Clan of Xymox
Subsequent Pleasures
Metropolis Records

In the 80’s, The Netherlands gave birth to one of the finest electro-goth bands ever to grace the dance floors of dimly lit cavern clubs. This band was Clan of Xymox. Their original self released EP, "Subsequent Pleasures", was a limited vinyl pressing of 500 copies, and quickly sold out… The band went on to record their self-titled debut for 4AD records, and the rest is history. Metropolis records has re-issued this wonderful first release, but it doesn’t end there. Not willing to merely re-issue an album that has been previously issued, the fine people at Metropolis have added 5 more demo tracks from the original 4AD album as well. This collection is a Xymox fan’s delight!

Anyone familiar with the gothic movement of the mid to late 80’s is most probably familiar with at least one of the songs here… Whether it be "Muscoviet Mosquito", a track that was re-recorded for the 4AD eponymous release, or one of the demos from the same. The album begins with "Going Round", and "Muscoviet…" showing a young band with a bright future, and musical prowess. The goth elements are heavy in the music, showing the roots of this band deeply rooted in music such as Joy Division. "Strange 9 to 9" is awash with meandering, over-chorused guitar, and whining, heavily reverberated vocals. "Call It Weird" is more on the electronic side, focusing much more heavily on the keyboards. It is an interesting track to look at now, being able to glance back at what the band produced in the years to follow this release. The band takes on a Durutti Column air on "Abysmal Thoughts." The guitars delay, and the bass drives the song, wandering over a bed of tight rhythmic pounding.

The demos from the 4AD release are nice to hear as well, much more reminiscent of earlier Cure records at times, and much more heavily reliant on keyboards than the previous songs. It is interesting to see the way that the band progressed musically in such a short time, finding its own distinctive voice in a genre that denied individualism at the same time that it was trying to promote it.

This is a release that is a must for any fan of Clan of Xymox, or for any fan of the electro-goth sound. It is an interesting timepiece in the early career of what was to become one of the most important bands in the gothic field. And not only that, but it is pleasant to listen to as well.

–David DeVoe

Track Listing:

1. Going Round
2. Muscoviet Mosquito
3. Strange 9 to 9
4. Call It Weird
5. Abysmal Thoughts
6. A Day
7. Stumble and Fall
8. No Words
9. Stranger
10. Equal Ways
11. 7^th Time