Tag: New Wave

February 2, 2024

Song of the Day: World Theatre - Water Spill

World Theatre released only one album, the brilliant eponymous full-length, for Frontline-imprint Graceland Records in 1989. But the band’s credentials are deeper than that might suggest. Founder Tim McAllister (vocals, guitar, bass, programming) had previously been in another one-album-only new wave band called Flock 14. Jim Abegg (AKA Jimmy A, from Vector and more recently The Ascendants) provided some guitar work. Gene Eugene (Adam Again, Lost Dogs, hundreds of production and studio credits) mixed the album. And piano and keyboards (along with some additional bass guitar work) were provided by none other than Cincinnati’s own Linford Detweiler (this was pre-Over the Rhine).… Continued →

November 3, 2023

Song of the Day: The Cynics - Rock Apocalypse

This punk/new wave band from Alaska released one 4-song EP via 7″ vinyl in 1980, entitled Beat the Cynics for their native Unregulated Records. The band was contemporary with other punk acts at the time who had already started shifting their sound to either new wave or post-punk. The Cynics don’t sound too far off from The Buzzcocks, The Clash, The Stranglers, and at times is reminiscent of the funky approach of Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Yes, their sound is remarkably British, considering how far they were geographically from that region.… Continued →

September 29, 2023

Song of the Day: Steve Scott - Heaven Hears the Heart That Breaks

British-born poet/artist/performer Steve Scott has been involved in or connected with Christian alternative music since 1983, having emerged from Croydon (South London) via the Bowery (New York City) before winding up in Sacramento, CA with the Exit Records scene there (Seventy Sevens, Charlie Peacock, etc.) where his debut album Love in the Western World was produced by Steven Soles (of Alpha Band fame). His solo work was a gleefully artistic take on new wave and/or post-punk with literate lyrics that pointed to his art school upbringing.… Continued →

March 24, 2023

Song of the Day: Elim Hall - Hypothermia

Elim Hall was ahead of their time in so many ways. It’s a real shame that they are just a blip on the radar screen of indie rock nowadays, as their preeminence is hard to over state. One of the earliest alternative rock bands to be signed to a major label in the CCM market, their only label release was snappy, melodic, memorable, and well-produced (somewhat surprisingly by Gary Chapman, along with veteran Jesus rocker Tim Marsh). This Canadian band wrote incredibly catchy, somewhat complex (for pop music) songs that were primarily in the power pop realm, but infused with touches of new wave and at times a punk-like urgency.… Continued →

December 16, 2022

Song of the Day: Walk on Water - Time

This brilliant synth-pop band hailed from Sweden. They released one fantastic album in 1989, that hit the States the next year, then disappeared until 1994 when they re-surfaced–though just barely–with a Swedish-language album, that didn’t make much of an impact outside of their homeland. Their debut, the nearly-eponymous W.O.W., was beautiful, but sadly never got the attention it deserved. Recorded primarily in the synth-pop style, it also had hints of Europop and new wave. In short, it was too alternative to be mainstream pop or CCM, and too poppy to appeal to fans of alternative rock.… Continued →

November 18, 2022

November 11, 2022

Song of the Day: Body and Soul - The Graylands

I first discovered this band from Tim Henderson (Warlord/Mr Bishops Fist) one night as we were talking about obscure Christian bands from the past. Body and Soul was a one-off solo project from Daniel Amos keyboardist Rob Watson. Body and Soul released only one 7″ in 1983, and never did anything else. Side A featured “Something’s Going On Here,” which is a good song, but is more typical of 80s new wave/pop. It sounds like a track you’d hear in an 80s action comedy film, something akin to Adventures in Babysitting.… Continued →

November 3, 2022

October 7, 2022

Song of the Day: Bill Mason Band - Out on the Streets

I’m not surprised there was Christian punk and new wave already being made in the 1970s. Contrary to popular belief, believers have always found new and innovative ways to express their faith creatively. It’s the broader public of the faith community that is often slow to accept change, not the artists themselves. This is why I am, in fact, surprised that a Christian record label was publishing Christian punk in the 1970s. It seemed the church in the UK was more open to avant garde presentations of the Gospel than in the US.… Continued →

September 2, 2022

Song of the Day: Den S - New Space

Dennis Childers has deep connections to the Christian indie scene, going all the way back to the 1980s and Flock 14, the most excellent new wave band he played in at the time. However, when Flock 14 morphed into World Theatre, Dennis went underground/disappeared and not much was heard from him musically save for a few album credits here and there. Nate from Destroy Nate Allen/Good Saint Nathanael got in touch this week to let me know that Dennis had a new album dropping–literally just 2 days ago.… Continued →

July 30, 2022

Introducing: The Rocky Valentines (Ft. C. Martin of Starflyer 59)

