The Wolfgang Press - Darkst Discography (4AD 1983-1991)

Enigmatic, moody, and challenging, Britain's Wolfgang Press were one of the most mercurial talents of the post-punk era, restlessly moving from gothic noise to dark balladry to eccentric funk; paradoxically,the group was also the 4AD label's longest tenured artist -- even their stylish album packages were all the product of the same designer, Alberto Ricci.



Formed in London in 1983, The Wolfgang Press comprised vocalist Michael Allen, guitarist Andrew Gray, and keyboardist Mark Cox. Allen and Cox first teamed in the group Rema Rema, which also featured Adam & the Ants alum Marco Perroni; after reuniting in the short-lived quartet Mass, the duo recruited Gray, and as the Wolfgang Press issued their cacophonous, gloomy debut LP, The Burden of Mules, in 1983. An EP trilogy co-produced by Cocteau Twin Robin Guthrie followed in quick succession: while 1984s Scarecrow was a lighter, more streamlined affair, 1985s Water spotlighted ominously sparse torch songs, and the same years Sweatbox explored deconstructionist pop.



1. The Burden of Mules, 1983

2. Scarecrow - Single, 1984

3. Water - Ep, 1985

4. Sweatbox - Ep, 1985

5. Standing Up Straight, 1986

6. Big Sex + Lonely - Ep + comp, 1987

7. Bird Wood Cage, 1988

8. Queer, 1991