X Mal Deutschland
This experimental and atmospheric band formed in the autumn of 1980 and were based in Hamburg, Germany. With no previous musical experience, the essential components were Anja Huwe (vocals), Manuela Rickers (guitar), and Fiona Sangster (keyboards). Original members Rita Simon and Caro May were replaced by Wolfgang Ellerbrock (bass) and Manuela Zwingmann (drums). Insisting on singing in their mother tongue and refusing to be visually promoted as a ‘female’ band (Ellerbrock is the ‘token’ male), they have continued to plough a singular, and largely lonely, furrow since their inception. They first came to England in 1982 to support the Cocteau Twins, joining 4AD Records soon afterwards. The debut FETISCH highlighted a sound which tied them firmly to both their Germanic ancestry and the hallmark spectral musicianship of their new label. Huwe's voice in particular, was used as a fifth instrument which made the cultural barrier redundant. After the release of two well-received singles, Qual and Incubus Succubus II, they lost drummer Zwingmann who wished to remain in England. Her replacement was Peter Bellendir who joined in time for rehearsals for the second album.