The simple, synth-based Europop of Berlin's Alphaville borrowed heavily from the textures and drama of Ultravox and was essentially a showcase for the over-the-top, Bryan Ferry-influenced vocals of Marian Gold; the early lineup also featured Bernhard Lloyd and Frank Mertens, but membership fluctuated over most of the group's career. Alphaville had a big European hit in 1984 with its first single, "Big in Japan," but Gold failed to match its appeal with most subsequent efforts, in spite of using Tangerine Dream's Klaus Schulze as a producer. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide