release date: Mar. 21, 1991
format: vinyl (EL 0115-1) / cd (1993)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,68]
producer: David Motion
label: Elektra Denmark - nationality: Denmark
Track highlights: A) 1. "Biology" - 2. "Strawberry Coat" (4 / 5) - 3. "Going Away" - 4. "Sisters in Legs" (4 / 5) - 5. "Believe in Me" - - B) 4. "Biology (Reprise)" - 5. "Buck" - 6. "Thermometer Song"
4th studio album (sometimes listed as the third - see below) by Gangway released on Elektra Denmark and reissued in '93 by Genlyd. The album was practically nearly five years in the making due to problems finding a proper record label during a time of tormoil. The band had been buried by many due to its split with former label Irmgardz..., the 'promised' international breakthrough simply didn't materialise after the acclaimed Sitting in the Park (1986), which had sent the band in the arms of huge label PolyGram on the sublabel of London Records, who crafted the alternate version (Jul. '88), and the band only found themselves released from their new contract due to conflicting interests between manager, sublabel and PolyGram. The band returned to Denmark and continued playing their older material. Still without a record contract they then went on an Asian tour in early '89, again, with a setlist primarily focusing on their early songs. Tensions within the band resulted in drummer Gorm Ravn-Jonsen then decided to leave Gangway reduced to a trio. Back in Denmark they now signed with Elektra Denmark (subdivision of Elektra) and they seemed finally in a position to focus on a new album. For the recording sessions the band remains a trio with composer of all songs, Henrik Balling as guitarist & backing vocalist, Allan Jensen on lead vocals (no longer playing bass), and with Torben Johansen on keyboards & backing vocals. Additionally, Kai Bojsen-Møller is now credited on drums but isn't an official member of the band - though he would be after the release - and Jesper Siberg (formerly member of Scatterbrain) is credited 'sound design'. On the album's back cover there's a photo of the three aforementioned (staple) members, and Bojsen-Møller's name is put with a clear blank spot after Balling, Jensen, and Johansen. Anyway, it's also quite obvious that there's hardly any use of traditional drums on the album.
Stylistically, this is closer to the style of Pet Shop Boys than they have ever been and it's clearly with focus on synth-pop with strict arrangements. What may seem like an odd choice is that the album is produced by David Motion, who also produced the rather unsuccesful '88 version of Sitting in the Park, but I guess the reassuring take is that the new album is made with a sound designer, 'cause frankly, Motion didn't exactly help shaping the right sound on the predecessor.
I recall, how several reviews were positive about the album when it came out but soon I also noticed how little attention it was paid by the national media and radio stations. It sort of marked a stylistic change the public hadn't expected. I for one was more than pleased about it, and still cannot understand why "Strawberry Coat" wasn't a bigger hit than "My Girl and Me" from the predecessor. Like "Sisters in Legs" it's quite original and catchy and absolutely great when played loud. I guess, the whole world had tuned in on grunge rock and neo-psychedelia, and if there's an opposite to that movement, it might be polished synth-pop, which explains why it didn't draw the attention it rightfully deserves. The album didn't bring the band new prizes and roughly sold about 20.000 copies. With Elektra the band continued its unfortunate tradition with weak management, or especially: poor promotion. Elektra Denmark simply didn't have the means to finance music videos and already as of Autumn '91 the band broke with Elektra, and stood without a contract...
Unfortunately, the vinyl pressing of the album wasn't that good, to put it mildly, so I had to purchase the cd as well. Building on a New Order and Pet Shop Boys-sound of familiar synth-pop, the album may not be the artistically most original album, but I find it the band's most solidly coherent with a bunch of great songs making it no less than their best album altogether.
Naturally recommended!
[ collectors' item ]
