Back catalogue: Coldwave/Synth

Review: There's no better example of a follow-up LP this week than Nation Of Language's 'A Way Forward', which brings up the rear and engulfs 'Introduction', the band's 2020 debut. Put simply, this album is krautrocky, whereas the last one was closer to synthpop. This subtle change came as a result of Ian Devaney, Aidan Noell, and Michael Sue-Poi attempting to "trace the roots of their sound", "hoping to learn something from the early influences of our early influences", from big names like Can through to Laurie Spiegel and Cluster. Recorded through the past year's lockdowns, a long-form mood of relentless melancholy is the result, blending driving drum machines with intense reverb and yearning male vocals - 'The Grey Commute' and 'Former Self' being emotive highlights. Keep an eye for the limited red and blue split vinyl version of this one.

Review: One of many names in the pantheons of Tokyo's electronic music triumphs, despite their acclaim, reverence among boffins, and the sprinkling of high profile UK remixers that helped spread their output further (copies of reworkings by The Black Dog, Autechre and Global Communication fetch a fair song on the resale market) most will never have heard about Nav Katze. Their loss, and one we'd like to put right if possible.

Formed in 1984 as a trio - Naoko Iimura (guitar), Miwako Yamaguchi (vocals and bass), and Shino Furutachi (drums) - the band would put out two well received record on SWITCH before migrating to the far more prominent label Victor Music Industries for 1991's Kanki, at which point three became two with Furutachi stepping down. This package showcases not only why their original material was so sought after, with trance notes, IDM and ambient and pop meeting in beautiful soundscapes - but also what can happen when new parties get involved, with remixes from Aphex Twin, Sun Electric and Disjecta included.

Review: In 1984, Gary Numan launched Numa Records and started a new phase in his career with the release of Berserker. This album introduced a harder-edged digital sound into his canon while maintaining the analogue textures of his earlier work. It's a testament to the fact that Numan's creative evolution never stopped and blends both personal and fictional narratives into haunting tracks like 'My Dying Machine,' 'This Is New Love' and 'Berserker.' The remastered double vinyl edition includes the original album with bonus tracks that add extra perspective to this pivotal period in his career.

Review: In celebration of its 45th anniversary, Paste Magazine's esteemed #1 synth-pop album, Sparks' No. 1 in Heaven, receives an exclusive double vinyl release this Record Store Day. This seminal work, produced by Giorgio Moroder, set an early standard for electronic music. Accompanying this masterpiece is Sparks' lesser-known gem, 'Is There More to Life Than Dancing?' produced for LA-based singer Noel in 1979. Together, these albums epitomise the Maels' innovative electronic spirit and visionary foresight into the next decade. Revered by bands like Joy Division and Duran Duran, No. 1 in Heaven was hailed as the greatest synth-pop album ever by Paste Magazine. The anniversary release comes on coloured vinyl and rightly commemorates Sparks' enduring creativity.