the names: swimming

Factory Benelux presents a new CD edition of Swimming, the debut album by Belgian new wave group The Names, originally issued in June 1982. Between 1979 and 1982 The Names recorded a string of excellent records for Factory, Factory Benelux and Les Disques du Crépuscule, all helmed by legendary producer Martin Hannett. Recorded at Strawberry Studios in Manchester, Swimming has come to be regarded as a European cold wave classic, combining strong songwriting from Michel Sordinia and poised, tasteful delivery by guitarist Marc Deprez and keyboards player Christophe Den Tandt. "Exhibits many of the fine qualities of early 80s avant-rock: icy brutalism, spectral reverb, tormented vocals, techno-tribal rumbles" (Uncut, 12/2000) "Swimming retains a gorgeously shrouded, sepulchral mood" (Mojo, 12/2011) "Intelligent and imaginative" (The Face, 7/1982) Bonus tracks include the popular singles Calcutta and Nightshift (also produced by Hannett) and the band’s John Peel session from February 1982, the first ever recorded by a Belgian band. This new Factory Benelux CD edition also features original artwork and poster design by Benoit Hennebert, and photographs by Marc Portée.