Single of the Day – Propaganda – Frozen Faces
Curious SOTD today from Propaganda – a slightly curious synth-pop group from the eighties. Comprising of Claudia Brucken, Michael Mertens, Susanne Freytag and Ralf Dorper, they left their native Germany for England in 1983. After performing a cover of Throbbing Gristle’s ‘Discipline’ along side original material, they found an early advocate in Paul Morley (yes, that Paul Morley off the T.V) of ZZT Records. Probably enamoured with the group’s dark blend of disjointed but rhythmic blend of electro-pop, Morley promptly signed them and subsequently described and marketed them as ‘a hellish version of ABBA’. Oh Paul, You are clever!
Anyway, it was in 1985 their debut album ‘A Secret Wish’ was released and from it came ‘Frozen Faces’ (GEEK ALERT!! – actually ‘Frozen Faces’ wasn’t on the original vinyl release but on the 1985 CD and Japanese re-issue and an extended 12″ version of the track can be found on the b-side of the single ‘p:Machinery. Phew!). Personally, this is my favourite Propaganda track. Yes I know ‘Duel’ was alright and so was ‘Dr. Mabuse’ but they sound dated as hell. But ‘Frozen Faces’ still sounds deliciously warped and brilliant today. The off-kilter basslines, slightly pre- EBM key changes, the scary German lady speaking gibberish and a really unexpected breakdown in the middle – it’s a match winner in all departments. Sampled and re-edited to death in recent years, it gives the original extra resonance today. So there you have it. Check the track and the album (it’s worth the tracking down) and there’s nothing else to say except… take this break and dance!
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
“>Propaganda-Frozen Faces
0 Comments
You can be the first one to leave a comment.