martin urban, michael sass, stephan kraemer, synth pop, zwischenfallLeave a comment

Zwischenfall formed in Belgium in 1982 with Michael Sass (synths), Martin Urban (bass/vocals) and Stephan Kraemer (guitar/drums). They were united by their interest in combining electronic and traditional instruments, which developed the basis for 1982 demo recordings. By chance Patrick Codenys of the Belgian electro pioneers Front 242, heard two songs and decided to record a 4-song EP. The “Heute” EP was released in 1983 after a week of recording in Front 242’s private studio under the direction of sound-whiz Daniel B. In 1984 Martin Urban left the band and was replaced by vocalist Iben Larssen and bassist Thomas Kürsten. They recorded their second 12” single, “Sandy Eyes”, which contained a remake of their song “Fluct”, sung in the English this time. Some fairly revolutionary techniques were used, including the introduction of sampling (with an Emulator I and Ensoniq Mirage), and ‘gated reverb’, in which the sound of a large reverb room was processed through a Yamaha CS15’s envelope follower. This record was originally released in 1984 on both Les Disques du Crépuscule and Fuzz Dance, packaged in three different covers. The reissue EP features two bonus tracks from the 1984 recording sessions previously unreleased on vinyl: the saxophone drenched instrumental “Polar Magazine” and street beat dance track “Sacred Time”.

The Pool – Dance It Down/Jamaica Running [DE130]

August 21, 2016November 3, 2025 hipodromedark entries records, electro, patrick keel, synth pop, synth wave, the poolLeave a comment

Patrick Keel is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and performer. The Pool was his solo project, the sum of fifteen years of experience in live bands, studios, and home recording. Patrick was heavily influenced by the radio of the early and mid 1960’s in Dallas. The British bands and Black soul of the era gave him a distinct style, and shaped his musical attitude. The New Wave/Punk/D.I.Y. attitudes of the late 1970s inspired him to express himself in a new way. 1980 saw the release of “Pool One,” a sixty minute home-produced cassette. “Pool Two” followed in 1981, which received much praise and little distribution. In 1982 he released a 5-song self-titled vinyl EP of tight, skeletal, synthetic dance music. In 1983, “Dance It Down/Jamaica Running” 12” EP was released on Moment Productions. Based on response from D.J.’s in New York and the Bronx, Patrick went back in the studio and remixed two songs from the self-titled EP for rapping, scratching and break dancing. “Jamaica Resting” was sped-up, extended, and reconfigured as “Jamaica Running”. The whirlpool synth-strut of “Dance It Down” came out of the studio as “Dance In Dub”, with a heavier kick and extended dub outro. These spacious versions were optimal for DJ play, slotting regularly in sets at hip clubs like Danceteria. For this reissue we’ve added two bonus European remixes from the 1984 12” of “Dance It Down/Jamaica Running”, released on Nunk records from Belgium. Both songs employ the use of a Boss DR-55, Korg MS-20, Korg PolySix, and a Prophet 5, and were mixed on a 16- track Ampex recorder. The Pool’s spartan, self-assured songs are experiments you can dance to

VA – Computered Love [369.036]

July 26, 2016November 12, 2021 hipodromecarol rich, compilation, el deux, maschi, mirage records, private records, recht herzlich, rek, roboterwerke, synth pop, transvoltaLeave a comment

VARIOUS - Computered Love

A bag filled with ‘computerized love’. This 2xLP compilation including scarce, valuable and sought after European computer inspired underground dance music productions from about 1979 to 1982. Timeless sound from a decade when nobody expected that in the future men and woman would be online all day and night, texting, dating and playing computer games nonstop Eurovison song contest participant „Carol Rich“ throwing in the name for this record set with her song „Computered Love“ . Including the first time official re-release of the song „Transvolta – Disco Computer (long 12“ version)“ by Dan Lacksman aka Telex (Eurovision song contest, 1980) and 12 more songs. Very 80’s minimalistic lineprinter / computer inspired design.

All the Madman – Tape Recordings 1980-1983 [VOD145B1ATM]

July 26, 2016January 23, 2024 hipodromealbum, all the madman, christopher paul bailey, electro, mike richardson, minimal synth, neale james potts, post punk, richard roger weston-smith, synth pop, vinyl on demand recordsLeave a comment

All the Madmen were Neale James Potts, Michael William Richardson, Christopher Paul Bailey and Richard Roger Weston-Smith from Stoke-on-Trent, UK. They called themselves minimal synthesizer-punks. ATM started in 1980 as an Anti Rock group, believing that the way that music was played and produced should change forever. One track called ”Superior Life” made it onto the LP ”Cry Havoc”.

