Mannequin: Tommy De Chiroco- Close Your Eyes 12” EP

Mannequin Records is proud to present a true pearl of the Italian Minimal Synth from the 80′s. Tommy De Chirico founded the post-punk band Politburo in Turin during 1981 togheter with Maurizio Rubinetti (Sick Rose) and Massimo Aluffi (Ivan Siberia). On his own, he released the 7″ “Close Your Eyes / Flower Into The Factory”, produced and recorded at TKS Studio by the Monuments’ Mauro Tavella between 1982 and 1983 and subsequently released by Turin’s Shirak Records in 1984.

When Politburo split in 1986, Tommy continued to experiment with various projects and sounds, including Thugs, Quiet (with members of Monuments and Deafear), Noxeda and Lacrimal, with whom he still plays today.

Presented here are also 3 bonus demo tracks: a rare version of “Close Your Eyes”, and 2 out-takes from 1983, “Vuh-Ya” and “Tuxedo Dance”.

The original graphic cover was realized by Bruno Zanichelli aka Pennarex, an underground artist from Turin, who died prematurely some years after.

Strongly recommended to fans of Martin Dupont, Oppenheimer Analysis, Das Kabinette, Victrola, Neon.

Listen and order on Mannequin Records‘s bandcamp.

Posted on November 23rd, 2013 under Releases, ,

Mannequin Records: Monuments- Age

We are pleased to present a crown jewel of the early 80s Italian Minimal Synth scene.

The MONUMENTS came into being in January 1981 in Turin when Mauro Tavella (keyboards, programming) and Andrea Costa (keyboards, voice) pooled their artistic experiences. From the outset they produced exclusively synthesized music, following the natural evolution in electronic music from the early days with monophonic synthesisers to the latest virtual sounds generated with the aid of computers.

The MONUMENTS released in 1984 their only official record on Discordie, a mini LP called “Age” comprising six incredibly fantastic electro-pop tracks, here reissued by Mannequin Records with 2 bonus tracks, “Veiled Lady” and “The Seals”, which are out-takes from the same period. All the tracks were recorded on a Tascam 8-tracks, with external synchronization of the percussions, at the TKS Studio in Torino.

From 1987 onwards, they focused exclusively on music for theater, radio and independent film, writing scores for the opening sequences of programs for some of the most important Italian TV companies as well as soundtracks for documentaries.

Anna Logue Records released “XXVII” CD in 2009, an anthology of their music that contains the best of their early work from the years 1981-84.

Some critics thought of this mini LP as being the best electropop record ever coming out of Italy. A masterpiece!

Listen and order here.

Posted on November 15th, 2013 under Releases, ,

Weyrd Son Records: Linea Aspera- II EP

Linea Aspera - IIOriginally released on cassette, this vinyl reissue of Linea Aspera’s last EP is a must have for minimal synth and darkwave enthusiasts.

The three tracks featured on this EP are wonderful synth-pop/noise/industrial pearls that translate perfectly the aesthetic of the London duo consisted of Alison Lewis and Ryan Ambridge; powerful lyrics and sexy vocals added to strong and infectious dronelike synths at their best that have a very high 80′s-feel. Linea Aspera’s music is very emotional and highly recommended for anyone who has learned that the darkness is their friend and who relish it’s cold embrace.

This collection comes in a single-sided clear vinyl with artwork printed on PVC sleeve and tracing paper insert.

Limited to 300 hand-numbered copies.

Listen and order on Weyrd Son Records‘s bandcamp.

Posted on November 12th, 2013 under Releases, ,