Visage

Visage is a name synonymous with new wave, an influential genre born out of the late 70s. With a discography spanning over three decades, Visage was a celebrated band and a pioneer of a movement that went on to influence alternative music. In this article, we'll delve into the musical journey of Visage - their beginnings, their most famous albums, and their most legendary songs. We'll also shed some light on the man behind the name, Steve Strange, and explore the influences that shaped their distinctive sound.

Born out of the electronic music subculture of London in the early 80s, Visage was founded by Steve Strange and Rusty Egan. The band's sound was characterised by synthesizer-driven melodies and Strange's distinctive voice. From the start, they captivated audiences with their visual presentation, with outlandish costumes and dramatic stage performances becoming a hallmark of their shows.

Their eponymous debut album, released in 1980, was a groundbreaking work that defined the sound of the new wave movement. The album featured collaborations with music luminaries including Midge Ure, Billy Currie, and John McGeoch. It was an instant success, with hits such as Fade to Grey and Mind of a Toy becoming instant classics.

The band went on to release two more albums, The Anvil in 1982 and Beat Boy in 1984. Both albums showcased the band's evolution, with more intricate songwriting and experimentation with different sounds and styles. The Anvil was a critical and commercial success, with hits such as Night Train and The Damned Don't Cry. However, Beat Boy received mixed reviews and did not achieve the same level of success.

Despite their decline in popularity after the release of Beat Boy, Visage continued to be a beloved band well into the new millennium. Their music has been remixed and reinterpreted countless times, becoming a staple in the sets of DJs and producers worldwide. Their legacy has inspired countless artists and contributed greatly to the evolution of electronic music.

Visage's distinctive sound was shaped by a diverse range of influences, from the synth-pop of Kraftwerk and Gary Numan to the art rock of Roxy Music. The band's eclectic mix of influences gave them a unique sound, one that managed to capture the zeitgeist of the early 80s and endure into the present day.

Visage was a band that brought together the best of electronic music and new wave. Their music was characterised by a distinctive blend of melodic synthesizers, intricate songwriting, and dark soundscapes. They helped define the new wave movement, which went on to influence alternative music for decades to come. Even today, their music continues to be celebrated and revered by music listeners worldwide. Steve Strange may be gone, but his legacy lives on through his music and the enduring influence of Visage.

As an influential figure in the early days of New Wave and Synthpop genres, Visage has created a sound that millions have grown to love over the past four decades. While some listeners are captivated by their unique approach to songwriting and production, others may find it challenging at times. Regardless of your opinion on them as a band, there is no denying that they have had a lasting impact on music for generations today. In this blog post we will explore both critical assessments and positive highlights surrounding Visage's body of work from their journey together so far.

When we think of the pioneers of New Wave and Synthpop music, there are a few bands that immediately come to mind. One of these bands is Visage, a group that formed in the late 1970s and had a major impact on the music scene at the time. With their unique approach to songwriting and production, Visage created a sound that not only captured the attention of millions but also had a lasting impact on music for generations to come. In this blog post, we will explore both critical assessments and positive highlights surrounding Visage's body of work from their journey together so far.

Firstly, let's take a closer look at the critical assessments of Visage's work. Some critics argue that the band's sound can be overly dramatic and theatrical, making it difficult for some listeners to connect with their music. Others feel that their lyrics are too vague and abstract, making it difficult to understand the meaning behind their songs. However, it is important to note that these negative critiques are often outweighed by the many positive highlights surrounding Visage's contribution to the music industry.

One of the key highlights of Visage's work is their approach to production. Their use of synthesizers and drum machines was groundbreaking at the time, and it set a new standard for music production in the New Wave and Synthpop genres. Additionally, their music videos were visually stunning and helped to establish a new look and feel for music videos and ultimately for the music industry as a whole.

Another important aspect of Visage's impact on music are the many artists they influenced. Their sound and approach to music production paved the way for countless other artists in the New Wave and Synthpop genres, including acts like Depeche Mode, The Human League and more recently, Chvrches. In fact, many of today's popular tracks have been directly influenced by Visage's unique style and sound.

Visage's contribution to the fashion world is yet another highlight of their impact on music. Their distinctive style, which included bold makeup and dramatic hairstyles, helped to set a new standard for the fashion industry as well. In many ways, they were just as influential in shaping the fashion of the time as they were in shaping the music.

As we've seen, Visage has had a profound impact on music and the music industry. While there may be some negative critiques of their work, it is impossible to deny the positive highlights and lasting influence they have had on countless artists over the past four decades. Whether you are a die-hard Visage fan or simply someone who appreciates the many contributions they've made to music and fashion, their impact on the world of New Wave and Synthpop music will continue to be felt for many years to come.