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made in sheffield
The floppy fringe of the Human League's Phil Oakey, one-note analogue synthesisers, cold, futuristic melodies and even colder stares of studied indifference: welcome to Sheffield at the dawn of the 80s. From the Dadaist electronic abstractions of Cabaret Voltaire and Clock DVA to the chart-topping robo-crooning of ABC and Heaven 17, 'synthpop' provided a new rhythm for England's steel-producing heartland. This lovingly assembled documentary examines the flourishing of a musical phenomenon and its swift demise.
Alongside the big names, the filmmakers have crammed the documentary with additional information about the bands of the Sheffield scene that didn't make it to stadiums but proved to be some of synthpop's most creative exponents: The Future, The Extras, Artery and Vice Versa. Made in Sheffield also features one of the last interviews with Brit music guru John Peel, along with former teenage fan Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) and all the key players.
"The spiritual home of the synthesizer is finally getting the respect it deserves." - Jockey Slut
"Excellent... Passionate and moving." - Q Magazine
D/P Eve Wood WS Plexifilm TD video/col, B&W/2002/52mins