Naked Lunch – 80s Singles (Vinyl Album – Peripheral Minimal)
Genre/Influences: New-wave, wave-pop.
Background/Info: Naked Lunch saw the daylight in 1979 (!). They released some production during the early 80s and are back into business since a couple of years now. “80s Singles” brings us back to their early work featuring the six songs from their first three singles released in between 1981 and 1984.
Content: You’ll instantly recognize the typical 80s sound and arrangements. There’s a kind of wave-pop influence emerging from their music, which might appeal for lovers of Blancmange (especially at “You Tie Me Down”) and Soft Cell (especially at “Make Believe”).
+ + + : The 80s spirit is easily recognizable and the saxophone play running through “Laugh Your Mind Away” is an extra element reinforcing this typical spirit. This work is pure nostalgia. It’s not exactly the dark-wave style from the 80s British scene that comes alive, but some of the typical ‘pop’ experiments. The opening song “Rabies” is without a shadow of a doubt the best cut from this (mini)-album.
– – – : Naked Lunch is a name that will for sure make ring a bell, but they clearly never got mega-hits such as aforementioned bands Blancmange or Soft Cell.
Conclusion: I can’t say this early work is groundbreaking although an essential piece for collectors.
Best songs: “Rabies”, “You Tie Me Down”.
Rate: (6½).
Artist: https://nakedlunchofficial.com / www.facebook.com/NAKDLUNCH1
Label: www.peripheralminimal.co.uk / www.facebook.com/PeripheralMinimal
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