Mirror Man | Mourning The Sad Passing Of Talk Talk’s Mark Hollis - 3 ago.
Today 25 February , we mark the sad passing of Talk Talk front man Mark Hollis (25/02/19). One of the most acclaimed innovators of the eighties synth-pop and new wave scene, he rose to prominence with Talk Talk and steered the band until they disbanded in 1992.
They began life as a quartet, consisting of Mark Hollis-vocals/main songwriter, Lee Harris-drums, Paul Webb-bass guitar and keyboardist-Simon Brenner. Comparisons with Duran Duran were quickly shaken off, with a band name consisting of a repeated word, the two shared a glam rock and Roxy Music-inspired musical direction. They also shared the same producer in Colin Thurston although Talk Talk supported Duran Duran on tour in late 1981.
Their first single release-'Mirror Man', hit the streets in February 1982. The single bombed but was quickly followed by their self-titled single in April 1982 which reached No.52 in the UK. After the green shoots appeared the band released their debut album-The Party's Over released in July 1982.
The band had their first UK Top 40 hits with the singles 'Today' (No. 14) and the re-release of 'Talk Talk' (No. 23). These singles also were hits in other countries including Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The re-release of the 'Talk Talk' single reached the U.S. Top 75.
‘The Party's Over was a moderate success in the UK reaching No.21, though reaching top-ten in the UK. Though it was Its My Life in 1984, both the album and same-titled single which broke Talk Talk into the stratosphere of the mainstream.
The genesis of the band continued through lineup changes until 1991, through an experimental phase and the album dark and claustrophobic-Laughing Stock, Talk Talk disbanded, Hollis stated that he wished to focus more on his family.
He did however come back with a self-titled solo album in 1998, though well received Hollis more or less retired fully from music shortly after.
[Kevin Burke 25/02/19]
In time for Valentine's day, "witchy" goth rock band, METAMORPH has just unveiled their new single, "Love In The Wreckage." The song tells a story of life in today's chaotic world. It's a transmutation of the world's chaos into love; a tale of light in the dark.
METAMORPH's music has always been about change. 2021 was full of so much chaos and pain. METAMORPH's Margot Day says: "There has been a strange undercurrent of joy in the madness. I found myself transforming this emotional intensity into a spiritual awakening. These new lyrics and melodies are pouring in like an avalanche."
"Love In The Wreckage" is available on all digital platforms NOW. More METAMORPH songs written by Margot Day and produced by Erik Gustafson will drop in 2022.
French post-punk band, JE T'AIME has unveiled the first part of their two-part album, PASSIVE/AGGRESSIVE.
'PASSIVE' is the central link of a trilogy started by the eponymous album of the band , JE T’AIME. We follow the evolution of the same antihero; a common avatar of the three musicians. The tone hardens, the atmosphere becomes more melancholic and the lyrics embrace bitterness and anger.
The new album, 'PASSIVE' continues the theme about the difficulty of growing up. Our main character is constantly caught up in the past, repeats the same mistakes and ends up not being able to move forward in his life. It is no mystery that the band's music constantly looks for influences in the past 80s for that reason.
"The three of us have very different influences. So, on this record, we felt the need to find how to mix our three personalities while maintaining coherence. That gives a more complex sound, but still catchy, dark and open at the same time, to bring life to the lyrics based on our own stories."
If this episode is called 'PASSIVE' despite its obvious energy, what can be expected of the next chapter that will close the trilogy, 'AGGRESSIVE' coming in October?
Today, it’s 44 years ago that renowned BBC DJ John Peel broadcast the second John Peel session by Siouxsie & The Banshees
Today, it’s 44 years ago (23 February 1978) that renowned BBC DJ John Peel broadcast the second John Peel session recorded by Siouxsie & The Banshees on 6th February at the BBC studios in Maida Vale.
At the time of broadcast all songs where previously unreleased. In fact, their very first release, the 7” Hong Kong Garden, was only released on 18th August that same year.
In 1989 these studio recordings were released by the Strange Fruit label.
The John Peel Sessions (The Second Session)
Tracklist:
Hong Kong Garden
Overground
Carcass
Helter Skelter
Darkwave artist DISSONANCE has just unveiled details about their new single/remix EP, Slowburn.
"Slowburn" is a song about passion; passion- a deep love/emotion that consumes body and soul. It is about depth of feeling for a person, place, process or thing.
"I wrote this as I was considering the many all-consuming passions of my life. Passion to write. Passion for art. Passion for nature, for the planet. Passion for science. Passion for humanity. Passion for the individuals I love. Also, the painful realisation that despite my intense feeling, actions and orchestrations, these things, places, people, and processes come to an end. I come to an end. My passions die with me." - Cat Hall (DISSONANCE)
Slowburn is available on all digital platforms including Bandcamp.