I am going to take a moment and introduce you all to a brand new band featuring C. Martin who is the son of Jason Martin (and also a current member) of Starflyer 59. The new band is called “The Rocky Valentines”. The debut single “Off & On” will debut on August 19th via Velvet Blue Music with the full Self Titled EP out on September 2nd 2022. From the sounds of the preview video below, it is both classic and modern, alluring and full of melodies and sounds that his father I’m sure must be super proud of.… Continued →

May 28, 2022

Golf Slang - In Even Strokes (Luxury)

Golf Slang is a new side project of Jamey Bozeman of the band Luxury. Gold Slang takes on some of that 80’s new wave influence, incorporates modern sounds and conveniences and makes a song that just about anyone can appreciate. It’s really low key, chill, and something to knock off the shoes, kick back, and relax in a nice, oversized chair. If you like what you hear below, make sure to pre-order the new 5 song EP “How I Lost My Voice” right here via their label home – Velvet Blue Music, and on Cassette or CD.… Continued →

May 6, 2022

Song of the Day: The New Presidents - Arabian Nights

This obscure little band, while relatively unknown, has ties to some more connected acts. They only released one 4-song 12″ EP before breaking up and/or morphing into other acts. The most well-known member was Robert Vaughn, previously of RV and the Hubcaps, and who went on to play with Gloryhouse, Southside Blades of Eden (Broken Records), and most notably Robert Vaughn and the Shadows. RV and the Shadows was essentially the New Presidents line-up with a different name and slightly more mainstream style. Where The New Presidents dabbled in new wave and post-punk, The Shadows went full into power pop.… Continued →

February 26, 2022

Song of the Day: Last Tuesday vs The Alarm - The Stand

Last Tuesday (pop punk) & The Alarm (new wave) hail from 2 different decades, but have great renditions of The Stand which was inspired by the Stephen King novel of the same name. Mike Peters (frontman for The Alarm) & Dave Sharp wrote the song & had this to say “This song follows the Christian doctrine that The Rapture, when Christ returns to Earth and believers are transported to heaven, will be a time of celebration. ‘I accept The Bible as being the truth,’ Mike Peters told Smash Hits.”… Continued →

November 16, 2021

Spoken in Tongues Release "Ghosts" Ep

A really great newer indie rock band by the name of Spoken in Tongues have just dropped their brand new Covers ep titled “Ghosts” through bandcamp/digital networks. You can download the EP right here at Bandcamp. Spoken in Tongues are an impressive indie band rooted in everything from 80’s new wave, and 90’s underground indie music with post hardcore tendencies. It’s a diverse set of sounds and if you know the players on this release, you’ll understand instantly just why it is that they stand apart from the rest.… Continued →

November 10, 2021

Ronnie Martin - From the Womb of the Morning, The Dew of Your Youth Will Be Yours

Ronnie Martin known for his work in Joy Electric, Ronald of Orange, Brothers Martin, Dance House Children, and more, is here with his new solo song (under his own name) titled “From The Womb Of The Morning, The Dew of Your Youth Will Be Yours”. That is one heck of a mouthful of words to belt out but it’s truly a great song. Check out the track below and download or stream on your network of choice including Bandcamp here via his label home, Velvet Blue Music.… Continued →

September 29, 2021

September 7, 2021

Jeff Elbel & Ping Announce a New Crowdfunded Album!

Jeff Elbel has been around the block a few times. Active in one form or another since the 1980s, first via Farewell to Juliet, then Sunny Day Roses, and then Ping. He’s played with members of mainstream new wave/prog band The Fixx and also new age instrumentalists Mannheim Steamroller. He’s even had songs featured on Dr Demento! His latest project The Threefinger Opera is almost at its goal of $5,000 and boasts a wide variety of packages from downloads to CDs, vinyl, and other merchandise! With only 22 days left in the campaign, you won’t want to wait on this one.… Continued →

August 26, 2021

Starflyer 59 release new single "Sunrise"

Jason Martin is back at it, never ceasing to create and release new music. The new single is called “Sunrise” and is decidedly more upbeat than the recent “Life in Bed.” Perhaps the two work as companion pieces? The 80s post-punk and new wave influences are here again, but filtered through Jason’s shoegaze and indie rock background. Check out the song on your streaming platform of choice. Be sure to download and support the artist where possible. https://starflyer59.bandcamp.com/album/sunrise https://soundcloud.com/velvetblue/starflyer-59-sunrise https://open.spotify.com/track/4o5hLF6WnULrPXFCMzmLH5?si=5ee0b792c04143d1Continued →

July 2, 2021

Song of the Day: Starflyer 59 - Life in Bed

First things first: I must apologize for missing a couple of weeks on my Song of the Day features. We’ve been in the middle of an international move. Yes, after 13 years of life in the UK, my family and I have returned to the United States! And we’ve been living out of suitcases while we finalize our housing. So do please forgive me for missing a few posts. However, I hope a new song from Starflyer 59 this week can make up for it. The first thing I noticed from the track was the eerie new wave keyboard sounds and quasi-goth guitar leads.… Continued →

