Burning The Ground Exclusive
Today we’re stepping into an overlooked corner of early-’90s synthpop with “Handsome,” a track that deserved far more attention than it ever received. Released only in Germany as the second single from Camouflage’s 1991 studio album Meanwhile, “Handsome” marks a fascinating moment in the band’s evolution—one that often gets overshadowed by their late-’80s classics.
By the time Meanwhile arrived, Camouflage were already known for sleek, melodic synthpop craftsmanship, thanks to earlier hits like “The Great Commandment” and “Love Is a Shield.” But Meanwhile pushed them in a more organic, band-driven direction, integrating live instrumentation while still keeping their electronic backbone intact. “Handsome” sits right at the center of this stylistic shift.
Produced by a Synthpop Legend
A major part of what makes “Handsome” noteworthy is the involvement of producer Colin Thurston, whose résumé reads like a map of synthpop’s golden age. Thurston, of course, worked his magic on early Duran Duran, helped shape David Bowie’s landmark “Heroes”, and guided the earliest recordings of Talk Talk. His production touch on “Handsome” gives the track a polished, dynamic heft that blends Camouflage’s melodic sensibilities with the more muscular, rhythmic textures that defined early-’90s pop.
A Single That Slipped Through the Cracks
Despite its pedigree and strong production, “Handsome” ultimately failed to chart, making it one of Camouflage’s more obscure singles. Its limited German-only release didn’t help, but even so, it remains a gem for fans of the band and collectors of early-’90s synthpop. There’s an earnestness to the song—a push toward growth and reinvention—that reflects where Camouflage were artistically at the time.
The non-charting status doesn’t diminish its charm. If anything, it adds to the single’s cult appeal. It’s one of those tracks that rewards rediscovery, especially for listeners who enjoy the transition era between the analog synthpop of the ’80s and the increasingly hybrid sound of the ’90s.
Rediscovering Meanwhile Through “Handsome”
Revisiting “Handsome” today is a reminder that Camouflage were never content to simply repeat themselves. The band’s willingness to explore new textures, paired with Thurston’s experienced hand in the studio, results in a track that’s both quintessentially Camouflage and quietly adventurous.
If “Handsome” slipped past you the first time, now’s the perfect moment to give it a fresh listen. For fans of synthpop’s deeper cuts—and especially collectors of productions by Colin Thurston—this single is well worth pulling off the shelf again.
SIDE A:
Handsome (Psycho-Ray-Mix) 6:32
Instruments [Add. Instruments] – Ronda Ray
Mixed By – James Herter (2), Ronda Ray
Producer – Colin Thurston
Written-By, Composed By – Camouflage
SIDE B:
Love Is A Shield (12″ US Orbit Mix) 8:10
Engineer – Richard Dight
Producer – Axel Henninger*
Remix, Producer [Add. Production] – William Orbit
Vocals [Add. Vocals] – Sharon Musgrave
Written-By, Composed By – Heiko Maile, Marcus Meyn, Oliver Kreyssig, Peter Godwin
This Day 3:47
Producer – Colin Thurston
Written-By, Composed By – Camouflage
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Metronome – 867 495-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: Germany
Released: 1991
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Producer – Camouflage
NOTES:
A) Mixed at Atlantis Studio.
B1) Mixed at Guerilla Studios.
Made in Holland.
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
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
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
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.
Founded in Cologne in 1986 by Frank Schmitz (guitar, vocals) and Stephan Koch (keyboards, vocals, production), German synth-pop outfit State Of The Art came together with a clear vision: to shape their years of school band and local music experiences into a polished, professional project. In 1987, Stephan’s brother Georg Koch joined on drums, completing the trio.
