THE EXPLORERS (ROXY MUSIC) : LORELEI [VIRGIN - ESP 1984] 12'

The Explorers  "Lorelei"  maxi 12"

(Virgin)  1984  made in SPain

cat. num. F 601 353

#pop rock  #synth pop  #roxy music  

The arty progressive rock of Roxy Music slid into a decidedly poppier direction when former members Phil Manzanera (guitars, keyboards) and Andy MacKay (sax, oboe, keyboards) collaborated as the Explorers. After Roxy Music's demise in 1983, MacKay moved to Ireland, developing a fondness for traditional Irish music. Wanting a respite from the studio, MacKay formed the Explorers with Manzanera and vocalist James Wraith. The Explorers started recording a year later, debuting with the snappy synth-pop track "Lorelei" in June 1984. On "Lorelei," Manzanera and MacKay peeled away Roxy Music's lush, dreamy arrangements but retained their original band's funky grooves. The Explorers performed for BBC Radio One in December 1984, the group's first concert. In 1985, Virgin Records released the Explorers' self-titled LP; the band also toured the U.K. However, the Explorers couldn't sell records; the group began recording a second album at Gallery Studios in October 1985, but the band's lack of success had it shelved. The Explorers split up in 1986. In 1989, Manzanera's Expression Records issued the Explorers' second LP, Manzanera & MacKay; the album was credited to Manzanera & MacKay as well and not the Explorers. After the breakup of the Explorers, Manzanera and MacKay started solo careers.

Although it remains difficult to perceive the Explorers as anything but the Roxy Music of early critical disdain, with James Wraith the aptly-named vocal specter of Roxy's Bryan Ferry, the band's output remains eminently enjoyable, with a handful of songs ranked among the Manzanera/Mackay team's career-best achievements. "Lorelei," the Explorers' debut single, is naturally cut from similar cloth to the last few Roxy Music albums, most notably in the almost miasmic wall of sound which rises behind the song itself. A keen ear for the production effects which rendered Roxy's dance mixes such a success is also in evidence -- the drums are astonishingly crunchy, the vocals are treated and echoed with abandon and, if it all sounds a little dated today, that only adds to "Lorelei"'s appeal. A less affected, but equally effective version, can be found on the Explorers' Live at the Palace (Camden) concert album.