The Frozen Autumn – Time Is Just A Memory [DE108]

February 3, 2016July 17, 2024 hipodromeclaudio brosio, dark entries records, diego merletto, synth pop, synth wave, the frozen autumnLeave a comment

The Frozen Autumn is an Italian darkwave band, formed in May 1993 in Turin, Italy. Originally the solo project of singer, keyboardist and synth programmer Diego Merletto, guitarist Claudio Brosio joined on during early studio sessions and live performances. Together they recorded and released two albums, “Pale Awakening” in 1995 and “Fragments of Memories” in 1997. In 1998, Claudio left the band and Diego recruited Arianna (aka Froxeanne) who sings, programs and composes. After 18 months of work, The Frozen Autumn’s third album, “Emotional Screening Device”, was released in April 2002. “Time Is Just A Memory” is a 6-track overview of songs from The Frozen Autumn’s first three albums. Characterized by a blend of melancholic vocals, atmospheric gothic-wave and 1980s-style electropop, the duo call their style ”frozen wave”. The Frozen Autumn have stated that labelmates Clan of Xymox have been their main source of inspiration over the years. Other influences include Dead Can Dance, Cocteau Twins, The Sisters of Mercy, Xmal Deutschland, David Sylvian and Depeche Mode. These six tracks stand out for their rich melodies, from the guitar-laden early tracks “Dusk Is Like A Dagger”, “Wait For Nothing”, “There’s No Time To Recall”, and “This Time,” to the electronic sheen on later songs “Is Everything Real?” and “Silence Is Talking”.

Wolfsheim – The Sparrow And The Nightingales [DE107]

February 3, 2016July 17, 2024 hipodromeancient methods, dark entries records, markus reinhardt, peter heppner, synth pop, synth wave, wolfsheimLeave a comment

Wolfsheim are a synthpop duo from Hamburg, Germany consisting of Markus Reinhardt (music) and Peter Heppner (lyrics and vocals). The band was founded in 1987 by Markus Reinhardt and Pompejo Ricciardi and was named after Meyer Wolfsheim, a fictional character from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel ‘The Great Gatsby’. Ricciardi soon left the band and was replaced by Peter Heppner, a childhood friend of Reinhardt’s. Together they produced their first demo tape, ‘Ken Manage’, in 1988. After making a second demo tape, ‘Any But Pretty’, in 1989, Wolfsheim applied at various labels until they caught the attention of independent record label Strange Ways Records. They are best known for their debut breakthrough single, ”The Sparrows and the Nightingales”, the first single to be released on Strange Ways in 1991. The band’s musical style takes cues from the 1980s New Romantics, new wave, synthpop, and darkwave. The track’s sombre synths were produced by Carlos Peron of Yello. Reinhardt says the lyric was inspired by ‘The Great Gatsby’, ‘in the ‘onomatopoeic tension’ between predator and security.’ Over six minutes, the narrator describes being lost, unsure of where his life is heading, using highly metaphorical language. On the flip is a brand new remix by German producer Ancient Methods, a pseudonym of Michael ‘Trias’ Wollenhaupt, who provides a driving, EBM-leaning, amphetamine-laced club ready cut.

Shazam – Memories [MNQ072]

January 30, 2016July 17, 2019 hipodromemannequin records, minimal synth, re-release, reissue, shazam, synth popLeave a comment

Mannequin Records is proud to present the 12” reissue of one of the rarest minimal synth singles ever released in UK, cradle of DIY post-punk and minimal synth bands.

Bionda e Lupo – Ton Rire EP [BAP053]

January 30, 2016September 17, 2025 hipodromebionda e lupo, bordello a parigi, electro, italo-disco, sane, sneaker, synth popLeave a comment

Past midnight. Empty streets. From an ill lit doorway a sound. A woman. Shadow. A scent. Drawn into one. Smoke and synthesizer music swirls. Bionda E Lupo. Crossing the threshold, tripping into twilight. Analogue emotion, styles twirled like garlands. Nervous shuffles and the touch of fingertips. Weaving, bodies twirl as morning shoulders into night. The realisation. The edge of eyes. Curl of lip. The click of heels with creak of floor. Feeling flows, ebbs, cascades and floods. Lipstick and heavy perfume. Two forms swimming in currents, bending to one another in the warm glow of aging speakers. Breath and pulse quicken. Electricity spiked with passion. The final embrace. Whispered promises. A kiss.