Neud Photo – Dystopix [MSDN1204]

July 18, 2016October 21, 2021 hipodromeelectro, mysidian records, neud photo, nico nightingale, synth popLeave a comment

Dystopix comes 3 years after the last Neud Photo record and the wait was well worth it.T hings have gotten darker with this release. Elegant craftsmanship, subtle but effective vocals whisper throughout, and as always, it’s Cybotron influence is clear. The tracks flow with an eery cohesiveness, making it Neud Photo’s most well told story to date. The hard part is figuring out whether the story is fiction or (soon to be) reality. These 6 electro hits can easily be enjoyed either chapter by chapter (songs for the mix or dancefloor), or as a whole (for bedroom listening).

Synths Versus Me – Tormento Part 1 [OR11SE2016]

July 6, 2016August 31, 2021 hipodromealbum, nico cabañas, oraculo records, synth pop, synth wave, synths versus me, vanessa asbertLeave a comment

SYNTH VERSUS ME - Tormento Part 1

Oraculo Records announce a new release, “Tormento Part 1” from Synths Versus Me. After the sold out Synths Versus Me first album “Auferstehung”, they release the first part of their second album “Tormento” that have been divided in 2 parts on the vinyl edition in order to maintain the EP/Maxi sound in all the tracks.

Performance – Pilotes [NMP003]

July 6, 2016July 5, 2016 hipodromeno more pop, orgue electronique, performance, synth popLeave a comment

The sun sinks, the sea is turning scarlet. On deck stand two, entwined, a final embrace. The plane is ready for its single passenger. Heartache ascending into the heavens. “Pilotes” is the third release of the 7inch dedicated label No More Pop. By an obscure french synth pop band, Performance, this double pack brings together both rare and unreleased material from the early 80s. The double 7inch features the original version, a dub version, a remake of the song Sécurité, as well as the unreleased track Parfum du Temps. The package is rounded off by a pretty special remix of Orgue Electronique.

Din A Testbild – Programm 1&2 [MNQ090/MNQ091]

June 27, 2016July 17, 2019 hipodromedin a testbild, electro, gudrun gut, innovative communication, mannequin records, mark eins, new wave, post punk, re-release, reissue, synth popLeave a comment

Early pioneers of the German New Wave music scene, Din A Testbild were formed in 1978 by Mark Eins and Gudrun Gut (former member of Einstürzende Neubauten, Mania D. and Malaria!). Din A Testbild played a significant role in defining the avant-garde music of Berlin. Legendary is their partecipation at the “Festival Genialer Dilletanten” in 1981. “Programm 1” and ‘Programm 2’ were mixed and produced by Klaus Schulze on his own record label Innovative Communication in 1980. This first vinyl repress celebrates the 35th anniversary of this classic electronic album.

Space Art – Nous Savons Tout [DE124]

June 27, 2016July 17, 2024 hipodromecosmic disco, dark entries records, dominique perrier, if records, re-release, reissue, roger rizzitelli, space art, synth popLeave a comment

Space Art was the French electronic duo of Dominique Perrier (keyboards, vocoder) and Roger Rizzitelli (drums, percussion). Between 1977 and 1981, they released three albums of comsic synth pop, in which they laid much groundwork for French electronic music to follow. Space Art’s third single “Nous Savons Tout” was released in 1978 on IF Records. Their sound was similar to Jarre’s early analog albums, but with the addition of real drums. Dominique plays an ARP Odyssey, Clavinet, Eminent, and Minimoog, maximizing their warm textures. Roger plays the drums in an intricate fashion, influenced subtly by jazz fusion. “Nous Savons Tout” features an early prototype of the Vocoder, which the band used to create the chorus. On the flip is the slower ”Melodie Moderne”, an electronic take on classical rock songs of the 1970s. Both tracks were recorded at Studio Ferber Paris in June 1978. Like Richard Pinhas/Heldon and Yellow Magic Orchestra, Space Art created their own brand of dark space disco, paving the way for bands like Air and Mellow.

