Clans Gathered

 

Clan Of Xymox - Clan Of Xymox [CAD 503 UK 1985]

If alternative/indie music was your thing during the luminescent 4AD period then you would likely know this album. Dutch bands weren't the flavour of the moment between 1983 & 1985, John Peel helped greatly (see my last post).  Then Ivo did his very best with this young band from Nijmegen, he helped them update their sound & gave them a deal then co-produced their first proper album for the label. 

Taking the basics of gloomy gothica & distorted guitars and the addition of electronics and pounding beats gave us the mighty A Day/Stranger double A-side single. The inclusion of simple hooks & lush synth-strings took things to the next level. The almost mandatory line-up changes and band fractures found a more electronic/techno Xymox on a major label, but this time with 4AD was without any doubt their best period. Sadly the controlling factors behind the modern 4AD have not felt inspired enough to reissue this record.

So then, it's time to backcomb your hair and dig out the black lipstick, it's time for Clan Of Xymox.

A1 A Day

A2 No Words

A3 Stumble And Fall

A4 Cry In The Wind

B1 Stranger

B2 Equal Ways

B3 7th Time

B4 No Human Can Drown