April 27, 2021

March 5, 2021

Song of the Day: 4•4•1 - Show Me

4•4•1 burst onto the SoCal new wave scene in 1984, releasing their debut album on Royal Commandment Records (soon to be re-named Blue Collar Records). The band formed in 1983 in Los Angeles County, diligently rehearsing in the garage of bassist/keyboardist Glenn Holland’s parents. They recorded a 4-song demo and subsequently sent out copies to area youth pastors. The unconventional move proved successful as they caught the attention of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, a large church that hosted lots of concerts for Christian new wave and early alternative bands.… Continued →

February 12, 2021

Song of the Day: Seventy Sevens - Don't This Way

I’m really hesitant to do this, but I’m gonna lay it on you. I’ve been a fan of music for well over 40 years. Narrowing down a favorite anything is really difficult. My list of favorite songs probably numbers near 1,000, and that’s just favorites, not all the songs I ‘just like.’ But, most days, if you ask me my favorite song of all time, it’s this one. The Seventy Sevens have had an extremely long career, with roots going as back as the late 70s/early 80s in a Sacramento church-based band called the Scratch Band.… Continued →

February 9, 2021

Reese Roper Launches ARCLIGHT MICROPHONES (Through Kickstarter)

A really cool new microphone brand that I just stumbled upon through Kickstarter this morning is being brought to the forefront by none other than Reese Roper of Five Iron Frenzy and Brave Saint Saturn. He also mentions a “New Wave” project by the name of Heartwrench, coming soon (so excited for this). His new microphone company – ARCLIGHT MICROPHONES, has just launched on Kickstarter and they are seeking to raise $10,000 to cover costs of creating this one of a kind new design/concept.… Continued →

January 22, 2021

Song of the Day: Moral Support - Control

Punk rock developed somewhere in the 1970s when what had essentially been garage rock bands got louder, snarlier, and started playing shorter, faster songs. While critics argue about the official beginning of the genre (is proto-punk still punk?), it was fully fledged in the late 70s, and had already started giving way to what would become two new genres. New Wave was the poppier extension of punk (that would further develop into synth-pop and electronica). Post-punk was the darker, more introspective branch that would eventually give birth to goth and alternative rock.… Continued →

November 13, 2020

Song of the Day: Marc Plainguet - Barbie's Lament

I’m not sure how most IVM readers feel about new wave and synth-driven music. It’s extremely nostalgic for me, having grown up in the 80s. The 1980s also comprised the decade where contemporary Christian music came into its own as a marketable industry. While you could argue the merits of that, or against them, it’s a simple fact. But where there is ‘progress’ or marketability (read: money), there will also always be an undercurrent–an independent protest against the mainstream. Marc Plainguet–and his alter egos Gadget and Crazed Bunnyz–were spearheading lo-fi and experimental synth-driven music in the underground tape-trading scene.… Continued →

November 1, 2020

The Echoing Green Return With Collection of Songs on Vinyl

Not like they ever disappeared but new music on The Echoing Green front has been sort of quiet for past couple years. The Echoing Green emerged from the silence to drop a collection of of songs from 2002 to 2018 called “Violent Whispers: Songs & Stories From The Echoing Green”. This collection of songs is available right here on Vinyl (Limited to 500 copies). They are using funds generated from the sale of this album to fund a future release of NEW music. These are some of my favorite Echoing Green songs.… Continued →

October 16, 2020

Song of the Day: The Holidays - Sunshine

Power pop was (is?) a strange phenomenon. Despite the big hooks, melodic overtones and just enough of a punk edge to keep things interesting, it never really caught on in a huge way. Although it’s made inroads into new wave and, more recently, indie pop, the leaders of the subgenre still remain fairly underground, with a few notable exceptions (Cheap Trick and The Romantics are among the few artists with major radio hits). It should be no surprise then, that in Christian circles, artists in the style were even fewer.… Continued →

October 9, 2020

Song of the Day: Mad at the World - All These Questions

Mad at the World went through at least three distinct phases throughout their history, which impressively spans across 4 decades: synth-pop/new wave, hard alternative rock/metal, and retro rock/alternative. We’ve already featured a song from their synth-pop era, and here’s one from their hard alternative phase, but one that interestingly enough hints at their retro phase that would be unleashed in 2 more albums’ time. Both of the songs I’ve chosen from the Rose brothers have spoken words of encouragement to me when I needed them. Let’s face it: 2020 has largely been crap.… Continued →

June 23, 2020

Song of The Day: Teddy At Night - Blueberry Water

My song for the day is from a newer indie-pop artist by the name of Teddy At Night. Teddy (Boldt) played drums for bands like Wavorly, Family Force 5, and more recently For King & Country, as well as many others. On his first solo endeavor as singer/songwriter, his songs take on more of a pop sheen, sprinkled with a heavy dose of 80’s like synth driven new wave. These are songs for the broken-hearted, the lovers, and the seekers. These beautifully composed pop inspired takes are interwoven with a certain level of professionalism mixed with Teddy’s unforgettable vocal delivery.… Continued →