After putting out the album "Travelogue" in 1980, the Human League split into two camps. The band went on to make the successful follow-up "Dare" released in 1981, and the dissidents from that group called themselves, initially "BEF (stands for "British Electric Foundation") and released a cassette before hiring a singer and calling themselves Heaven 17 later.
Released in 1981, their first single "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang" was a glorious piece of electro-funk. The completeness of the song shines through on 12" displaying the power of the slapping bass. The second single, "I'm Your Money" was pure pop - catchy and infectious but unfortnately that wasn't on the album.
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Their first proper album "Penthouse and Pavement" was released to critical acclaim in 1981 and it's not difficult to see why. The vinyl was split into two sides - the pavement side (side 1) was filled with a heavy beat and some funky horns arrangement. The penthouse side (ie side 2) was more experimental - pop tunes crafted out in an electronic manner. Two sides of music with two completely different musical styles. The band was definitely at the fore-front of this synth-pop music scene. Although the songs sound commercial, they were willing to throw the dice to be adventurous. Almost 30 years after its release, it still remains influential as ever. The ideas haven't dated a bit and their musical craftsmanship and prowness remains valid to this day.
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