Soft Cell with Heaven 17, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, and more

Soft Cell, an English synth-pop duo formed in the late '70s, gained fame with their hit "Tainted Love." Marc Almond and Dave Ball, initially art students, pioneered the new wave style, reaching chart success with albums like "Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret." They scored several UK hits and collaborated with acts like The The and Gene Pitney. Despite disbanding in the mid-'80s, they reunited in the 2000s, producing albums like "Cruelty Without Beauty" and the 2022 release "Happiness Not Included," showcasing their enduring impact on electronic music.

Heaven 17, a UK techno-pop trio, formed by Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh, emerged from the British Electric Foundation, featuring Glenn Gregory on vocals. Known for hits like "Temptation," they collaborated with artists such as Tina Turner. The band achieved fame with albums "Penthouse and Pavement" and "The Luxury Gap." After early success, they disbanded in 1988 but reformed in the '90s, continuing with Ware and Gregory.

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, formed by Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, known for hits like "Enola Gay," blend Stockhausen with ABBA. Their album, The Punishment of Luxury, reached top charts, receiving critical acclaim. Not resting on nostalgia, they continue to innovate with "Bauhaus Staircase," their most political work, showcasing their artistic evolution and devotion to musical integrity. Despite success, they maintain a commitment to authenticity over heritage status.