Die Mysteriösen

DIE MYSTERIÖSEN was a German band formed in the fall of 1981 by Henry Spencer, Michael M. and Ingrid K. The unique sound of DIE MYSTERIÖSEN was created by using electronic instruments (Henry) combined with guitar / bass (Michael) and vocals (Ingrid / Henry / Michael). On many tracks tape-loops with sounds of different origins were used as an early form of sampling. Lyrics came from all three members and were in German or English. The recordings were made in the living room of Henry Spencer by using a tape-machine and overdubs, later adding a four-channel mixer. In the spring of 1982, the first C-30 cassette DER BLUTIGE ERNST was released. The tape received mostly positive reviews in the regional and national press and a few copies were even sold to the United States. Excerpts from some reviews: "A delight ... Simple but brilliant minimal music ... true dilettants" (City Magazine 05/82), "The tape has a lot going for it ... " (Meilenstein #3), "Above-average Synth Tape ... varied .. recommended" (Spex 06 /82). With this tape the band became well known in the localscene and got the offer to play live at a gala event at the "Kunstakademie" (Academy of Fine Arts), Münster (25.06.1982). Soon thereafter, on 17.07.1982, DIE MYSTERIÖSEN played their second live gig, together with "Torpedo", at the local club "Kronenburg". The live sound was mixed by Klaus Jankuhn, later co-founder of "Low-Spirit Records". The gig was recorded and a limited C-45 cassette entitled "LIVE IN DER KRONENBURG" was released. Shortly thereafter, some tracks by the trio were heard on the cassette-zine "Band-It 8" and the sampler "Ein wahnsinniger Meilenstein". In early 1983, the third tape of DIE MYSTERIÖSEN entitled "ALARM IM WELTALL"was released. This tape also received good reviews and was quite successful. The interests of the band members, however, had developed in very different directions over the course of cooperation, and so,in 1984, DIE MYSTERIÖSEN became even more mysterious by just fading away...