Mondo Bungle

Some Classic But Forgotten New Wave Gems

So, maybe not all strictly new wave in the vein of Devo or whatever, but it’s just a blanket term. These are some gems from the 80’s that all seem to have flown under the radar. Heavy on the synth in here, and usually a coldness to it to tie into the theme. “Coldwave”, even. It’s a thing, you could recognize the sound. Minimal synthpop based around a darkness and chill, like the black metal featured here.


Solid Space - Space Museum (1982)

Starting off with my absolute favorite, another all time favorite as well. Although still highly obscure, Solid Space were one of the most revered in the scene. Alright, I dunno if that’s true, but I imagine it very well could be. This is their only album, a sci-fi inspired oddball amalgamation of post-punk, synthwave/electronica, and folk rock. It’s so short at barely over thirty minutes, but just so effective and sweet. This is actually less minimal than most minimal wave I think, with more layered compositions and a richer, more complex setup. Bizarre acoustic guitar acoustic guitar melodies and samples pertaining to science fiction and space. A certain mystery to it, a masterpiece, highly recommended.


Oppenheimer Analysis - New Mexico (1982)

Another one I’d imagine being bigger than the others. This is more straightforward synthpop than Solid Space, with very catchy, dancey pop melodies and the like. Still fuller than some minimal wave. Another masterpiece.


[b]Ceramic Hello - The Absence of A Canary (1980)

Getting a little more esoteric now, colder, deeper. This is a minimal synthpop album with experimental elements. Full synthpop songs with a nostalgic and raw (if you will) mood, sprinkled throughout with whacky instrumental interludes ranging from atmospheric to downright odd. The full tracks get fairly odd too, with erratic and unconventional synth lines and reverb/delay riddled vocals. The third track, “Climactic Nouveaux”, is an iconic song for the style, at least I think so. That’s what I play for people to describe minimal wave, such a great track.


Crash Course In Science ‎– Signals From Pier Thirteen (1981)

Noisier here, kinda more abrasive. Industrial-ish sounds under the synthpop, it’s metallic, sharp, and brilliant. Almost a Suicide sound, but less no-wave. Pulsating and mechanical beats, female vocals.


Circuit 7 (1984)

This is the dance jams. Muffled percussion under the synths, which are highly new wave. Is that a saxophone? Hell yeah.


Pavillion 7B

Prominent French coldwavers. Great female vocals and dark beats.


Martin Dupont - Just Because (1984)

Some more guitar utilization like Solid Space. New. wave.

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