Paranoia - Dead Man's Dreams/Man in Black 7"

Label: Rot Records; Year: 1984; Format: Vinyl 7"

Hard to imagine how this band from Stoke-On-Trent ended up on Rot Records in the riotous early '80s, as it certainly did not fit into a roster of bands such as Riot Squad, English Dogs or the Varukers. Paranoia stand out as they sounded nothing like the aforementioned bands at all, and quite frankly could have probably become a well known act had they signed to a label that was catering to goth bands in those days. The two songs on this 7" are both outstanding goth-punk with female vocals, and anybody that is seeking out a truly underrated band should get their hands on a copy of this 7-incher. Both songs are mid-tempo with lots of hooks and melodies appealing to both, punks and goths, and I remember hearing one of the songs for the first time when I bought a copy of Rot Records' - End of an Era 2-LP compilation as the label was folding. Even in my much younger years yearning for fast and furious music I dug the wonderful sounds of Paranoia. A true gem!