1984 was a pivotal year for A Split Second. Originally a new wave high-school band playing covers and a few own compositions, the first line-up disbanded as composer, singer and bass player Marc Ickx went more electronic with a primitive sequencer and drum computer. Without previous studio experience, he started recording 'Stained Impressions', a demo tape recorded in single takes with cassette-to-cassette overdubs. In between recordings he met with Chrismar Chayell, an old classmate who had a small multi-track recording studio. Chayell had already recorded among others the full length Twilight Ritual album 'The Ritual', and offered to produce and record 5 of the songs at his studio (the first 5 songs on this LP). Chayell also arranged and played a keybord part on 'Teargas and Champagne', marking the beginning of what was to come for A Split-Second.
The songs also mark a ...
The songs also mark a transition, songs like 'Hunger' and 'Beurobeat' were written by Ickx for the previous line-up, of which 'Neurobeat' was the only song to make it to the debut album 'Ballistic Statues'. From the other songs, parts of titles and lyrics were picked up for later material, and 'Resignation' was the blueprint for 'Rigor Mortis'. Most of the other songs are largely improvised in a search for the new direction Ickx' songwriting was heading for. Largely raw and primitive, 'Stained Impressions' provides an interesting look into the genesis of one of the most influential alternative electronic bands of the 80's, and the variety and experimentation that marked this era. The first and official tape release out now in a limited edition of 520 hand-numbered copies, 180 gram vinyl, plus insert, no re-press!!
