Around the late 70’s Brussels was a hot place in the alternative scene. Bands like 'XTC' and 'Magazine' got their early success in the city and 'Public Image' made its live debut in Brussels @ Theatre 140. These bands were the inspiration for home-grown talent like 'Digital Dance', 'The Names', 'Siglo XX'… and a handful of new independent labels like Sandwich Records, that was an extension of the legendary Brussels record store Cassablanca Moon.
B9 was released in 1981 with local talent by Sandwich Records. This re-release contains also 8 bonus tracks with well known bands. Some of these bands have a link with those on the original release and some have not. But they all fit well on the album.
The compilation offers a nice idea of what kind of new wave/post punk talent we had in Belgium during this period. Not all were evenly strong or well known. But here and there we hear some nice songs.’Rel Rex’ with Programmed is a post-punk song in the style of the early 'Public Image'. Kloot Per W was a member and also bass player on 'Polyphonic Size'. ‘Digital Dance’ was one of the first New Wave bands in Belgium. Despite the championing by John Peel and some high profile live shows (like the support slot with 'Joy Division') they couldn’ t break through and finally split up in 1982. ‘Polyphonic Size' was an interesting band with a lot of involved artists like Daniel Bressanutti (‘Prothese’ and later the Belgian electro pride: Front 242), Jerry WX (digital Dance), Michel Lambot… Also interesting: the obscure band ‘Satin Wall’. ‘Pseudo Code’ is here also present and is still available through the EE Tapes label. EE tapes has released recently a nice compilation with similar music on The Insane 80’s (http://www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be/en/reviews/various-artists-insane-80-s/). No surprises in the bonus section: 'Siglo XX', 'The Names' and 'Allez Allez' are known by the alternative public and seem to be added to sell the album.
A nice time capsule with interesting note sleeves.