The Sweets of Sin
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 in Adelaide, Australia |
| Founder | Frank Mankyboddle, Steve Z |
| Headquarters | Berlin (last known base) , Germany |
Area served | Australia, Europe |
| Products | Music albums |
The Sweets of Sin is an Australian band known for its experimental crossover pop style, incorporating elements of modern classical music, jazz, and performance art. Established in Adelaide in 1985 by Frank Mankyboddle (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Steve Z (saxophones, French horn, flute, clarinet, keyboards, vocals), the band's name was inspired by a passage from James Joyce's Ulysses, a suggestion made by Steve Z. They moved to Sydney in 1986 and launched their debut album, self-titled, in 1987 through Jarra Hill Records. In 1989, the group relocated to Berlin, where they remained active until disbanding in 1994. Mankyboddle revived the band in 2002, releasing the album Me-ism two years later.
Adelaide: 1985–86
The Sweets of Sin originated in Adelaide during 1985, founded by Frank Mankyboddle (vocals, percussion, guitar, songwriting), who had previously been the lead vocalist for the new soul outfit Del Webb Explosion (1980–83), alongside Steve Z (French horn, saxophones, keyboard, composition), formerly associated with Empty Vessels.
Prior to forming the band, in 1984 Mankyboddle—also known as Frank Möller—initiated Ship of Fools after departing from Del Webb Explosion. Steve Z (Stephen Lock) joined him and chose the band's name based on a segment from James Joyce's Ulysses. Both musicians aimed to transition away from their earlier musical approaches toward influences drawn from modern classical composers such as Stravinsky, Ravel, Messiaen, Debussy, Reich, Arvo Pärt, and Cage; as well as pop artists including Japan, Talking Heads, Kate Bush, Laurie Anderson, Dead Can Dance, Hector Zazou, and King Crimson. Their sound was characterized by modal harmonies and intricate rhythmic structures. Initially performing as a theatrical duo—occasionally opening for punk bands like The Celibate Rifles and power pop group The Mad Turks from Istanbul—they encountered limited local support in Adelaide. By 1986 they relocated to Sydney and expanded their lineup with Daniel O'Shea Clements (drums, percussion, vocals), who had been a trumpeter with Del Webb Explosion.
Sydney: 1986–89
Relocating to Sydney brought The Sweets of Sin to the attention of Bill O'Toole from Larrikin Records at a Balmain venue specializing in world music. Their debut album was released in 1989 on Jarra Hill Records under the Larrikin label. Mark Demetrious of Australian Rolling Stone commended the album for its sophisticated fusion of diverse instruments and styles—including Middle Eastern, Chinese, cabaret, and German electronic influences—highlighting its musical sophistication and evocative qualities. While the band was somewhat reluctant to be categorized strictly as "world music," they embraced aspects of it in songs such as "Can Hatice" (a Kurdish interpretation) and "The Gang of Four on Holiday in Sudan." Their first single "Experiment with Me" (1987), penned by Stephen Lock, garnered critical praise but did not achieve commercial success. Limited by their residency at Sydney’s Sandringham Hotel venue, they sought to reach wider audiences within Europe’s experimental music scenes.
Berlin: 1989–94
Following a six-month stay in rural West Germany during early 1990, The Sweets of Sin moved to Berlin. During this initial European phase, they lived communally and pooled resources while based in the industrial Ruhr area. Musically expanding their repertoire to include jazz standards and original compositions under the alternate name Kool Skool, they added Dirk Lang on bass guitar. After settling in Prenzlauer Berg amid the fall of the Berlin Wall, they performed at venues such as Volksbühne and Franz Club and toured locations including Poland, Prague, France’s Metz Festival, and Belgium. Their performances received favorable reviews from publications like Tagesspiegel and Tip. Despite artistic growth and increasing recognition across European markets, internal conflicts resulted in their dissolution in 1994.
2002–present
In 2002 Frank Mankyboddle reassembled The Sweets of Sin with Dirk Lang now on guitar. Initially adopting an acoustic format with new bassist Helge Krause on acoustic bass guitar, they released their second album Me-ism in 2004 via KIP-records. This label also reissued their debut album on CD for European audiences. Following Krause’s departure in 2004 and Lang’s exit in 2006, Mankyboddle restructured the ensemble by bringing in Thomas Pertzel and Andreas Peters to incorporate electronics alongside drums and wind instruments.
Current
- Frank Mankyboddle (also Frank Möller) – vocals, percussion, guitar, songwriting
- Andreas Peters – electronics, drums, wind instruments
- Helmut Engel–Musehold – saxophones, flutes, midicontrollers
Former
- Steve Z (Stephen Lock) – saxophones, French horn, flute, clarinet, keyboards, vocals
- Daniel O'Shea Clements – drums, percussion, vocals
- Dirk Lang – bass guitar, guitar
- Helge Krause – acoustic bass guitar
- Thomas Pertzel – saxophone, melodica, vocals
- Mirko Breder
Discography
- The Sweets of Sin – Jarra Hill Records (1987) LP; Kip-Records (1991) CD
- Me-ism (2004) Kip-Records