Tags: Synth Pop

Review: The Outer Edge reckons that this first release on their label is one of "the rarest and simultaneously best-recorded independently released German new wave singles in history." Bold words, but probably not far wrong. 80s outfit Total wrote it as the first and title single for an album deal they signed. It's a killer cut with hints of 'The Message''s hip-hop rhythm and alluring female vocals over a lush bassline from the Jupiter 8 keyboard and DMX drum machine funk driving it along at such an inviting mid-tempo. The withering cosmic keys add extra spacey goodness and here it comes with a couple of alternative mixes, though the OG is really the one.

Review: A long-overdue revival of an underground German gem from 1984, Jurgen Grah and Markus Kammann crafted a sound that fused early new beat, synth-pop and electro with a sharp sense of groove. Collage's 'Mit Den Puppen Tanzen' resurfaces as making it a hidden treasure for fans of forward-thinking dance music. The title track is a sleek blend of disco and electro, layering pulsating synths over a club-ready rhythm that still feels ahead of its time. 'Schwarze Nacht' twists post-disco elements into something funkier, reinterpreting familiar grooves with fresh energy. 'Harter Film' leans further into an edgy new wave sound, its electro beat driving a tense yet undeniably danceable atmosphere. Balancing underground cool with accessible hooks, this is a record that effortlessly bridged electronic experimentation and dancefloor appeal. A vital listen for those who appreciate the history of an exciting time between post-disco, house music and the 80s new wave sound.