VARIOUS — Het Vreemd - Dutch Underground Synth & Wave (1982-1987)

Various – Het Vreemd - Dutch Underground Synth & Wave (1982-1987) arrives on World Of Paint as catalogue WOP009, a 12-inch vinyl that excavates a hidden chapter of early-80s synth and new-wave beats. Compiled by Rutger Nijkamp from tapes inherited from his mother Veronique (credited as Verque on the release) and further sourced from second-hand finds, the record offers a rare glimpse into a formative period of electronic pop experimentation. World Of Paint’s recent output includes the 2025 “I’m Cindy” (WOP002) and its tape counterpart (WOP002T), as well as Sasha Renkas’ “Safe Place LP” from 2024 (WOP006). Within this modest but discerning catalogue, the new compilation sits as a continuation of the label’s commitment to unearthing obscure, tape-based artefacts and presenting them with a contemporary aesthetic. The inclusion of a risograph-printed zine, packed with stories and photographs of the featured acts, reinforces the label’s archival ethos. Side A opens with “Bulder – Stoere Jongen”, a track that immediately establishes the compilation’s tonal palette: bright synth lines that echo the optimism of early-80s pop. The momentum carries forward to “LILITH – Day for Night”, whose title suggests a nocturnal shift, and the music follows with a slightly darker ambience while retaining the same rhythmic drive. “Gele Band – Plicht Roept” continues the sequence, offering a melodic hook that feels both playful and urgent, bridging the preceding mood to the more mechanical textures of “DD40 – Gelato Meccanico”. The latter’s title hints at a mechanised sweetness, and the track delivers a crisp, looping pattern that feels suited to a late-night set. “Maarten – Achterkant Sneeuwbeeld” introduces a cooler, more spacious atmosphere, its title evoking a snowy landscape that translates into a spacious synth wash. “Blue Leopard – Toekomstmuziek” follows with a forward-looking vibe, its name promising “future music” that indeed pushes the sequence into a more experimental groove. “De Kool Lerij – Etalagepop” adds a pop-sensibility that feels like a showcase window of the era’s aesthetic, while “Willem Solo – MT600 Demo II” brings a lo-fi demo quality that underscores the tape-origin of the material. The side closes with “Verque – Het Orgel en de Koe”, a brief, quirky interlude that juxtaposes organ-like tones with pastoral imagery, and finally “J A – De Muur”, a track that feels like a solid wall of synth, providing a definitive close to the first side. The compilation’s B-side continues the narrative without a listed tracklist, allowing the A-side to stand as the primary focus for DJs and collectors. The sequencing across the ten cuts creates a cohesive journey through the Dutch underground synth scene, moving from bright, dance-floor-ready beats to more introspective, texture-rich pieces. Within the broader context of the participating artists, this release serves as a collective statement rather than a showcase of a single catalogue. The tracks, drawn from a period when electronic music was still forging its identity, illustrate the diverse approaches to synth-driven pop that co-existed in the early 80s. For collectors, the rarity of the source material—original cassette tapes rescued from personal archives—adds a tangible sense of discovery. DJs will find the record valuable for its eclectic range: the upbeat opener works well for warm-up sets, the more atmospheric mid-section suits deeper, mood-setting moments, and the closing track offers a sturdy groove for transition into later-night programming. The physical product is a 12-inch vinyl, presented in a straightforward sleeve that houses the risograph-printed zine. The inclusion of the booklet not only contextualises the music but also provides visual documentation of the scene, enhancing the record’s appeal as both an auditory and archival object. In sum, Various – Het Vreemd - Dutch Underground Synth & Wave (1982-1987) on World Of Paint (catalogue WOP009) is a 12-inch vinyl compilation of ten tracks that captures a fleeting slice of early synth and new-wave production, curated with care and accompanied by a rich visual supplement. Tracklist: A1. 01: Bulder – Stoere Jongen A2. 02: LILITH – Day for Night A3. 03: Gele Band – Plicht Roept A4. 04: DD40 – Gelato Meccanico A5. 05: Maarten – Achterkant Sneeuwbeeld A6. 06: Blue Leopard – Toekomstmuziek A7. 07: De Kool Lerij – Etalagepop A8. 08: Willem Solo – MT600 Demo II A9. 09: Verque – Het Orgel en de Koe A10. 10: J A – De Muur