It's a big thrill to have German synthpop heavyweights PROPAGANDA on the cover of the first Electronic Sound of 2026. And it's no less of a thrill to have a clear vinyl seven-inch boasting brilliant new mixes of 'Dr Mabuse' and 'Duel', probably the band's two best-known tracks, to accompany the magazine.

We've interviewed all four members of the classic line-up of Propaganda for our lead story, which follows the recent release of a jumbo boxset of the material the Düsseldorf group recorded for ZTT Records between 1983 and 1985. The focus of our feature is on the time they spent with Trevor Horn and Paul Morley's infamous imprint, where their labelmates included Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Art Of Noise. It's a superb read and, despite their numerous disagreements and fallings-out over the years, it even offers some hope that the quartet may yet reconvene at some point.

Oneohtrix Point Never, Sleaford Mods and Black Box Recorder singer Sarah Nixey are also on the menu for our first issue of the new year, as is the genius pairing of one-time This Heat drummer Charles Hayward and avant-rap insurgent MC Dälek. We have Barry Adamson, Mike Paradinas, Tortoise, Rupert Hine and Raica too, so there's plenty to keep you going through the next few weeks of gloomy winter nights. Chuck another log on the fire and dig in.         

   

Alongside this month's issue, we're releasing an exclusive seven-inch featuring subtle new mixes of PROPAGANDA's 'Dr Mabuse' and 'Duel', the group's biggest hits. Pressed on clear vinyl and adding another layer of luxury to the much-loved 1980s tracks, the updates are the work of acclaimed UK producer David Kosten, whose credits include Everything Everything and Bat For Lashes. 'Dr Mabuse' is as dark, enigmatic and enticing as it always was, while 'Duel' remains one of the smartest and coolest synthpop cuts ever. You don't want to miss out on this one. Sell your soul if you have to.