The Names (names) is a Belgian band that played post - punk style from Brussels .
The names | |
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basic information | |
Genre | postpunk |
Years | 1978 - 1982 |
A country | Belgium |
City | Brussels |
Language of songs | English |
Label | WEA |
Composition |
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Other projects | "Jazz" |
History
Founded in 1978 on the initiative of bassist and songwriter Michael of Sordinia. After several local appearances as The Passengers, the name was changed to the release of the first single, Spectators of Life, released under the label WEA in 1979.
The band very much wanted to contact the British label and eventually connected with “Factory Records” on the performance of “ Joy Division ” in a place called Plan K in Brussels . “The Names” recorded “Nightshift” in Manchester in August 1980 with producer Martin Hennet . The single is represented by the all-encompassing sound of “The Names”: dark, melancholic, slightly mysterious and strange sound, similar to the sound of such groups as “ Magazine ”, “ Comsat Angels ”, “Joy Division” and the early “ New Order ”, with excellent lyrics and keyboards .
“The Names” struck up a long and worthwhile relationship with genius Hennet, who also recorded their next single “Calcutta” (Factory Benelux, 1981) and their debut album, “Swimming” (Les Disques du Crepuscule, 1982). With him, the group has created a juicy and catchy melodic sound.
The group performed in Belgium, the Netherlands , Luxembourg and France , and was also invited to perform in Manchester in July 1980 at The Beach Club . When “The Names” were delayed, “New Order” performed for the first time after the termination of “Joy Division” activities.
The last single "The Names" - "The Astronaut" was released in 1982, again produced by Martin Hennet, who by then separated from "Factory Records". However, the postpunk era was ending, and the group split.
In 1995, the original composition of the trio - Michael Smordinia ( Michel Sordinia ; vocals, bass), Marc DePrez ( Marc Deprez ; guitar) and Christophe Den Tandt ( Christophe Den Tandt ; keys) - reunited under the name “Jazz”, releasing one album, “ Nightvision.
Links
- The Names on Allmusic (English)