Ian North - Rape Of Orchids Mp3

Only Love Is Left Alive is a very typical early 80's New Wave synth track. Exactly the kind of thing bands like Berlin & Missing Persons were doing, but obviously with male vocals.

Very catchy & angular, you could imagine it being featured in a nightclub scene from some early 80's movie (or maybe what Sarah's friend is listening to on her walkman before Arnie comes calling in Terminator).

It's decent, but the real reason for investigating this release are the other tracks.

After the main track finishes, we get Romance. Instantly you think of Kraftwerk's Metropolis, it's got a very similar riff. But don't let that turn you off. This is no ripoff. Soon the track takes its own unique turn, with excellent vocals (both from Ian and Deborah Pell North). Still a catchy tune, but much more understated.

Indeed, the female vocalist (wife or sister, I have no idea) is very dry and actually reminds me of Simona Buja from early Kirlian Camera. Emotionless, almost bored. In a song called Romance! So cool.

Ok, that was good. But we haven't got to the best part yet.

Flip the record over, straight to B2. White Gardens.

Strong synth work & vocals, reminiscent of post-Ultravox John Foxx. Some nice minimal synth touches too, quite melodic (almost Library).

White Gardens is a wonderful track.

But I didn't tell you to skip past B1 because it was crap. No. It's the best track on the EP.

Sex Lust You

THIS is the main attraction. Cold, detached, hyper cool minimal synth.

That's all I will say. Listen for yourself.