Amin-Peck – Love Disgrace [BST-X006]

January 28, 2016January 25, 2024 hipodromeamin-peck, best record, giorgio fioroni, italo-disco, leonard parker, max marne, re-release, reissue, synth popLeave a comment

AMIN PECK - Love Disgrace

Amin Peck is an electronic studio project, contaminated by the New Wave from U.K. like most ’80s electronic bands. Amin-Peck walked a fine line between Disco and Minimal Wave throughout the course of the early 1980s, oftentimes incorporating shameless Pop melodies and Avant-garde leanings. Amin Peck were an italian band leaded by Giorgio Fioroni (aka George Fyron, arrangements, production, vocals) with Leonard Parker (arrangments, keyboards) and Max Marne (production). Incredible but true, Amin Peck started as ‘hard rock’ guitar band in the 70’s… and becoming one of the best examples of italo disco. This limited edition contains full-length versions plus uncut audio material (A2) tracked down during tape restoration. The first pressing coming from 1982 was pressed only on 7inch in U.K.

Linear Movement – The Linear Way [MW059]

January 4, 2016November 22, 2023 hipodromealbum, lieve van steerteghem, linear movement, minimal wave records, peter bonne, peter koutstaal, synth popLeave a comment

LINEAR MOVEMENT - The Linear Way

Minimal Wave label announce a second release by Belgian Linear Movement. The collection entitled “The Linear Way” marks our 59th release on Minimal Wave and continues the celebration of 10 years as a label. The album is a collection of warm melodic electronic pop songs that have for the most part remained unreleased until now. Linear Movement is Belgian mastermind Peter Bonne (A Split-Second, Twilight Ritual, Autumn) joined by Peter Koutstaal, and Lieve Van Steerteghem contributing vocals on the final track. The songs “The Linear Way” and “Don’t Try To Trick Me” appeared on the exquisite Pulse Music cassette (released by the Micrart Group in 1983) while the rest were never officially released.

Spatial Relation – Beyond The Zero [PM011]

December 10, 2015July 29, 2019 hipodromealbum, minimal synth, peripheral minimal, spatial relation, synth popLeave a comment

Peripheral Minimal presents Beyond the Zero, the debut album by Brooklyn-based duo Spatial Relation. The eight songs that make up Beyond the Zero were produced, recorded, and mixed in the band’s home studio from 2012 to 2014. With influences ranging from 1980s minimal synth to Skam-styled IDM, Spatial Relation’s music draws equally from the early pop work of Depeche Mode and the later electro sounds of Dopplereffekt. Emphasizing hard beats, thick basslines, and hypnotic arpeggios, the minimalist arrangements onBeyond the Zero are geared for maximum effect. Created with a carefully chosen selection of analog electronic instruments, the album pairs the overtly synthetic sounds of hardware with human vocal experimentation.

Kirlian Camera – Eclipse [NTNO7871]

November 26, 2015March 24, 2023 hipodromealbum, angelo bergamini, charlie mallozzi, dark wave, experimental, john fryer, kirlian camera, mauro montacchini, norton north, re-release, reissue, rose rosse records, synth pop, synth waveLeave a comment

Norton North presents a collection of deluxe re-releases by Kirlian Camera: after 26 years the best-seller album Eclipse is again available on vinyl with the original tracklist and artwork. This record is one of the most representative albums of the 80’s, with his icy and pop style at the same time, a monumental classic for the synthpop and electronic scene, but also darkwave and experimental (the title-track “Eclipse” is a real classic for each underground club worldwide). Original released by Rose Rosse Records.

Querelle – Pas De Pitie [FLEXI016]

November 26, 2015November 24, 2015 hipodromeflexi wave, minimal synth, querelle, synth popLeave a comment

This one is yet another debut single by a Belgian project called Querelle. Querelle is one half of :Codes and one half of Jeunesse Fantome. Two dark synth-pop bangers with super vocals reminding you of the Jenuess Fantome & :Codes classics.

