CURSES Vinyl & CDs

Review: An EP that takes you through elevated 80s-inspired coldwave and synth soundscapes, matching nostalgia with modern production and featuring a seamless fusion of proto-techno, EBM and synth-pop. Side-1 opens with Deborah Sasson & MCL's 'Danger In Her Eyes' (Curses Revamp), a thrilling reimagination of new beat and synth-pop. The addition of vocal samples elevates its vintage essence, delivering a futuristic gem that's both haunting and danceable. Next, Andi's rework of 'Philadelphia Five's Not Leaving Without Jerry' injects energy with its uptempo groove, merging EBM rhythms with a dash of disco flair for an infectious, club-ready cut. Side-2 starts with 'House Fatale' (Curses Revamp) by JWB Hits The Beat, an ode to late 80s synth-pop akin to My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult. Chopped vocals and melodic synths create a hypnotic, era-defining vibe. Finally, Stockholm Syndrome AU's revamp of 'Voyou's Houseman' leans into heavier industrial and EBM tones, blending them for a powerful conclusion. This collection is a great example in reviving and reinventing vintage sounds, offering a fresh perspective on timeless styles.

Review: Berlin-based artist Curses is committed to the dark side of the dancefloor as an artist, and as this series on Eskimo proves he's also an authority on the seedier side of selecting, too. The first volume of Next Wave Acid Punx was a knockout success and so he's back for another round from the seemingly unending pools of EBM, industrial, synth-pop and minimal wave spanning the 80s through to the modern day. Given the sheer size of the compilation (covering no less than 49 tracks) it has to be split across separate chapters, with this double vinyl serving as Chapter 2 and featuring creepy masterpieces from the likes of Boytronic, Matrixxman and Dina Summer.