Sowas Von Egal 2: German Synth Wave Underground 1981-1984 vinyl

It has been two years since the first 'Sowas Von Egal' compilation arrived courtesy of Hamburg label Bureau B and Hamburg party series Damaged Goods. The world is unrecognisable compared to then, but diving headfirst into a bunch of obscure tracks from one of Europe's countercultural epicentres, recorded during one of the country's most troubled but fascinating and creative periods, is still a wonderful experience. While tracks here veer from having one foot in indie punk to full blown electronic assaults, the energy levels are consistent throughout - in short, they all pack a punch, whether it's the runaway juggernaut of Vono's 'Fred Der Ritter' or the frenzied looped bleeps on 'Steig Den Luis Trenker' by 4712. Similarly, with distortions, fizzes, crackles and all manner of other audible DIY tells, it's hard to argue with the fact that everything here puts artistry first and foremost, giving commerciality short shrift.