"Gothics" - a time before the word goth had even taken shape - believed in the do-it-yourself punk ethos that anyone could pick up an instrument. As any true punk would, Xmal Deutschland's members Caro May, Rita Simon, Manuela Rickers, Fiona Sangster and Anja Huwe, started the band despite any previous musical experience. The 'Schwarze Welt' seven-inch was released on the local punk label, ZickZack, in 1981 and introduced Huwe's venomous German vocals, the band's peacocked hair and thick kohl-lined eyes. Xmal Deutschland's music retained both a restlessness and delicacy, transcending any confines of the "Neue Deutsche Welle" movement, much like their colleagues and friends DAF and Einstürzende Neubauten, with the release of the 'Incubus Succubus' single in 1982. That same year, the band performed in London as support for the Cocteau Twins; it was the platform they needed to have their breakthrough. 'Early Singles 1981-1982', is a map of the foundational movements of Xmal Deutschland, just seconds before takeoff. Bonus tracks on the compilation, 'Kaellbermarsch' and a gritty live version of 'Allein', further accentuate their fusion of toughness with the quixotic decadence of atmospheric synthesizers.