MINIMAL COMPACT BIOG 2019 Formed in Amsterdam in 1980, Minimal Compact were part of the original post-punk explosion – and remain one of its most distinctive voices. The band developed a unique mix of propulsive rhythms, spacious bass lines, rich keyboard textures, and vocal melodies with a Middle-Eastern inflection. They sounded like nothing that had gone before. Comprising four émigrés from Tel Aviv and a Dutchman, Minimal Compact released several ground- breaking and influential albums, including Deadly Weapons (1984) – which spawned club hit ‘Next One Is Real’ – and their most commercial album, Raging Souls (1985). The line-up consists of five very different and distinct personalities: (from L-R) Rami Fortis (guitar/vo- cals); Max Franken (drums); Samy Birnbach aka DJ Morpheus (vocals); Berry Sakharof (guitars/key- boards/vocals) and Malka Spigel (bass/keyboards/vocals) As soon as Minimal Compact began to play live they swiftly developed a reputation for shows that were energetic, unpredictable and intense. They went on to perform all around the world, from Poland to Japan. Signature songs such as ‘Statik Dancin’’ and ‘Disguise’ galvanised audiences with their barbed hooks and unexpected grooves. In 1988, Minimal Compact decided to go their separate ways. Yet during their absence their influence grew and grew. By the time they returned for a handful of sell-out shows in 2004 they had been recog- nised as inspirational originators. The band has reunited just a few more times since then, and each performance has served to build on their legacy. When Minimal Compact are apart, the various members are restlessly creative. They release solo al- bums, have art exhibitions, present radio shows, collaborate with other artists, DJ, tour, run record la- bels, and appear on TV. But when those five individuals get back together, something magical happens – and it’s about to happen again. In 2019, Minimal Compact are returning for an exclusive series of live shows in Tel Aviv. And there are more exciting announcements to come… label [email protected] promo [email protected] live [email protected] facebook https://www.facebook.com/MinimalCompact/.