Initially named L360 and formed in Harrow (Greater London, UK) in 1979, Blancmange are one of the most respected British groups that came out of new wave synthpop scene of the late 70s and early 80s. Inspired by electronic music and Oriental elements, during their over a decade long existence, they have delivered three full length albums and few compilations marked by high quality rhythms and melodies. Neil Arthur's deep and manic vocal was just a cherry on the top of magnificent audio experience Blancmange were giving us. They broke up in 1987, but made their big comeback in 2007 and they are still active. Ready to timetravel to the first part of their career?
Vocalist and guitarist Neil Arthur and instrumentalist Stephen Luscombe were attending the same college and shared the love for electronic music. Shortly after they've met, they started with the work on their first demo which gave birth to one of their first songs - Sad Day. They have sent the tape to the local DJ and the owner of label Some Bizzare Records, Stevou. As Stevou was impressed by the track, he decided to include it on the various artists compilation Some Bizzare Album which also included songs of yet unknown acts such as Depeche Mode, Soft Cell and The The. The initial formation also incorporated the drummer Lawrence Stevens who was soon replaced by rhythm machine. In 1980, they are releasing their debut EP Irene and Macis for independent label Concentration Baby that was owned by Dave Clark Five. Although the EP was critically well received, the audience didn't really care. With Nash The Slash, they go on the local tour around London. It wasn't until 1982 that they have started recording again. I Would, Living On The Ceiling, Waves and Running Thin were placed on John Peel Session of legendary British DJ and producer and these songs will be played on BBC Radio 1.
After a whole year of searching for their individual style, they have signed a contract deal with London Records and dropped the first single God's Kitchen/I've Seen The World from their debut album Happy Families. The single debuted on 65th spot of UK Chart, while album peaked at number 30 (but it remained on the charts for 38 weeks). Third single taken from their critically praised debut, Living On The Ceiling for which they made a video in Egypt, reached #7 on UK Singles Chart, and went on to become thee biggest hit of their career. Grandiose ballad Waves was also a big success as a single. Promotional song for their sophomore album, a track titled Blind Vision, entered top 10 on the chart and helped Mange Tout to become their most successful album. The album saw appearances from Dolette McDonald, Jocelyn Brown, Neil Jason, Orange Juice, Malcolm Ross and David McClymont.
As Brits became less interested in synthpop music, Whats Your Problem, the first single from their third album did not achieve a lot. The same was the case with the album Believe In Me.
In 2007, Blancmange teased a comeback via their MySpace page, two decades after their breakup. Was their fourth album worth the wait? Stream it and let me know. Happy spotlighting.
