Model 500 - Night Drive (Thru Babylon)

Still surprised this is from '85 and had always assumed it was from 2-3 years later than that despite knowing 'Clear' and 'The Chase' before this one. 'Night Drive' is a clear link between the two really in terms of how Atkins seemed to be getting to grips with the technology at his disposal and flirting with the emerging acid sound, building on his Kraftwerk-influenced electro template.

Interesting how much Atkins used (his own) vocals in comparison to his peers. Although murky and shrouded there's elements of humour here ("Excuse me but isn't a black leather micro-miniskirt a bit much?!" or something like it at 3:20) within the general menacing air.

Model 500 - Night Drive (Thru Babylon)

Cabaret Voltaire - Just Fascination

Stark basslines and skeletal beats from an industrial city in decay. I love CV's dancier moments and their resolute, hypnotic effect. About a year before this release Blancmange's 'Feel Me' took a similar approach, building around a harsher and slightly more powerful electronic bassline. But 'Feel Me' runs out of steam somewhat halfway through with Neil Arthur's repeated invitation to "feel the pain!" and the accompanying diva yelps amounting to little but an urge to move on. 'Just Fascination' avoids this trap by concentrating more on ambience, recurring synth and guitar flourishes strained and warped to create an equally exotic and intense picture but with Steve Mallinder's vocals more reserved and driven.



Cabaret Voltaire - Just Fascination