Martin Rev

In 1980, Martin Rev released his eponymous debut solo record, following the second Suicide LP. This album is considered one of the most seminal works in the early years of electronic music.

Martin Rev recalls the circumstances surrounding the creation of his solo disc: "At that time, soon after the release of the first Suicide album, Marty Thau (founder of Red Star Records) asked me if we could do a solo record. It was decided by all of us that it might be too soon, even though Marty was thinking of an instrumental album as well. I knew Charles Ball quite well - his new label Lust/Unlust had, until then, only put out singles and EPs. One night, I went into an empty CBGB's, I had a feeling that he might be there and would approach me on the idea. He was, and he came right over to me and asked me if I would make an album, his first on the label."

The tension between his hypnotic drum machine salvoes and Alan Vega’s irrepressibly expressive voice on stage or in the studio created an electrifying mix. These six supremely minimal compositions were impactful even without Vega’s voice.

The enchanting simplicity of the beautiful bubblegum melodies in the opening pieces "Mari" and "Baby Oh Baby" is evident. Like a clandestine heart, embedded in dissonant textures and infinite rhythm loops, the music echoes the doo-wop and rock 'n' roll songs of New York.

Martin Rev's own music is etched with an incongruousness that reflects the influence of the city. Suicide’s records and the solo works of Martin Rev stand out from their European contemporaries like Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, or Jean-Michel Jarre.

Despite being described as dystopian psychedelia, the music glows with warmth. The sounds grab you instantly and, through endless repetition, never let you go. Martin Rev's 1980 debut offers insight into the beginnings of an impressive solo career that influenced successive generations of artists.

This album remains as enthralling today as it was upon its initial release. - Daniel Jahn, July 2023.

Tracklisting
A1. Mari
A2. Baby O Baby
A3. Nineteen 86
B1. Temptation
B2. Jomo
B3. Asia