China Crisis - Page 2

Another:

I remember looking all over the place for this disc when I first heard them. Can't fathom why they weren't a bigger hit in the states - but I saw them in concert in and around NY a few times and these guys were very special. The allusions to Steely Dan are certainly correct in the progressive and somewhat haunting style of music (as well as the WB collaboration on the present disc). Though all of their albums are quite good Flaunt is clearly the best.

Working with Fire and Steel - Possible Pop Songs, Vol. 2

Highly and richly melodic, hook laden, catchy synth riffs and drums and guitar is only a sample of ways to describe this 1983 release from China Crisis. Crisis never received much air play statewise on regular top 40; it reached more of a main staple or cult new wave group status for college stations or pre-alternative album stations. Make no mistake, vocals are very Euro sounding though lead singer sang in English. There are slight resemblances to early Depeche Mode, Heaven 17, Oingo Boingo, Wang Chung yet China Crisis still had their own distinct sound or quality (more warmth than pizzaz). More dance oriented material for the early club goers of the 80's (but certainly no disco music). Track like When the Piper Calls is reminiscent Depeche Mode while the song Hanna Hanna has a Wang Chung feel before Wang Chung made it big! There are a few tracks such as Here Comes A Raincloud with it's slow tempo and melancholy drum programmed-synth sound that can still convey a haunting-somber atmosphere with a violin sounding backdrop.Another treasure of a track is the smooth flowing Wishful Thinking with it's mid-tempo feel, calming vocals and wailing background sax work and acoustic/electric guitar! This is a must have for any music collecting afficionados with an eclectic taste and a streak of nostalgia in them!. . . After 20 years one of the very few and best pop albums that has aged well. . .

Others:

Diary of Hollow Horse (1990)
Warped By Success (1994)
Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms (1994)

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