Effetto Joule – Roberspierre [MNQ068]

October 19, 2015July 17, 2019 hipodromeeffetto joule, flavio biagi, flemming dalum, italo-disco, mannequin records, new wave, synth pop, top sound records, valerio biagi, valerio tassinariLeave a comment

Mannequin Records presents the rare dark italo 12” ‘Robespierre’ by the italo wave trio Effetto Joule. Originally released in 1989 on Top Sound Records, the reissue comes with extra demo tape material from their ‘Ultraviolet’ tapes and with a killer Flemming Dalum remix of the title track. Effetto Joule formed in Modena during the second part of the 80’s. The pulsating heart of the band were the brothers Flavio and Valerio Biagi with the collaboration of Valerio Tassinari. Deeply influenced by the British synth pop heroes like Tubeway Army and Depeche Mode, the Biagi brothers were able to merge that kind of epic sounds with the more romantic Italian vision of the electronic dark wave.

The Wall / The Stallion – Fire / Hope (M.W. edit) [PREGO002]

October 19, 2015October 11, 2017 hipodromeedits, italo-disco, mick wills, prego, synth pop, vielspaß recordsLeave a comment

This latest release of Prego (a division of Vielspass records) comes up with two epic tracks reshaped by Mick Wills. The Wall – Fire on the A side is a bright disco-ish wave hymn raised with the M.W. style. The Stallion – Hope on the B side is a hypnotic floor killer with haunting lyrics and atmosphere.

Splash Band – The Music Of John Carpenter [ZYX210611]

October 5, 2015May 17, 2019 hipodromealbum, disco, ennio morricone, italo-disco, john anthony, john carpenter, re-release, reissue, soundtrack, splash band, synth pop, zyx musicLeave a comment

A few weeks ago, John Carpenter released his first solo-album. Reporting about this release the media used to mention also the Splash Band. Now, the Splash Band is available again. On this CD you can find the 1984 released album “The Music Of John Carpenter” as well as six bonus track. The bonus tracks are the ultra-rare single version of the songs Philadelphia Experiment, Christine, The End, Die Klapperschlange, Starman and Big Trouble In Little China.

Boytronic – Bryllyant EP [DE101]

October 4, 2015October 10, 2019 hipodromeboytronic, dark entries records, holger wobker, italo-disco, james knights, synth popLeave a comment

Boytronic is a synthpop group from Hamburg, Germany founded by by Holger Wobker and Peter Sawatzki in 1982. Dark Entries presents a reissue of their most important works. “You” being their biggest hit across Europe, is an openly gay love song, and this openness flows throughout the entire release. Instantly danceable. Extended mix of “You” is previously unreleased on vinyl.

Tomo Akikawabaya – The Invitation of The Dead [MW060]

September 24, 2015July 19, 2023 hipodromealbum, minimal wave records, synth pop, synth wave, tomo akikawabayaLeave a comment

Minimal Wave announce an exquisite double LP release by obscure Japanese artist Tomo Akikawabaya entitled The Invitation of The Dead. The collection of songs include the entirety of both The Castle (1984) and Anju (1985) releases, all newly remastered. They sound fresher and stronger than ever before, exactly as the artist had intended them to sound when he recorded them 30 years ago. The songs that span this double LP are personal and unique; they are dark synthpop gems.

Las’s Crime – Mesmerique [DOM025]

September 24, 2015April 15, 2020 hipodromealbum, dark wave, domestica records, l.a.s.’s crime, maria elena brogi, minimal synth, sandro marchetti, synth popLeave a comment

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, or simply known as L.A.S.’s Crime around the digging circles, were an Italian cold wave duo who formed at the tail-end of 1984 and produced a timeless bunch of EP’s and LP’s which have become heavily sought after in the last few years. Luckily, Spain’s excellent Domestica label have herein compiled the very best from the duo, an eleven track showcase of the band’s top productions from the years between 1985 and 1989. As you’d expect, the bulk of the compilation is made up of fast-paced drum machines patters glazed in the era’s melancholic sound, where winding, lonesome vocals glide and wash over the Kraftwerk-style beats. There are even bursts of early electro within, such as the gnarly “Five Lies”, and more experimental moments like “Dark Orris” or the EBM-charged “Flax Girl Room”.