Elitechnique – Automaticamore / Get Closer [DQPQ001]

June 9, 2016September 28, 2022 hipodromedisques panoramiques, elitechnique, italo-disco, patrizia pellegrino, synth pop, valerie doreLeave a comment

Elitechnique with their new Disques Panoramiques project. Five 45’s scheduled with italo styled cover versions of 80’s rarities. Featuring female vocals on top of their slow and sexy disco grooves. Original versions by Patrizia Pellegrino and Valerie Dore coming in fine crafted Elitechnique versions. No samples used, all music performed with the elite technique from Phako and Florintintin.

Cold Colors & Xiu – Loneliness [OR0082015]

June 9, 2016May 19, 2022 hipodromecold colors, electro, oraculo records, synth pop, synth wave, xiuLeave a comment

Sweet melancholic synth-pop on the Spanish based Oraculo Records.

Facit – Mandag Mon Amour [WH010]

June 9, 2016July 10, 2019 hipodromeelectro, facit, joakim karlsson, mai nestor, synth pop, synth wave, waving hands recordsLeave a comment

Hailing from Goteborg, Sweden, Facit is the project of Joakim Karlsson. For almost a decade, he has been producing tearful synthesizer music under various aliases, often teaming up with compatriot Mai Nestor on vocals. Smartly drawing a line between Swedish chanson and minimal synth, ‘Måndag Mon Amour’ is Facit’s second EP. Picture two passengers with paralyzing hemophobia, riding a sad carriage and smiling with tranquil melancholy, endlessy playing early 80s analog gear through some spring reverb. It doesn’t take long to remember « notre amour était dans un igloo » and never forgetting it.

Effetto Joule – Mechanic Soldier [MR059]

June 6, 2016February 18, 2019 hipodromealbum, crispy nuggets, effetto joule, electro, flavio biagi, massimo chericoni, medical records llc, synth pop, synth wave, valerio biagi, valerio tassinariLeave a comment

Medical Records in collaboration with Crispy Nuggets returns to Italy for it’s 59th release. Hailing from Bologna, Italy in the late 80s, Effetto Joule were brothers Flavio and Valero Biagi , Massimo Chericoni and Valerio Tassinari. Drawing on influences of the early 80s new wave and synth pop scene and armed with an arsenal of synthesizers (Korg Poly-800, Roland alpha juno-1 and juno-2, etc) from the mid 80s, Effetto Joule crafted their own sound. With the exception of the few of the tracks, almost all were home recorded during the years of 1988-1990. Effetto Joule self released a couple of cassettes entitled Ultraviolet A and B as well as one 12″ single in 1989 on Top Sound Record (recently reissued by Mannequin Records with bonus material). The rest of their music has been unreleased demos from which thee tracks were hand selected. The tunes can best be described as densely new romantic with unquestionably catchy hooks and lovely vocals to boot. Standout tracks include Active Ray and Stars Your Memory.

Lunapark – Gefangene Voegel LP [DE113]

May 30, 2016July 17, 2024 hipodromealbum, burkhard ballein, dark entries records, klaus gebauer, lunapark, new wave, reinhard benisch, synth popLeave a comment

Lunapark is the trio of Burkhard Ballein, Klaus ”Schlips” Gebauer, Reinhard ”Zoppen” Benisch from Wuppertal, Germany. Formed in 1981 when the boys were dissatisfied with their surrounding musical environment. They packed their instruments and a cassette recorder and set off to create their own brand of Neue Deutsche Welle (NDW ‘New German Wave’). Their influences included The Beatles, Colloseum, Roxy Music, Frank Zappa as well as Sex Pistols, Ian Dury & The Blockheads, Blondie and The Cure. “Gefangene Vögel’ (‘Prisoner Birds’) is their debut album released by Intakt Records, Stuttgart in 1982. Utilizing a simple set up of guitar, bass, drums, drum-computer, Korg MS-10 and Korg MS-20 they recorded 10 tracks that make up the album. Songs bridge the Belgian-type industrial and cold sounds with NDW quirkiness. In the vein of Sad Lovers and Giants, and Schleimer K they blend post-punk and new wave music with electronic influences. All songs are sung in German with monotone vocals and epitomized the urban Zeitgeist of the Cold War. All songs have been remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The vinyl comes housed in a replica of the original jacket design, which features a drawing of birds on a grid. There are 4 different color versions of the screen printed jacket: blue, yellow, magenta and turquoise. Each LP includes a copy of the double sided 11×11 insert that was included with the original pressing with lyrics and photos.

