Allez Allez’s 1982 single "Valley of the Kings" is a landmark of Belgian post-punk that seamlessly blends moody new wave with sophisticated, world-influenced funk. Produced by Martyn Ware (of Heaven 17), the 12" title track is a dark, atmospheric piece defined by Sarah Osborne's sultry vocals and hypnotic, vaguely Middle Eastern-inspired instrumentation, while the B-side, "Wrap Your Legs (Around Your Head)," offers a tighter, jazz-funk groove. Critics praise the record for its high-gloss production and rhythmic complexity, regarding it as a "hidden gem" that bridged the gap between avant-garde dance music and 1980s pop sophistication.
The 1982 Valley of the Kings 12" by Allez Allez stands as a high-water mark for the Belgian "baroque" new wave scene, distinguished by its high-gloss production and rhythmic sophistication. Produced by Martyn Ware (Heaven 17, Human League), the record is praised for its "syrupy darkness" and the way it blends fey indie sensibilities with vaguely Arabic instrumentation and studio effects. The title track features the sultry, strong alto vocals of Sarah Osborne, which reviewers have compared to the "celebratory ecstasy" of contemporary Lizzy Mercier Descloux. Modern retrospectives often highlight Ware’s influence, specifically the "trademark chanted backing vocal hooks" that would later define Heaven 17 hits like "Crushed By The Wheels of Industry".
Critical reception has historically been split between praise for the band's musical tight-knit grooves and occasional skepticism regarding their lyrical content. While some critics at the time dismissed the lyrics as "unfortunately pretentious," others celebrated the record as a "true gem" of the post-punk era that effectively "hits the sweet spots of the soul and the pelvis". The B-side, "Wrap Your Legs (Around Your Head)," is frequently cited as a standout for its "unusually accented bongos" and tight, funk-jazz energy, drawing favorable comparisons to the rhythmic precision of Haircut 100. Today, the single is regarded by collectors on Discogs and elsewhere as a sophisticated example of early '80s "headphone-disco"
Ripped to MP3
A: Valley of the Kings (Full Length Version) (5:27)
B1: Wrap Your Legs (Around Your Head) (4:53)
B2: Valley of the Kings (Instrumental) (5:27)
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