Models – Cold Fever (US 12″) (1986)

Burning The Ground Exclusive

By 1985, Models had fully refined their sleek, synth-driven sound, culminating in their fourth studio album Out of Mind, Out of Sight. While the title track and “Barbados” found broader international attention, it was the album’s fourth single, “Cold Fever,” that delivered one of the band’s most atmospheric and underrated moments.

Built on shimmering keyboards, icy textures, and a driving mid-tempo groove, “Cold Fever” perfectly captures the polished sophistication that defined mid-’80s new wave. The production—handled by Mark Opitz—leans into a cinematic quality, layering synth lines over a tight rhythm section while Sean Kelly’s detached yet emotive vocal adds a sense of cool distance.

Unlike the brighter, more radio-friendly singles from the album, “Cold Fever” feels moodier and more introspective, almost nocturnal in tone. It’s a track that rewards repeat listens, revealing subtle production details and textures that often go unnoticed on first spin.

The single also found modest international success, reaching #29 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States, #22 in New Zealand, and #36 in Australia—further evidence of the band’s growing global reach during this period.

Issued in the United States in 1986 as a 12″ single, this pressing leans into the track’s atmospheric qualities, extending the arrangement for club play. The added space allows the synth textures and rhythmic pulse to breathe, making it a perfect fit for late-night sets where mood and groove take center stage.

Although it didn’t achieve the same chart success as its predecessors, “Cold Fever” stands today as a testament to Models’ ability to balance pop sensibility with artful restraint. For fans of sophisticated new wave, it remains a hidden gem within an already stellar album.

Did You Know?
Out of Mind, Out of Sight became the band’s most successful release, spawning multiple hit singles and solidifying Models as one of Australia’s premier acts of the era.

Fellow Australian band INXS were fans of Models; their manager, Chris Murphy, signed them to his MMA management company.

SIDE A:
Cold Fever (Extended Mix) 6:41
Out Of Mind Out Of Sight (“Live” Version) 4:02

SIDE B:
I Hear Motion (Extended Mix) 6:29
Preacher From The Black Lagoon 2:59

VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint

Chart Performance – Models: Cold Fever (1986)
Chart Peak Position Date
US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks #29 1986
New Zealand #22 1986
Australia (Kent Music Report) #36 1986

RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Geffen Records – 0-20494Mushroom – 0-20494Geffen Records – 9 20494-0 AMushroom – 9 20494-0 A
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave

CREDITS:

NOTES:
Specially-priced Maxi Single.

Mixed At – Rhinoceros Studios

Track A2: Recorded live at Melbourne Concert Hall, Melbourne, Australia. Mixed at Rhinoceros Studios

Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS

VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND

THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus:  Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans
: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner

SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator

RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi

**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!


Password: burningtheground

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JP
JP
April 2, 2026 12:04 am

Love that I can come here and discover something I really haven’t listened to before!

Some really great classic new wave here. Had a blast listening.

Appreciate your excellent curation and selection Paul. That is part of what makes this place so special. Thanks for always picking such great singles to share with everyone.

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
April 1, 2026 1:13 am

Thank you Paul for this rarity!! I love Out Of Mind Out Of Sight but I think this is new to me. It’s good to see it charted on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. This single also gives us a lot of bang for our buck, with the live track and two B-sides. Big thank you Paul!

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Retro Hound
April 1, 2026 9:52 am

Hey Retro Hound!

So glad to see you here as I’ve been missing you around in the comment section! As long as you’re alright. Folks don’t have to like and/or comment on every track. It’s just that I miss your presence on BTG!!

Have a great day, pal!

Jeff

Retro Hound
Retro Hound
Reply to  Jeff
April 1, 2026 3:17 pm

Aw shucks thank you Jeff!! I really appreciate the sentiment. Don’t worry, you’re not getting rid of me, LOL. Time has a way of getting away from you, and before I knew it so did the week. Thanks for your concern, you’re the cream of the crop in my book! I hope you’re having a great day!

SynthPapa
SynthPapa
March 31, 2026 10:42 pm

I have this on 12″ and I have the 7″ as well. Thank you for digitizing this release.

Tim
Tim
March 31, 2026 3:38 pm

As an Australian, the Models were one of my favourite bands in the 80s.

Awesome track! Thank You 🙂

ING
ING
March 31, 2026 12:33 pm

I looked on iTunes and the title track is only available on an Australian Rock compilation, so it looks like they are out of print in the USA generally speaking. Maybe they are available elsewhere. The clip of the track reminds me of INXS but I look forward to downloading this and checking them out further. I don’t seem to have the other post Jeff mentioned in my phone, but perhaps it’s on my computer… 🤔
But more 80’s goodness and the credits as Jeff also mentioned make for an intriguing post for sure!!!

ING
ING
Reply to  DjPaulT
April 4, 2026 3:20 am

Update: after looking more & hitting brick walls I’ve discovered that at least the parent album, even in a 35th anniversary edition, is available to stream. Very frustrating since I wanted to buy it… & I don’t regularly / currently have a streaming service. This is a new paradigm I don’t understand…I haven’t researched their other releases yet…

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  ING
April 1, 2026 9:57 am

Hi ING,

I do hope you do have Paul’s rip. The remix of “Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight” closely resembles the INXS remix for “What You Need”! I do like the fact both bands were fans of one another.

Have a wonderful day, ING!

Jeff

ING
ING
Reply to  Jeff
April 1, 2026 10:17 am

Thanks… I forgot to look so I’ve set the email about your response as a reminder for tonight!!! Since What You Need was what got me hooked on INXS & backwards discovering The Swing what cemented it, I think I’ll love it !

Jeff
Jeff
March 31, 2026 11:36 am

I must admit to you, Paul, that one of my very favorite records you’ve posted ever, was The Models’ “Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight.” I love the sexual urgency of the song and the remix was extraordinary! It’s cool you mentioned how INXS were a fan of this band too. The song reflected INXS’s “What You Need” in its celebration of carnal lust! And along with this, I’d also mention how “Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight’s) remix harkened back to INXS’s remix of “What You Need” in its execution! I’m really pumped to hear this song, Paul. As… Read more »

Jeff
Jeff
Reply to  Jeff
April 1, 2026 10:01 am

I meant to say that “OOMOOS” resembled the sexual longing of “Need You Tonight.” It’s the remix for “What You Need” that’s similar to “Out Of Mind…”

I confuse myself sometimes!

Jeff