PERFECT ZEBRAS: FASCINATION
In the vibrant, hyper-creative landscape of early 1980s post-punk and new wave, few bands managed to blend avant-garde pop sensibilities with electronic precision quite like Perfect Zebras. Born from a chance advertisement in the pages of Melody Maker, the group’s sharp, animal-themed aesthetic and distinct sonic palette immediately set them apart from their contemporaries.
Their trajectory was catalyzed by BBC Radio 1 producer Barry Andrews, who recognized a singular vision in their early demos. Andrews signed the band to his production company, securing a pivotal six-month recording session at London’s legendary Vineyard Studio. It was within those walls that the band refined their signature fusion of driving synth lines, jagged guitar work, and infectious pop hooks. The buzz was instantaneous. Before their first studio block had even concluded, Polydor Records intercepted the band, signing them to a major-label deal.
What followed was a whirlwind era of European cult stardom. Their debut LP, Mixing With Wildlife, introduced the world to their eccentric charm, anchored by the single "Running with Zebras." The track became an immediate favorite of legendary broadcaster John Peel, earning the band heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1 and the fierce loyalty of underground music fans. After building on that momentum with the emotional synth-pop of "Touching My Heart Again," the band returned to the studio to craft their self-titled sophomore album, Zebra.
It was during these sessions that the band recorded "Fascination"—the track that would arguably become their definitive artistic statement. Striking the perfect balance between moodiness and dancefloor energy, "Fascination" was accompanied by a highly stylish, cinematic music video that perfectly captured the visual ethos of the MTV generation. The video exploded onto television screens across continental Europe, driving the track to massive high-rotation airplay and turning the band into a fixtures of the club scenes in France, Germany, and Holland.
This release brings together the remastered studio tracks, rare B-sides, and the rhythmic, synth-driven energy that defined Perfect Zebras at the absolute peak of their powers. Decades later, the allure remains. Step back into the wildlife.
