Even if Blancmange never made the American crossover as thoroughly as so many of their contemporaries, they were absolutely part of the early 80s ferment of synthpop, new romantics or whatever else you want to call it, as their energetic, spiky debut Happy Families demonstrates. Neil Arthur’s singing and guitar work both add a nervous energy, while Stephen Luscombe’s keyboard and electronic arrangements range from the serviceable to the engagingly inspired, as can be easily heard on their breakout song “Living on the Ceiling.”

– Ned Raggett