Rema-Rema's Wheel in the Roses (1980) is a seminal 4AD 12" EP, hailed as a raw, influential piece of post-punk history. It features a unique, experimental blend of abrasive, bass-driven sounds, moody synths, and "Feedback Song". Despite its short life, it is considered a cult classic that showcases the band's, and specifically Marco Pirroni's, early, creative punk sound. The EP features a "rawer, embryonic" sound with gritty, anguished vocals. It is often described as a mix of "metallic squealing, see-sawing guitars, and lo-fi clattering". It marks the early work of members who went on to Siouxsie and the Banshees, Psychic TV, and Adam and the Ants. Wheel in the Roses is praised for its unapologetic, experimental nature that defies standard punk conventions, marking it as a "must-hear" for fans of early, dark post-punk.
It's hard to forget that you just heard Rema Rema
Unbeknownst to many Rema Rema is the obscure epicentre of people that would go onto be part of later well respected underground acts like The Wolfgang Press, Adam And The Ants and Renegade Soundwave.
Wheel In The Roses is a dissected oblique contortion of Post-Punk. Not as memorable as legendary peers of their time, Rema Rema are not an act to be glossed over by any means. Their primitive lo-fi sound shrouds their themes and messaging well from anyone who dares to try and figure them out. Most 4AD fans will recognise Fond Affections which was re-done on the first This Mortal Coil project. however the original is a brutal bludgeoning of bass guitar and a dire rhythm that ticks like a time bomb as the lyrics melt hope and positivity away.
It's Art Punk that reveres the most uncomfortable sounds in ways that are curious, and striking. It is as if Modern English had a psychotic meltdown that landed them in the nut house. It is hard to forget that you just listened to Rema Rema.