VA – French Synth Lovers #2 [SERLP004]

September 13, 2015April 24, 2024 hipodromebenoit hutin, compilation, cosmic disco, disco, malvina melville, serendip lab, serge blenner, siflet, synth pop, synth wave, thierry meyerLeave a comment

Serendip.Lab presents a compilation gathering 10 great and rare tracks of french synth wave released between 1981 and 1984. The A side reflects this sunny sweet synth pop scene, whereas B side, more cosmic, is made of instrumentals.

VA – Ideas Of Reference & The Luna Sea [LSD014]

August 8, 2015March 29, 2022 hipodromecompilation, disco, ehi, experimental, industrial, light sounds dark, miguel a ruiz, rish la bonte, schistosoma, synth pop, the epistemic ladderLeave a comment

Light Sounds Dark’s steady plummet into the 5th dimension continues in earnest as the label reach their 14th release. A rather special unit, certain to dissipate as cleanly and as smoothly as a 150mics dose of Sandoz’ finest; best to pay the admission and take the trip now if you want in. Fortune favours the brave and fearless exploration is surely required. Gone are the boogie, cosmic and Balearic coloured fractals, replaced now by dark industrial menace, no-wave bleakness and post-punk tribal space music. Painstakingly sequenced and arranged over three discs to give you a truly immersive journey; fasten those seatbelts and take a trip on the rainbow super highway.

Second Layer – World Of Rubber [DE096LP]

August 8, 2015July 17, 2024 hipodromeadrian borland, album, dark entries records, graham bailey, industrial, new wave, post punk, second layer, synth popLeave a comment

Second Layer was a side project of Adrian Borland and Graham Bailey, members of post punk band The Sound. The music was bleak, detached, and desolate, but very beautiful. Honest songwriting and a harsh sonic backdrop set them apart from their peers. Second Layer’s World of Rubber, first released on Cherry Red way back in 1981 – some two years after the duo’s first outing on 7” – has long been considered something of an industrial classic by those in the know. Here, it gets a deserved re-press from the folks at Dark Entries. 34 years on, it still retains the power to shock, with Adrian Borland and Graham Green’s raw, weighty mix of post-punk basslines, sharp guitars, fuzzy electronics, tape loops and basic drum machine grooves still sounding deliciously fresh. Certainly, it’s comparable to many more celebrated releases of the time, and arguably more spontaneous in feel.

Teknospray ‎– God In Land [DERKLANG001]

July 21, 2015August 18, 2015 hipodromealberto ramella, album, andrea lesmo, andreea costa, der klang records, disordine records, lucio lesmo, mauro tavella, new wave, synth pop, teknosprayLeave a comment

Active on late 70s / early 80s Teknospray were formed by Andrea Costa, Mauro Tavella (who later formed Monuments), Andrea Lesmo, Alberto Ramella (who later formed Carmody) and Lucio Lesmo. They recorded few demos and an album which they never released until today”God In Land”is now reissued on Disordine’s sub label Der Klang for the 1st time. The ten tracks mix influences of Devo with dark synth electro and they sound still fresh and amazing.

Max Vincent – The Future Has Designed Us [DCM001]

June 26, 2015October 2, 2017 hipodromealbum, discom, max & intro, max vincent, minimal synth, synth popLeave a comment

A lifework compilation of 10 never released songs from 1984-2002 by one of the most innovative synth pioneers in Eastern Europe, Max Vincent, mainly known as Max & Intro. His music will take you deep through the horizonts of unexplored analog synth sounds, human voice and sound effects, providing you with liring recapitulation of various electronic styles. Those who love early Yello, wave, EBM or 80’s synth pop will find this material very seductive, wondering how it happened that they haven’t heard for this music before! A bleak, prophetic and very convincing synthetic dream of future that has designed us.