Electronic Sound Magazine

12 September 2019

We’re all over Japan for the next issue of Electronic Sound, with our focus on the ‘Obscure Alternatives’ and ‘Quiet Life’ albums, issued in 1978 and 1979 respectively, and the group’s transformation from glam rock outsiders to smart synthpop superstars. Our cover feature explores this fascinating and often fractious period of the band’s story in detail and includes contributions from all four surviving members – David Sylvian, Richard Barbieri, Rob Dean and Steve Jansen. We have plenty of other great interviews elsewhere in the magazine, including Sheffield electronic pioneer Adi Newton, best known as the prime mover of Clock DVA and The Anti-Group, and Factory Records legends Section 25. We also talk to psych soundscapers 65daysofstatic and London synth obsessive Alice Hubble, while Flaming Lips man Wayne Coyne reveals his influences and Graham Massey recalls the making of 808 State‘s ‘Pacific State’. There’s lots more besides – have we mentioned Richard H Kirk or Suicide or Polypores yet? – plus our usual jam-packed front section and full-to-bursting album reviews pages. Quiet life? Not on your nelly.