KONRAD – Evil LP (1982)

After years of indecision and searching for a very clean copy of this scarcity, I finally pulled the trigger…Although this has been blogged about in the past, it was way back in 2007, so I believe it’s high time to check in on this rare obscurity once again…The initial front cover glance of Konrad pointing at you in an ominous way, spools thoughts that this is some throwaway urban bargain bin oddity, but…, looks can be quite deceiving.

Upon dropping the needle down on first track “It’s Only A Matrix” and right out of the gate, there is a DIY electronica soundscape that starts to unfold over 13 extraordinary songs. Side A’s first three songs are stellar minimal synth arrangements, complete with stripped down quirked out lyrical content, sound effects and peculiar twists and turns abound. The rest of Side A continues to entertain, even with the last song “Keep On Playin That Jazz”, which is a creative minimalist take on a jazz themed song…

The second side commences with the sound effect ladened “My Girl Likes To Buy” and then launches into the synth intensified “The Man Of Mystery”, one of the standout tracks on the album. There’s a very short acoustic instrumental interlude with “Blue Sunrise” and then back to more DIY synth madness for the next two songs. Onto another condensed instrumental with “Dmz Bolero” and the album ends with the odd short lived “People”…

Konrad was an American dude and created all these arrangements by his lonesome self. This was the only full length album released by this DIY master and what an effort it was. Although this vinyl can be a challenge to find in top condition, it does surface from time to time and I would highly recommend acquiring it for any self respecting minimal synth fan who appreciates the sounds of electronica spewing from vinyl format…Out of print private pressing via Ethereal Sequence Records, New York.

SIDE A
It's Only A Matrix
Music Scientist
Don't Want No Police
Alien
Working Man
Keep On Playin' That Jazz

SIDE B
My Girl Likes To Buy
The Man Of Mystery
Blue Sunrise
One Way Motorcycle Ride
Seems Like One Of Those Days
DMZ Bolero
People

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