Help me track down a song!

About a week ago, while at Chicago’s Beer Temple, I heard a groovy song that I didn’t recognize. Since then I’ve been trying to track it down, to no avail. Please help me find it!

Here’s the background: the Beer Temple was playing an internet radio station based on Elvis Costello and the Attractions—mostly post-punk and New Wave stuff, plus change. I remember hearing “Alison,” as well as “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” by Bruce Cockburn, “Swingin’ Party” and “Unsatisfied” by the Replacements, “Love Is the Drug” by Roxy Music, “Walk on By” as covered by the Stranglers, “Marquee Moon” and “See No Evil” by Television, “International Feel” by Todd Rundgren, and “Outdoor Miner” by Wire.

The mystery song sounded as if it were from the early ’80s, though it could be more recent. Overall, I’d describe it as a post-punk song, maybe Gothic rock, with some dub/reggae influences—reminiscent of both Siouxsie and the Banshees and Young Marble Giants. The singer was male, however, and had perhaps a Scottish accent, though don’t quote me on that.

I couldn’t make out most of the lyrics due to the singer’s accent and phrasing (as well as the fact I was at a bar), but at one point I thought I heard the word “sea,” and the refrain (repeated at the end) included a phrase that sounded like “in a whirlpool” or “through the whirlpool.”

Production-wise, the song was fairly minimal and stark—guitar and drums and vocals, with some echo or reverb. There might have been a synth (I don’t remember), but if so, it was used sparingly. Melodically, I was reminded of the Smiths, although rhythmically I was put more in mind of reggae. (I know, right?) And I would have Shazam’d it, but as it happens I’d just gotten a new phone…

Here are some songs that kind of sound like the track I’m looking for—that are in the general ballpark:

• Asylum Party: “Play Alone”
• Lowlife: “A Sullen Sky,” “Hollow Gut”
• Sad Lovers and Giants: “Things We Never Did”
• Young Marble Giants: “Searching for Mr. Right”

And here are songs it isn’t:

• BMX Bandits: “Whirlpool”
• Dead or Alive: “Whirlpool”
• Felt: “Whirlpool Vision of Shame” (great song!)
• Meat Puppets: “Whirlpool”
• The Room: “Whirlpool”
• The Sound: “Whirlpool”
• The Wild Swans: “Whirlpool Heart”

(As you can see, I’ve been searching lyrics databases for songs containing the words I remember.) … It’s also not anything by the Chameleons—this track was more minimal than their lovely work.

I’m now reduced to listening through YouTube playlists of post-punk songs. Which I don’t mind doing, but I’m starting to feel as though I’ll never find this song. … Do you have any ideas? (Either way, thanks!)

BONUS: While searching, I stumbled across this gem by Peter Murphy and friends:

It’s nothing like the song I’m looking for, but I had to share it, due to its utter ’80s-ness.