Ein-St-Ein :: Varsavia (Bordello A Parigi)

Ein-St-Ein is an excellent addition to the Bordello catalogue. The Netherlands’ label has been developing along very interesting lines, mixing styles and times throughout.

[Release page] Filing a sound into a specific genre is a grey enough affair. There are elements of x here, but it sounds more like y. The latest on Bordello A Paraigi falls into this category. Alongside the rise of Italo Disco was another: Synth Wave. This heading can encapsulate the sounds of New Wave, Minimal Synth and some aspects of Post Punk. Ein-St-Ein are a group that somewhat toe the line of Italo and Wave sounds. The twosome have languished in obscurity for decades. These early Synth Wave artists, until this Summer, had released one track. Their “Varasvia” featured on two compilations, one on tape and the other on vinyl. Both releases came out on Celesta Records some twenty plus years ago. Now this lost track has been revived on a full EP.

The core of the 12” is the title track. Both LP and Cassette versions have been revisited for this re-issue. The track is analogue gold. It drips with 1980s heartbreak. A slow moving piece punctuated with a sorrowful melody, but it is the vocals that stand centre stage. The lyrics, blending Italian with overly pronounced English, carry a haunting and unrequited emotion in them. The difference between the LP and Cassette versions are negligible, the latter having more of a demo feel. First time on wax is “Warsaw.” The track is a peculiar reversal of “Varsavia,” vocals and melodies turned back on themselves. For the finale Ein-St-Ein’s other alias, Sinners, is resuscitated with the early wave sounds of “Uomo Di Beirut.” The last has an indie post punk slant, originally out on Celesta in ’84.

Ein-St-Ein is an excellent addition to the Bordello catalogue. The Netherlands’ label has been developing along very interesting lines, mixing styles and times throughout. There’s part of me that thinks this latest piece of archaeology might have been undertaken alongside Moustache Records. Despite not having a direct link, David Vunk’s imprint recently re-issued Neurox from Celesta. Varasvia comes from an age of Synth Wave brilliance. The title tracks the meat of the 12” and the more accomplished, but the two extra pieces have their merits. A wonderful reissue.

Varasavia is available on Bordello A Parigi. [Release page]