TCP – TCP LP [DHRE001]

May 29, 2016October 20, 2020 hipodromedisco, disco halal, experimental, re-release, reissue, synth pop, tcp, tony carey, x recordsLeave a comment

Disco Halal presents a reissue of Tony Carey’s album TCP originally released in 1984 on X Records.

Some Bizarre – Don’t Be Afraid [DE117]

April 26, 2016July 17, 2024 hipodromedark entries records, il discotto productions, italo-disco, marino scarabelli, re-release, reissue, some bizarre, stefano brignoli, synth pop, tiberio scarfoneLeave a comment

Some Bizarre are a trio formed in Bergamo, Italy in 1983. The line-up is Marino Scarabelli (music, producer), Tiberio “Tyber” Scarfone (arrangement, producer) and Stefano Brignoli (lyrics, vocals). “Don’t Be Afraid” was their first composition, recorded in Milan in 1983 and released on Il Discotto the same year. Stefano, sitting on a sofa in the studio, wrote lyrics while Marino composed the music. They developed their sound with a Mini Moog, Prophet 5, Korg Synthesizer, and Linn Drum. Stefano sings of a romantic night with a lover, dancing into a dream world. Heavy percussion serves as counterpoint to the infectious melodies, which were inspired by Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor. Backup vocalist Enrica Danesi adds a powerful call-and-response for the chorus, elevating the dramatic tension. The B-side features an instrumental version.

Ghibli – I’m Looking For You [DE116]

April 21, 2016July 31, 2023 hipodromealfredo baraldi, dark entries records, ghibli, italo-disco, synth popLeave a comment

Dark Entries has always been rather canny when it comes to their Italo-disco reissues, often unearthing obscurities from one-shot artists who disappeared just as quickly as they arrived. Ghibli was one such artist. He only ever released one single, I’m Looking For You, back in 1985. That it still sounds fresh, despite its’ obvious period features – bubbling, Bobby Orlando style synthesizer sequences, bold chords and a heavily accented Italian vocals – is testament to the skill of the record’s original producer, Alfredo Baraldi. As with the original pressing, this Dark Entries edition comes back with the superior Instrumental version.

Essaie Pas – Demain Est Une Autre Nuit [DFA2481]

February 25, 2016November 13, 2023 hipodromealbum, dfa records, electro, essaie pas, marie davidson, minimal synth, pierre guerineau, synth popLeave a comment

Montreal-based electronic duo Essaie Pas is comprised of Marie Davidson and Pierre Guerineau. Both are respected musicians in their own right – Marie having released two acclaimed solo records, with Pierre being best known for production work on underground Canadian musicians such as Dirty Beaches and Femminielli. Essaie pas was born on a hot summer night in 2010, releasing some ultra-limited singles which culminated in their debut LP, Nuit de noce (Teenage Menopause Records) in 2013. The mix of drawling guitars, français mumbles, and minimal electronics caught the ear of DFA Records, who booked the pair to open for Factory Floor on their first North American tour.

VA – Domestic Landscape Vol 2: Underrated Synth Classics 1982-1990 [DOM026L]

February 25, 2016April 15, 2020 hipodromecold wave, compilation, domestica records, electro, handful of snowdrops, industrial, minimal synth, post punk, robert lawrence, s.m. nurse, synth pop, tranquil eyesLeave a comment

Spain’s Domestica are up to their usual antics, and this time it’s the second instalment of their excellent Domestic Landscape series, a varied and much-coveted collection of perfectly contemporary post-punk and coldwave oddities from the 1980s. We’re in love with every track on here, and we’re not exaggerating, this gear is of the highest calibre, and all very much relevant in a DJ nowadays. Think Optimo in the midst of a smokey, mid-morning set in a dark basement, and you’re almost there. Track upon track of solid gold discofied industrial music. Killer; highly recommended.

H ø R D ‎- Focus On Light [GDLP004]

February 16, 2016March 15, 2018 hipodromealbum, electro, giallo disco records, hørd, synth pop, synth waveLeave a comment

Here at Giallo HQ we first noticed H ø R D whilst searching for tracks for the fictitious Wild In Blue Ost, and his music has gone on to be some of the best we’ve ever heard, so much so that we jumped at the chance to release the debut album by this incredible artist. Eight Reverb-Soaked Urban-Gothic Melancholic songs, between synth-shoegaze and violent EBM, Focus On Light is a beautiful heartbreaking LP that will resonate strongly with fans of Pornography-era The Cure, Joy Division and classic Nine Inch Nails.