Featuring alternate versions of seminal 1981 cut ‘Petrol’ (aka ‘Lamborghini’).

Dark Entries has just reissued an essential proto-house track from cult Australian electronic outfit Severed Heads.

Severed Heads are an enduring force in Australia’s post-punk independent music scene, first forming in Sydney as Mr. and Mrs. No Smoking Sign in 1979. They began by weaving together elements of ‘industrial’ noise-generation, tape cutting and looping and electronic sound synthesis. Eventually, Severed Heads’ sound morphed into a mutant electro-pop style.

The new reissue on Dark Entries contains four alternate versions of their track ‘Petrol’, which became an instant synth-pop classic upon its release. ‘Petrol’ first arrived in 1986 on Nettwerk Records, but an earlier version of the song (titled ‘Lamborghini’) was first recorded in 1981. That version, with vocals from Finoa Graham, appeared on a compilation titled Entrave Et Étouffement, From Australia… in 1982. Dark Entries’ reissue collects ‘Lamborghini’ in its original form as well as a 1982 live recording of the track. An alternate recording of ‘Petrol’, captured in 1984, is also featured alongside a ‘Version’ of the track by Terse Tapes producer Robert Racic.

Stream Severed Heads’ Petrol EP below.