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Fad Gadget


"Under the Flag" is the third studio album by Fad Gadget, released on September 1, 1982. Recorded at Blackwing Studios and All Hallows Church in London, the album was produced by Fad Gadget and John Fryer. The album, primarily written by Frank Tovey, reflects his concerns about the future of the world after becoming a father, emphasizing themes of apprehension and uncertainty. It incorporates new sampling technology and heavy sequencing, pushing the boundaries of electronic music at the time. Notably, fellow Mute Records artist Alison Moyet provided backing vocals on some tracks, during her tenure with Yazoo alongside Vince Clarke. The album's title sparked a legal dispute with another band named Under The Flag, prompting them to rename themselves The Archive. One track, "Scapegoat", includes elements of a Dutch nursery rhyme, adding a unique cultural dimension to the album's sound. Tovey drew inspiration from German band Die Krupps for some of the album's concepts, a connection evident in his later work with Einstürzende Neubauten on the album "Gag".