The Edmonton-based band Psyche is well-known among synth-pop enthusiasts. The band’s history is as intriguing as their music, combining elements of horror and electronic sound to create a unique style. Learn more about their journey in this article on edmontonski.
How Psyche Was Formed
The band was founded in 1982 by brothers Darrin and Stephen Huss in Edmonton. The name “Psyche” was inspired by the Wardance B-Side of Killing Joke. Psyche’s debut took place on December 13, 1982.
During this early phase, the band gained attention for their unconventional concerts, where Darrin would perform naked, except for being fully covered in shaving cream. This concept was influenced by London musician Fad Gadget.
Early Musical Successes
In 1986, the band’s debut album Insomnia Theatre achieved success in Europe, leading Psyche to sign a contract with the Parisian label New Rose Records. Together, they released two singles, followed by the full studio album Unveiling the Secret. To promote the album, the band performed with the duo Suicide at Élysée Montmartre in Paris before embarking on a European tour.
In 1989, the band released their third studio album, Mystery Hotel. Shortly afterward, Stephen Huss was diagnosed with schizophrenia and took a break from the band. During this time, Darrin collaborated with David Kristian, resulting in the album The Influence. This album introduced new elements to Psyche’s sound, incorporating Kristian’s samples created with the Casio FZ1. Tracks like Misery and Haunted marked Psyche’s transition into the dark wave music scene.
In 1991, Psyche released Daydream Avenue. In 1994, the band collaborated with German producer Joseph Watt, producing the album Intimacy. They toured Germany shortly after. While Stephen Huss stayed in Canada, Darrin searched for new collaborators in Germany.
Exploring New Partnerships
After a brief hiatus, Psyche resumed their activities in 1996, with Per-Anders Kurenbach joining the band. Their first single post-hiatus was You Ran Away, which included a cover of Q Lazzarus’s Goodbye Horses. The cover became a staple in their live performances and was featured on the album Strange Romance.
In 1998, the band signed with Hamburg’s StrangeWays label, releasing their eighth album Love Among the Ruined, which experimented with pop elements.
A successful contract with Artoffact Records in 2000 led to a series of albums, marking the last collaboration with Kurenbach. After parting ways with him, Darrin teamed up with Remi Szyska. The new lineup debuted with the single Sanctuary in 2001, followed by concerts across Europe and North America. Their ninth album, The Hiding Place, was well-received and ranked fourth in the German Top 100 annual chart.
Later Years and Renewed Success
Darrin and Szyska’s fruitful partnership lasted 11 years until 2011, when a fallout led to Szyska’s departure and Kurenbach’s return. Psyche resumed touring globally.
In 2016, the band’s first three albums were remastered and released in digital format. In 2017, they unveiled their new song, Youth of Tomorrow, marking their first original material in 13 years. In 2018 and 2019, VUZ Records released two compilation albums titled Under the Radar, featuring rare and unreleased Psyche tracks in limited-edition CDs.
Psyche continues to captivate audiences with their evolving style and contributions to the synth-pop and dark wave music scenes.