Das Kabinette - The Cabinet 7'' (1983)

"How long shall I live? Until dawn ... "

This band apparently wasn't around too long, but this release is just full of awesomeness. It's a shame that they didn't last, as this release shows a lot of promise.

A CD by this band recently came out. I assume that it is a bunch of demos and what not, since this is the only release by this band that I know of.

I give this an A+. For a minimal electro song (by a no-name band!), it features some complex layering and interesting guitar work. The b-side is a wierd rehash of the a-side, but "The Cabinet" is so awesome that it doesn't matter!

2 Tracks - 8:13

Year: 1983

Country: Germany

Genre: Minimal Electro

Rating: A+

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Rupesh Cartel - The Disco and The What Not 2007

I bring you even more synthpop! I'm putting this release up due to a request by a friend of mine, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't check this band out.

I've been a fan of Rupesh Cartel for awhile. This 2007 release of theirs has excellent tracks like "Ghost White," "The Disco and The What Not," and "About Denial." A second CD is included with this release, with club remixes and an excellent remix by Lowe. Overall, I'd say that this release is a B+.

18 tracks - 1:18:17

Year: 2008
Country: Sweden
Genre: Synthpop / Electronic
Rating: B+

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Black Fortress of Opium - Black Fortress of Opium 2008

So this is gothic rock. In the same way that Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are gothic, with a folk edge. Black Fortress of Opium is an interesting mix of goth, Americana, and ethnic folk music. The lead singer is Turkish, and has a wonderful voice.

Overall, I'd give this rating a solid A. My favorite tracks (after many listens) are "House of Edward Devotion," "Black Rope Burns," "Ari," and "Twelve Gross." My only complaints are that some of the tracks feel overly lengthy, but this is a minor issue. The longer tracks begin to remind of Godspeed You Black Emperor!

Just for giggles, check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afyonkarahisar

10 tracks - 47:13

Year: 2008

Country: United States / Turkey

Genre: Gothic / Alternative

Rating: A-

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Euroshima - Gala 1987

Euroshima. I know almost nothing about this group, besides the fact that they are from Argentina.

I first heard of them off of a mix of Spanish-language 'death rock.' I'm a big fan of death rock (which is a punkier version of goth music), but Euroshima ain't death rock. They remind me of The Cure more than anything else.

Overall, I'd give this release a B. I think most of the songs are excellent, but a couple of them drag and seem more like filler. Be sure to check out my two favorite songs, "Como los Otros" and "Sonrisas Fabricadas."

It took me a long time to find this release, so I hope you enjoy it!

9 Tracks - 44:59

Year: 1987

Country: Argentina

Genre: Gothic Rock

Rating: B

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Position Parallele - Position Parallele 2007

This post sees an interesting release by the French group, Position Parallele. This release reminds me of old French coldwave classics (look it up). It is dark, minimalistic electronic music with a strong pop influence. It is perfect for darker dancefloors!

According to sideline.com, "Position Parallele is the cold electronic side-project of the martial/neoclassical act Derniere Volonte." Funny. This CD is anything but martial, unless you count the floor stomping it's tracks are bound to bring.

Overall, I'd give this release an A rating. It is a suprising gem that is unfortunately on the short side. Be sure to check out my 2 favorite tracks, "Tes levres/Passe Les Portes," and "Je Reviendrai."

8 tracks - 35:52

Year: 2007
Country: France
Genre: Coldwave / EBM / Electroclash
Rating: A

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Технология - Камни (Remix Edition) 2007

Технология is a Russian synthpop group. They have apparently been making synthpop music for awhile.

This is a 2007 single of theirs. The main song has a definite Depeche Mode influence; the DJ Ram remix of this song is excellent for club stomping! On top of that this release features the instrumental Rising Robots track and Колыбельная; both tracks are worth listening to.

Overall, I'd give this remix CD an A-. Most of the tracks here are well worth listening to; I think some of the remixes are generic, but most of them stand well on their own.

If anyone else knows where to find more of their releases, let me know!

11 tracks - 57:58

Year: 2007

Country: Russia

Genre: Synthpop / Electronic

Rating: A-

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