Ultravox
28 records available
Ultravox
With their shift towards an electronic sound from the late 1970s onwards, the band became one of the defining acts of British synth-pop and new wave. Productions such as “Vienna” and “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes” represent the stylistic fusion of synthesisers, rock elements and at times dark, atmospheric songwriting. In the early 1980s, Ultravox were often compared to acts like Visage, OMD or Gary Numan.
Ultravox – Style & Genre Classification
The music of Ultravox is characterised by the use of analogue synthesisers, distinctive drum machine rhythms and a marked alternation between cool, electronic passages and guitar-oriented arrangements. At their peak, the style developed from punk-influenced beginnings (“Rockwrok”) to a clearly defined new wave sound, often compared to Depeche Mode or Japan. Melancholic melodies and production suited both to clubs and radio formats are typical.
Ultravox on vinyl – the key releases
For genre collectors, individual items such as Sleepwalk (Steven Wilson Stereo Mix) (12'' Vinyl Maxi) and Frozen Ones (7'' Vinyl) offer an insight into different creative phases of the band. The single Rockwrok (7'' Vinyl) documents the early, still punk-influenced phase, while later releases focus more on electronic production.
For listeners interested in the development of electronic pop music in the 1980s, these records provide a detailed insight into the stylistic range of Ultravox.
- Genre: Synth-pop, new wave
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Active: 1976–1987, reunions from 2008
- Notable: Shift from punk-influenced rock to electronic sound, with significant involvement from Midge Ure from 1979 onwards
