Darkwave from Germany: Unhappybirthday

Don't let the name fool you: Unhappybirthday aren't a Smiths' cover band, nor do they sound anything like the Smiths. Instead, this trio from Wismar, Germany probably should have named themselves Transmission or Shellshock, because they immediately bring to mind the post-punk and synth of Joy Division and New Order . To date Unhappybirthday have two releases under their belt: 2012's full length debut Sirup*; and Kraken, a five song ep which followed in February. I found both releases to be highly enjoyable and purchased them immediately after streaming on Bandcamp.  Go ahead and listen to some sounds from Unhappybirthday below:

[Full disclosure: they sing in German so I have no idea what the songs are really about, but they sure sound cool.]

The full length album Sirup is a bit more varied with post-punk/noise elements, while the Kraken ep is more of a synth/electro love letter to New Order. Start off with a few tracks from Sirup:

"Pyramiden" (official video)



"Dakota"



"Kalt"



*Sirup was originally released in 2012, but was re-issued with new cover art and two extra tracks last month.  I highly recommend the new version (with the purple flower cover art) over the 2012 version.  Purchase Sirup from iTunes, Amazon, or Bandcamp.

Now take a listen to a few tracks from the Kraken ep:

Stream three songs from Kraken below: "Koma," "Fluorid," and "Himitsu"







Download the Kraken ep from iTunes, Amazon, or Bandcamp and catch up with Unhappybirthday on Facebook and Tumblr.