The Reels – Quasimodo's Dream (1981)

"Quasimodo's Dream" is the second studio album by Australian synthpop/new wave band The Reels, released in May 1981 on Mercury Records. It is considered one of the most important, innovative, and yet underrated recordings in the history of Australian alternative music.

After the release of their debut album, the band radically changed their lineup and musical direction. They abandoned traditional guitar-driven rock structures in favor of minimalist electronic arrangements, creating a unique, dark, and simultaneously captivating sound.

While the album wasn't a resounding commercial success in the charts in 1981, it has since gained cult status. Critics call it ahead of its time, comparing its atmosphere to the works of Ultravox, Kraftwerk, and the early Human League, but with a distinctly Australian eccentricity. In 2010, the album was included in the book "The 100 Best Australian Albums."