The Essence 35: The Collection 1985-2015 (5-CD)

Five CD collection. Formed in 1984 and hailing from Rotterdam, The Netherlands, The Essence signed to UK label Midnight Music in 1985 a year after touring their homeland, and soon after released their debut 12" 'Endless Lakes' and their first full-length LP, Purity. After the favorable reception of their inaugural releases, especially within Europe, this paved the way for a successful 35-year career for the band, covered here in this set. Contains the albums Purity (1985), A Monument of Trust (1987), Ecstasy (1988), Nothing Lasts Forever (1991) and Afterglow (2015), plus all of their singles and the best of their B-sides and alternative versions - all chosen and curated by the band themselves. Widely known for their audible similarities to the Cure - Hans Diener is Robert Smith's vocal twin, and their numbers such as 'A Mirage' and 'The Cat' replicate the Cure's brooding guitar sound perfectly. However, although The Essence didn't become as well known within the States as the Cure, their albums such as Ecstasy and A Monument of Trust ensured the band became cult favorites, particularly amongst the goth rock crowd. Contains full sleeve notes focusing on the career of The Essence by singer and band-leader Hans Diener. Comes in a specially packaged clam-shell boxing, containing beautifully designed disc wallets replicating the original album artworks.