ABC Vinyl & CDs

Review: This is a deluxe reissue of a real pop classic from back in 1997. ABC is a group that traces its origins back to Vice Versa, a Sheffield band formed in 1977 by Stephen Singleton and Mark White. They released the Music 4 EP after founding Neutron Records and Martin Fry, creator of the fanzine Modern Drugs, interviewed Vice Versa before later joining as synth player. By 1980, the band transformed into ABC, with Fry assuming lead vocals. The lineup included Fry, Glenn Gregory of Heaven 17, and Keith Lowndes. Though their debut album received acclaim from critics, it didn't achieve widespread commercial success. Despite this, ABC's fusion of pop and electronic elements laid the groundwork for their future iconic sound.

Review: To the delight of the 80s synth-pop faithful holding on to the decade prior, Martin Fry revived ABC in 1997 after a five-year hiatus. It's noticeable that Fry wasn't interested in repeating old tricks though, as he took the band in a new direction alongside Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory without losing that keen sense of songwriting magic that made ABC so popular the first time around. Loaded with emotionally charged reflections on life, the universe and everything, this is a welcome pressing on blue and white marble vinyl which is limited to 1000 copies.