Not every new wave band wanted to shout. China Crisis, from just outside Liverpool, made gentle, melodic synth-pop that sounds as good on a quiet Sunday now as it did in 1983.
Kirkby’s quiet hitmakers
Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon formed China Crisis in Kirkby, near Liverpool, around 1979. “Christian” (1983) and “Wishful Thinking” (1984) became UK hits, and Walter Becker of Steely Dan produced Flaunt the Imperfection (1985), with “Black Man Ray” and “King in a Catholic Style (Wake Up)”.
Is China Crisis new wave?
Yes. China Crisis are a British new wave and synth-pop band from the early ’80s. Their soft synthesizers, melodic songwriting and thoughtful lyrics put them on the gentler side of new wave.
The essential China Crisis
- “African and White” (1982)
- “Christian” (1983)
- “Wishful Thinking” (1984)
- “Black Man Ray” (1985)
- “King in a Catholic Style (Wake Up)” (1985)
China Crisis today
Daly and Lundon still perform as China Crisis.
Hear China Crisis on New Wave Radio
You’ll find them on Back to British 70s–80s. Request “Wishful Thinking” for a slow afternoon.
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