The Estranged - The Subliminal Man (2010)

Artist: The Estranged

Album: The Subliminal Man

Release: 2010

Label: Dirtnap Records

Tracklist:

1.The Subliminal Man

2. Lunacy

3. Doubts and Regrets

4. Faces Stare

5. Testify

6. Wicker Man

7. Perfection

8. Statue In A Room

9. Love And A Molotov Cocktail (The Flys Cover)

10. Choke

More great 80's throw back from Portland, this time in the form of straight forward dark post punk/new wave. Catchy chord progressions, plenty of flanger/chorus guitar tone, and dancey rhythm are to be found on this LP. The album gradates in pop sound, ranging from mid-Husker-Du influenced post-punk to new wave hooks via The Sound, and is devoid of any disappointing tracks. The LP is out of stock for now, but according to Dirtnap this is temporary. The album is still available in CD format however, for those interested. The links below. Try it out:

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Population - s/t 7" (2011)

Artist: Population
Album: s/t 7"
Release: 2011
Label: BLVD Records

Population are a post-punk/darkwave outfit out of Chicago. I especially like this 7" of theirs, as it simultaneously showcases pop sensibility, and maintains a certain dark atmosphere reminiscent of the dark punk scene that revolved around the Batcave club in London during the early to mid '80s (Alien Sex Fiend, etc.). I don't always enjoy this particular brand of goth sound, but the Ian Curtis vocals bring these tracks together in a tasteful way, not always achieved by bands of that bygone era. Recommended for any fans of the usual dark post-punk/goth staples. 


Bonus: There are still copies left, you can check them out below.



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Kalashnikov - s/t EP (1984)

Artist: Kalashnikov

Album: s/t EP

Release: 1984

Label: HUB Records

Tracklist:

1.Læderhalse

2. Schlüters Kabinet

3. Ødelæg & Hærg

Female-fronted Danish outfit Kalashnikov play a dark brand of hardcore-influenced post-punk. Their s/t EP, clocking in at less than seven minutes, covers a fair amount of ground, beginning with the danceable, almost darkwave 'Læderhalse', proceeding to a straight punk track, and ending with something in between. Its short and sweet, and will leave you wanting more.

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Vex - Sanctuary (1984)

Artist: Vex
Album: Sanctuary
Release: 1984
Label: Fight Back Records


Tracklist:
1. Sanctuary
2. It's No Crime
3. World In Action
4. Relative Sadness


'Sanctuary' is the only release ever purveyed by this goth-tinged post-punk outfit. On this EP, Vex fuses early 80's anarcho guitar tone and atmosphere with prominent pop sensibilities, fueled strongly by influences from the likes of Joy Division and Killing Joke. Thanks to Ghoul Man for pointing me in the direction of this one. Hear it for yourself:



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