Unfortunately, we seem to have hit a scheduling conflict for a lot of folks last weekend, and so this weekend, Katt is running S8E3 as an encore event! Be sure to come along, you surely won't want to miss this one a second time!
British synth-pop is a subgenre of new wave music that first became prominent in the late 1970s and features the synthesizer as the dominant musical instrument. It is characterized by its use of electronic drums, synthesizers, and catchy melodies. British synth-pop bands often had a visual style that was influenced by glam rock, science fiction, and romanticism.
Some of the most popular British synth-pop bands include:
The Human League
Soft Cell
Duran Duran
Spandau Ballet
Depeche Mode
Yazoo
OMD
Japan
Ultravox
British synth-pop reached its commercial peak in the winter of 1981–2, when many of these bands enjoyed top ten hits. The Human League's and Soft Cell's UK number one singles "Don't You Want Me" and "Tainted Love" became the best selling singles in the UK in 1981. In early 1982 synthesizers were so dominant that the Musicians' Union attempted to limit their use. By the end of 1982, these acts had been joined in the charts by synth-based singles from Thomas Dolby, Blancmange, and Tears for Fears.
The New Romantic scene had developed in the London nightclubs Billy's and the Blitz and was associated with bands such as Duran Duran, Visage, and Spandau Ballet. They adopted an elaborate visual style that combined elements of glam rock, science fiction and romanticism. Spandau Ballet were the first band of the movement to have a hit single as the synth-driven "To Cut a Long Story Short" reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1980. Visage's "Fade to Grey", characteristic of synth-pop and a major influence on the genre, reached the top ten a few weeks later.
British synth-pop continued to be popular throughout the 1980s, and many of the bands from this era remain popular today. The genre has also influenced a wide range of other music, including electronic dance music, indie pop, and alternative rock.
Here are some of the most influential British synth-pop albums:
The Human League - Dare (1981)
Soft Cell - Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret (1981)
Duran Duran - Rio (1982)
Spandau Ballet - True (1983)
Depeche Mode - Speak & Spell (1981)
Yazoo - Upstairs at Eric's (1982)
OMD - Organisation (1980)
Japan - Tin Drum (1981)
Ultravox - Vienna (1980)
British synth-pop is a vibrant and diverse genre that has had a lasting impact on popular music. It is a genre that is full of catchy melodies, innovative sounds, and stylish visuals. If you are a fan of electronic music, pop music, or new wave music, then you should definitely check out British synth-pop.