Released in 1985 on Communiqué Records, "Don't Turn Away" is a solo vinyl single by British punk icon Beki Bondage (credited simply as Beki), representing a distinct sonic departure from her aggressive UK82 street punk roots with Vice Squad. The release was distributed across multiple formats, featuring the standard B-side track "Dolphins" on the 7" edition (LITTLE 2) and an extended, electronic-tinged "Metal Mix" on the 12" edition (12 LITTLE 2). Reflecting the experimental trends of the mid-1980s alternative scene, the single combined her signature powerful vocals with synth-pop and new wave arrangements, and it remains a sought-after collector's item today, particularly the limited-edition 12" picture disc variant.
"Don't Turn Away" stands as a fascinating, overlooked artifact of mid-1980s alternative music, capturing punk icon Beki Bondage at a pivotal creative crossroads. Shedding the raw, chaotic UK82 street punk energy that defined her groundbreaking work with Vice Squad, this solo outing sees her diving headfirst into the sleek, synth-driven landscapes of new wave and dark pop. Her signature vocals—traditionally delivered with snarling aggression—adapt remarkably well to the cleaner production, revealing a commanding melodic range and a haunting, melancholic depth. The standard 7" version delivers a tightly constructed, moody pop-rock anthem, while the B-side track "Dolphins" offers a softer, atmospheric counterpart that highlights her versatility as a songwriter outside the confines of the traditional punk formula.
The release truly hits its stride on the 12" format, where the bold, rhythmically driven "Disco Bastard Mix" transforms the title track into a club-ready club cut. This extended version amplifies the heavy electronic percussion and pulsing synthesizers, leaning unapologetically into the industrial-tinged dance-pop trends of 1985. While purist punk fans of the era initially viewed this stylistic pivot as an unexpected detour, the single has aged incredibly well, earning praise from modern collectors of minimal wave and post-punk. It is a powerful testament to Beki’s willingness to experiment with the era's evolving technology, making it a essential spin for anyone exploring the intersection of first-generation punk and '80s alternative club culture.
7" Single
A: "Don't Turn Away"
B: "Dolphins"
12" Single
A: "Don't Turn Away (Disco Bastard Mix)"
B1: "Dolphins (Metal Mix)"
B2: "Hard To Get"
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