IF SHE DOESN'T SMILE (IT'LL RAIN) by FANTASTIC SOMETHING

The next 7" release on Em's side label Em Custom offers a glimpse into the world of post-punk folk pop.As punk, and the "DIY" ethic, had changed the landscape, enabling bands to self-release their material, eventually a slew of genres crept out of the woodwork. By the early 80s, there was a reaction against the raucous guitar bands, one being a trend of indie, bedsit-folk-pop. Probably the most famous of these being The Marine Girls, whose Tracey Thorn achieved world renown with Everything But The Girl. Many other labels, like Postcard in Scotland, and England's Cherry Red, showcased new acts, some of which lasted a single or an album at most. 1983 saw the release of this jangly summer single, by Fantastic Something (Alex and Constantin Veis), with an instrumental version on the flip. It was followed by an album two years later for Cherry Red's offshoot, Blanco Y Negro. (Soundfiles taken from youtube to give a impression..)