What do you get when you combine the 80s-influenced indie pop of the Drums, the early post-punk days of the Cure, the slow-building dark moodiness of Black Sabbath’s self-titled, and the unforgiving industrial noise of Nine Inch Nails? For this season’s Spindle Jam, we feature in our stores records you’ll love if all these sing to your soul. Here’s some you’ll see up on our current walls.

The Smiths – The Smiths

Why of course—the 1984 debut of the iconic band is something any collector can’t miss. It marries miserable lyrics with signature guitar jangles. The contrast is something that’s influenced generations to come. Even Brand New’s Jesse Lacey has cited the band as an inspiration.

Joy Division – Closer

The second and final record from the band, released two months after Ian Curtis’ passing. If you’re a fan of the Cure’s early days (heck, their entire discography, even), you’ll want to check this out. Some fans even like it better than Unknown Pleasures.

Counterparts – You’re Not You Anymore

Here’s something heavier. Melodic hardcore might not be for everyone and is quite the leap from the aforementioned artists, but keep your mind open, and you’ll find there’s much to discover. This record is close to the atmosphere of the likes of Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral and Black Sabbath’s first release.

Elvis Depressedly – New Alhambra

Inspired by childhood and wrestling, the band’s fuzzy cult record is something that could have been formed out of a myriad of records from different eras. On one end, we have touches of electronic akin to Depeche Mode’s Violator, and on the other, we have the gloomy folk quality that could have stemmed out the likes of Leonard Cohen. More direct influences would probably be alternative acts such as Into It. Over It. and their contemporaries.

The Horrors – V

The tormented but strangely uplifting world of this record is easily comparable to REM’s Murmur, the Fall’s This Nation’s Saving Grace, and Echo & the Bunnymen’s Porcupine. Post-punk and shoegaze come together to create a masterful work familiar with anyone who’s spent time with any of the above.

Everything here is available in our stores. For more of this, drop by one of the branches and check out our Vinyl Essentials wall.

Words by Kurvine Chua
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Satchmi, 4F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall
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