Grauzone (German for “grey area”) was a Swiss synthpop group formed in 1979 who recorded four singles and one album. They played just ten concerts before splitting up at the end of 1982. Grauzone are most famous for their amazing 1981 song “Eisbär” (“Polar Bear”) which is an all time classic example of an early 80s new wave synthpop dancefloor magnet. “Eisbär” made it to #12 in the German pop charts and #6 in Austria’s. It’s one of those songs that you fall in love with before it’s halfway over. It’s something every working DJ needs in their repertoire. It is, I promise you, cannot fail dancefloor fodder.

The thing is “Eisbär” hasn’t been available on vinyl for some time. Last year I dialed it up on Discogs and original pressings were selling for north of $100.

But there is good news: WRWTFWW Records of Geneva, Switzerland have recently released “Eisbär” in an exquisitely mastered new 180 gram vinyl version that will not set you back an entire C-note. When I tell you this record is an audiophile-level pressing, trust me, it sounds great. I recommend grabbing it now before it becomes scarce again. (They also have a double-sided “Eisbär” tee-shirt for sale. If I ever see someone wearing one of them in public, I would congratulate that individual for their elite rock snob good taste.)
 

 
Grauzone are considered—even though they were Swiss—to be an important band of Germany’s “Neue Deutsche Welle” era. Today they might also be re-classified as “Cold Wave.” Ladytron samples the song on “Fighting In Built Up Areas” and it was also covered by French group Nouvelle Vague. Grauzone lead vocalist Stephan Eicher has gone on to have a long and internationally successful solo career. WRWTFWW Records have more Grauzone-related releases in the near future.

Below, an animation for “Eisbär” made to promote the 2010 Grauzone 1980-1982 double CD release:
 

 
My second favorite Grauzone number, “Hinter Den Bergen” (“Behind The Mountains”):
 

 
A vintage Grauzone music video for “Film 2” (which, at least on the vinyl version can be played at either 33rpm or 45rpm, whichever you chose):
 

 
A goofy/fun “Eisbär” clip with two New Wave ravers dancing. Amusing to consider that at the time this probably looked quite modern! Not sure if this is an “official” music video or something else: