Martin L. Gore: Counterfeit (album review)
Counterfeit was Martin L. Gore's first solo release outside of Depeche Mode. A collection of six covers ranging from The Durutti Column to Sparks, Gore's voice is here allowed to shine through rather than being relegated to backing vocals or only appearing on the more poignant ballads of the Depeche back catalogue that were less suited to nominal frontman Dave Gahan's vocal style. [read more]

Robotman: Do Da Doo (single review)
NovaMute released Robotman's 'Do Da Doo' in the UK in August 1994, licensing the track from Definitive. The key draw of this release is the expansive Richie 'Plastikman' Hawtin acid house remix. Across the 12", limited 12" and CD there are additional remixes from Richard Michaels (aka Robotman) and David Holmes. [read more]

Depeche Mode: New Life (single review)
If Depeche Mode's 'Dreaming Of Me' was tentative, 'New Life' – the first single to be taken from the band's debut album Speak & Spell – was a significant step upwards in confidence. [read more]

Various Artists: Mute Bank Compilation (album review)
Mute Bank Compilation is a double CD, thirty-three track compilation made to promote Mute's direct shop, Mute Bank. Mute Bank was based at 429 Harrow Road in London, a Mute's HQ for many years which also housed their Worldwide studio. Upon the establishment of Mute Bank, it was easier than ever before to mine the Mute back catalogue, with the label releasing two supporting glossy catalogues containing a wealth of biographical information on their artists as well as full discographies of the label's releases. [read more]

Parallax: Push For The Love Of Life (single review)
The project of Jason Young, Parallax were a bratty outfit grappling with the vernacular of hardcore rave, mixing those sounds with harsh industrial noise blasts and the type of rapping favoured by the likes of Pop Will Eat Itself. 'Push For The Love Of Life' would prove to be one of just two singles released by the band before promptly disbanding. [read more]