Between Two Fires ‎– Between Two Fires 12''(Limited Edition) & Dirk & The Mercenaries 12''

Between Two Fires was an obscure New Jersey band that released two records that were completely different from each other. Originally a four-piece, the band self-released a 12”EP in 1987 in very limited quantities. In true DIY fashion, it came in a plain die-cut sleeve with the band’s name stickered on the front. The second 12” came out a few years later and was also self-released, in a plain sleeve with a very well-done silkscreened front and back sleeve (shades of Eleven Pond, perhaps?) The songs on the band’s debut are mid-tempo synthpop tracks with female vocals. The songs sound a bit influenced by the poppier aspects of groups like the Human League and Berlin, with layers of synthesizers and female vocals. While the songs sometimes betray their age with the glittering polished sound of a lot of bands from that era (well, at least as polished as a low-budget DIY band can get), it’s quite an enjoyable record. "No Reason" is a solid song, with airy synth lines anchored by deep bass playing that echoes the Cure or New Order. The mellow “In Your Arms” is my favourite, with its layers of tribal drumming and percussion, subdued but effective bass and guitars, and vocals that are melancholy and entirely hypnotic.

After the debut was released, the band suffered from internal strife and two of the four members left - the bassist and the vocalist & chief songwriter. Such a change would undo virtually all other bands, but the two remaining members soldiered on, with the lead guitarist assuming the song writing duties. The duo expanded threefold, and as a sextet they recorded one final record, the confusingly titled Dirk and the Mercenaries (confusing, because that seems more apt as a band name, and the front cover even seems to indicate that).

The band’s second 12” was self-released in 1990 and aside from a similar style of bass playing; it sounds virtually nothing like the first release. Both tracks are six-to-seven minute opuses, and they looked toward Europe - especially France and the UK - for a pretty big stylistic deviation. Along with fellow New Jersey band Screaming for Emily the B-side of this record is some of the best “touching pop” style coldwave released in the USA. It’s as if the band locked themselves in a room for a year with nothing but the Lively Art catalogue to keep them company. The track “Ghost Dance” starts off with a Native American war dance yell sampled from an obscure 70s Western film before kicking into a mid-tempo coldwave song that combines the repetitive drum machines and rhythms of Shadow-era Iron Curtain with melodic but noisy guitars almost completely isolated on the right speaker channel and perfectly dark vocals with a slightly British affectation. While this song does go on a bit longer than necessary without developing too much, the B-side “Sand” is the band’s true masterpiece and even at seven-plus minutes it feels like it’s over too soon. Everything about this song is absolutely wonderful; from the atmospheric synths to the quick-paced drums and drum machines to the guitar riffs and the perfectly melancholy vocals.

A quick Internet search turns up absolutely nothing about the band’s debut record (aside from the songs posted on youtube by the band’s original bassist and the background info about the band). This truly seems to be one of those completely lost bands. Hopefully with this post they will belatedly find a little bit of much-deserved recognition.

The self-titled Between Two Fires 12" EP stands as a striking testament to the underground darkwave movement of the late 1980s. Recorded at Graphic Sound Studio in Manville, New Jersey, this rare private press release perfectly captures the brooding, atmospheric essence of the era. Musically, it delivers a haunting fusion of goth rock, new wave, and synth-pop that is defined by driving basslines, swirling keyboard textures, and ethereal vocals. The production, helmed by Gregory Frey, balances the raw energy of an independent band with a polished, cavernous soundscape that rewards fans of the genre.

From a visual and collectible standpoint, the packaging reflects the enigmatic charm of the independent music scene. Originally issued in a minimalist black sleeve adorned with a simple band sticker, the release relies on its music and scarcity to make an impact. Original, sealed copies are highly prized for their distinctive gold "Special Limited Edition" sticker affixed to the shrink-wrap. Inside, the inclusion of a custom, illustrated lyric and credits insert offers a rare glimpse into the band's creative identity, formally documenting the contributions of core members Jude Elizabeth, Joseph Pla, Daniel Morgan, and David Stuart Gibson.

The companion release, Dirk & The Mercenaries 12" EP (catalog number FBM-001B), further solidifies the band's musical legacy. Released in 1989, this EP expands on their signature sonic palette with standout tracks like "White Eyes (Ghost Dance)", "Sand", and "In Your Arms". These songs showcase a sophisticated songwriting ability, blending melancholic melodies with a pulsing, danceable rhythm section. The record serves as a capsule of a specific moment in time when post-punk and synth-driven darkwave were intersecting in the American underground, making it a compelling listen from start to finish.

Today, both records are considered holy grails for collectors of obscure gothic rock and new wave vinyl. Because they were self-released without major label distribution, surviving copies are exceptionally scarce and rarely surface on the open market. When they do appear on platforms like Discogs, they command premium prices, often fetching upwards of £90 to £120+ depending on the condition of the wax and the presence of the original insert. Ultimately, these EPs are not just historical artifacts; they are vital, atmospheric pieces of music that continue to captivate vinyl enthusiasts decades after their initial pressings.

Originally ripped By Frankie Teardrop @ Systems Of Romance 

Between Two Fires: Self-Titled EP, 1987, Chapperal Music MP3

A1.  In Your Arms

A2.  Tomorrow

B1.  No Reason (Sagebrush Mix)

B2.  For Your Love - Note: This is a cover version of the song originally performed by The Yardbirds.

Dirk And The Mercenaries 12”, 1990, No Label MP3

A.     White Eyes (Ghost Dance)

B.     Sand