Wolfsheim were a synthpop duo of Markus Reinhardt (music) and Peter Heppner (lyrics and vocals) from Hamburg, Germany founded in 1987 named after Meyer Wolfsheim, a character from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel ‘The Great Gatsby’. The band's musical style takes cues from the 1980s New Romantics, new wave, synthpop, and darkwave. They produced their first demo tape, “Ken Manage”, in 1988. After making aa second demo tape, “Any But Pretty”, in 1989, Wolfsheim caught the attention of independent record label Strange Ways. Wolfsheim are best known for their 1991 single "The Sparrow And The Nightingales" produced by Carlos Peron of Yello. Reinhardt says the lyrics were inspired by 'onomatopoeic tension' between predator and security. Over six minutes, the narrator describes being lost, unsure of where his life is heading, using highly metaphorical language. On the flip is the 'Ode To The Night Remix' by Ancient Methods, who provides a driving, EBM-leaning, amphetamine-laced club ready cut.
All songs have been remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. Designer Eloise Leigh has updated the single's original design with two sparrows enclosed in a blood moon circle against a deep black purple backdrop. This release comes in time to celebrate the single’s 30th anniversary.
supported by 21 fans who also own “The Sparrow And The Nightingales”
It's uncanny just how good Actors is at emulating that Post-Punk synth sound from my younger days.
Each listen just gets better and better. I feel slightly ashamed for not having heard this album until a few short days ago. modestwriggles
Fontaine SMC are two French artists who have joined forces to share what they call “positive nostalgia” in their rubbery electropop songs. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 6, 2021