Nightmares In Wax and Dead Or Alive

Nightmares In Wax - Birth Of A Nation 7'' EP

"Birth Of A Nation" is the definitive 1980 debut 7" EP by Liverpool post-punk band Nightmares In Wax, featuring "Black Leather" and two other tracks, which launched the career of Pete Burns before the band rebranded as Dead Or Alive. Released on Inevitable Records, this rare, paper-sleeved record is a highly sought-after collector's item for fans of 1980s synth-pop. Explore the history of this early Pete Burns project and its cultural significance.

"Birth Of A Nation" is a thrillingly raw snapshot of the late-70s Liverpool post-punk scene, bursting with the gothic camp and fierce attitude that would later define Pete Burns' career. The standout track, "Black Leather," is a brilliant piece of dark wave history that pairs a sleazy, Iggy Pop-inspired bassline with jagged guitar riffs. What elevates the track from a standard post-punk dirge into something truly special is its mid-song transition into a gritty cover of KC & The Sunshine Band’s "That's The Way (I Like It)." Even in this primitive, low-budget package, Burns' theatrical, commanding vocal delivery hints at the massive pop-star charisma that would soon conquer global charts with Dead Or Alive.

The EP's B-side, featuring "Girls Song" and "Shangri-La," dives even deeper into experimental, icy minimalism. Driven by stark drum machines and eerie synth flourishes, these tracks trade the aggressive swagger of the A-side for a gloomy, atmospheric danceability. While the production is undeniably unpolished and primitive, the record's charm lies in this exact lack of commercial restraint. It stands as a vital missing link between the jagged art-punk of the era and the polished synth-pop of the mid-1980s, making it an essential listen for any serious collector of alternative music.

Dead Or Alive - I'm Falling 7''

Released in May 1980 on Liverpool's independent Inevitable Records, "I'm Falling" is the official debut 7" single by English synth-pop band Dead Or Alive. Featuring the track "Flowers" on the B-side, this rare, early release showcases a raw, guitar-driven post-punk and gothic rock aesthetic, distinct from the polished Hi-NRG dance-pop that later defined their commercial peak. Distributed in a limited-run, wrap-around picture sleeve, the single never appeared on a standard studio album, making the original physical pressing a highly prized and expensive collector's item on the secondary vinyl market.

Dead Or Alive’s 1980 debut single "I'm Falling" provides a fascinating, dark glimpse into the band’s origins, long before they transitioned into a chart-topping dance-pop juggernaut. Produced by Ian Broudie, the track is heavily indebted to the post-punk and gothic rock sounds pioneered by contemporaries like Joy Division and Bauhaus. Pete Burns’ signature vocal delivery is already on full display, but instead of anchoring a high-energy electronic beat, his booming baritone wraps around jagged, swirling guitars and moody, atmospheric synthesisers. The track builds a brilliant sense of tension, managing to feel both cinematic and subversively raw—a testament to the vibrant alternative scene thriving in Liverpool at the dawn of the decade.

The single is perfectly balanced by its B-side, "Flowers," which subdues the aggressive edge of the A-side in favour of a more ethereal, slow-burning romanticism. Together, the two tracks showcase a remarkably self-assured and artsy identity for a debut release, even if the band ultimately abandoned this direction for the neon lights of Hi-NRG pop. While casual fans of "You Spin Me Round" might find the lack of a relentless dance beat jarring, "I'm Falling" stands on its own merits as a stellar piece of early-80s new wave history. It is a mandatory listen for anyone looking to understand the full musical trajectory and versatility of Pete Burns.

Dead Or Alive - Number Eleven 7''

Released on March 1, 1981, through Inevitable Records, Dead Or Alive's 7-inch single "Number Eleven" is a highly collectible post-punk track featuring a distinct graphic sleeve. This early, pre-fame release showcases the band's original, darker, and goth-rock aesthetic, featuring "Number Eleven" on the A-side and "Namegame" live on the B-side. To explore this release further, search for the Dead Or Alive "Number Eleven" 7-inch vinyl listing on Discogs.

"Number Eleven" serves as a striking sonic time capsule, capturing Dead or Alive long before they transitioned into high-energy dance-pop icons. Released in 1981, the track leans heavily into a brooding, atmospheric post-punk and goth-rock landscape that rivals the early work of contemporaries like Bauhaus or Siouxsie and the Banshees. Driven by a prominent, moody bassline and jagged guitar riffs, the instrumentation creates a dark, tension-filled backdrop. Pete Burns’ vocals are already commanding and distinct, delivered with a dramatic, deep baritone sneer that injects the track with a raw, theatrical edge. It is a fascinating glimpse into an era where the band prioritized moody, underground art-rock over commercial radio accessibility.

The single's B-side, a live recording of "Namegame," further emphasizes the band's early identity by trading studio polish for chaotic, driving energy. While "Number Eleven" might surprise casual fans who only know the band's mainstream hits, it stands on its own merits as a stellar example of early-1980s alternative British rock. The production is minimal but effective, highlighting a raw chemistry and an edgy songwriting style that the group would eventually trade for synthesizers. For collectors and music historians, this 7" single is more than just a rare piece of memorabilia; it is a compelling, high-quality slice of post-punk history that proves Dead or Alive’s musical roots were remarkably deep and dark.