Rampent Back Street Walker 7" EP PRIVATE PRESSING S80 CUS 804 NWOBHM 1980 EX

	£		185
	$		244

For your consideration, an exceptionally rare private pressing from the obscure band Rampent.

This elusive four-track EP, issued in 1980, features Anne Stephenson (vocals), Kevin Wildsmith (guitar), Pete Selby (guitar), K. Owen (bass), and Richard(?) (drums). If we're honest, stylistically, this recording was around 10 years too late with most smaller bands of this type washed away by the reset of Punk.  If you need a classification:  NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal).  Musically, it evokes the styles of bands like Siege, Omen Searcher, and Bashful Alley (pinkfishmedia.net). The standout tracks, "Back Street Walker" and "Livin' on the Past," highlight the band's potential; they're well played and recorded but the British public had moved on by the time the group had got into the recording studio.

The sleeve is autographed by band members (though we can in no way endorse their authenticity). Signatures include Kevin Wildsmith, and Anne Stephenson, among others. A handwritten note on the sleeve reads "Best Wishes From Rampent. Love A. Stephens. Vocals," making this record rarer than an empty seat at a Frosty Moses reunion.

This EP represents a sincere effort by a small-time act that quickly disappeared from the scene. Few copies have surfaced, mostly in the Midlands, adding to its mystique and rarity. With minimal details provided on the record itself, this pressing likely served as a demo, produced in limited quantities via the SRT custom pressing service, aiming to attract major labels (Fairview Recording Studios look to be still going in Hull). 
This record is a valuable piece of music history, offering a glimpse into a time before big data when the life history of a band, and it's members, was just a Google click away.
Well written, well played, well recorded: just out of time.  A band that left a lasting curiosity, if not a legacy.

Cat#: S/80/CUS 804 Record Label: Private Pressing / Not on Label / SRT Productions Ltd / Fairview Recording Studio (Hull) Country Released: UK Label Info: Please See Pics Stereo/Mono: Assumed Stereo Release Year: 1980 Title(s) / Tracks: Side A Title Side B Title A1 Back Street Walker B1 Fight Back A2 Livin' On The Past B2 No Friend Of Mine
Notes: Has only sold 3 times on Discogs in 2016, 2017 & 2023 only in VG condition. Grading - PLAY TETSED Vinyl Grading EX Sleeve Grading VG Comments Really clean record with a beautiful shine. I would say, a grade above anything that has sold before (everything I can see was listed as VG).

On playback, there is a little noise in the dead wax, but given the volume of the record this is soon drown out. There are a few hairlines which don't make any impact on the audio.

The plain sleeve (it never had a picture sleeve) is signed by the band. and is top end VG.

As always with MCV, upon return, we will refund in full if not satisfied with the quality.  

Given the scarcity of this recording, I would go on a limb and say it's the best condition copy you will ever find.  Grading System From 20th Jan 2024 I Will be using the Goldmine Grading System as follows:

MINT

• A record that is in perfect condition and has never been played.
• I will only use this grading if the record is sealed.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

• The record appears to have never been played (or has been played very few times).
• The record has no visible signs of wear or damage.
• The cover has no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or any other noticeable defects.

Excellent (EX)

(PLEASE NOTE: I have elected to use EX as opposed to Goldmines VG+. In the interest of clarity, I will not use the VG+ grading to represent a top end VG)

• A record that has been played but is still in excellent condition.
• Defects are of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole.
• Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences.
• Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK".
• The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable.
• Spindle marks may be present.
• The cover/box may have slight signs of wear and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner.
• In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint.

Very Good (VG)

• The record has obviously been played.
• Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise.
• Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound.
• Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of covers and will show obvious signs of wear and tear.

Good (G)

• The record has obviously been played.
• A record that has been heavily played and may skip or repeat. There may be noticeable noise or distortion on the recording.
• The Sleeve has obvious marks, tears and rips.

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Refund Policy The vast majority of our listings will be of Ex/NM quality. We try to maintain high standards and you should buy from Modern Classic Vinyl with confidence.

On the rare occasions that our grading falls below your expectations, I will be happy to give a full refund.