Reviews of:
ODDBALL, BALAAM GALANG, PAN PIPES, PARAISO
HOLOCAUSTO, SYEVAD,
CIRCUMSPECT, RO, GREGS, WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND ANIMALS,
KRANKHEIT DER JUGEND, A NICE DERANGEMENT, HEIST, GROOP DOGDRILL,
BOWERY ELECTRIC, HEAVEN AND HELL, SAMSA TRAUM, SANGUIS ET CINIS,
Z.E.T.A.X, CINEMA STRANGE, DIE FORM, YENDRI, SIECHTUM, MANTUS, ASP,
FLESH FIELD, JANUS, ARTEMIY ARTEMIEV, SCREAMING DEAD, MOISTEN BEFORE USE, LADY MORPHIA, ALAN MOORE & TIM PERKINS, FINALITY JACK, THIS GENTLE FLOW, CANDLES AND INTRIGUE, TRANCENDANCE, BILL HORIST, M&E AUDIOZINE, NEROS ACOLYTES, SILBERNACHT, LLUVIA ACIDA, ETSETERA, SILVER SERFER, NEBULA MANIFESTO, LLUVIA ACIDA, GUERRAETERNA, RAS.AL.GHUL, DREIST, KUROI MORI, FLYING DUTCHMAN, ANGEL SELF DISTRUCT, DIPARTIMENTO SCUOLA EDUCAZIONE
MUSIC REVIEWS
ODDBALL
- CRACKER (CD SINGLE - DROID)
Formed in 1988 after rejecting Britpop's retrovirus, they want you to download the culture.
A brave manifesto based on critical magazine acclaim from 'Making Music' and supports to 'Asian Dub Foundation'. This, their debut has a lot to do to convince the post Britpop audience awash with 'worthy' bands. Skipping beats and hard grooves somewhere between Rage Against the Machine and The Pop Group does help them to stand out. Taught guitar lines and dual male - female vox draws us into a paranoid world of unease.
Contact: DROID, 24 Osborne Grove, Nottingham, NG5 2HF.
Web-site: www.oddball.freeserve.co.uk
BALAAM GALANG
- WE RAN OUT TO URANUS (CD - OWN LABEL)
Features composer and arranger Francois Landry who's been releasing
DIY music since 1987, this is his debut album.Reviews have mentioned
the likes of SPK, Psychic TV and Panasonic as points of reference. Think
ambient spacescapes played in some techno chill out style, and you'll
be touching only part of what's occurring. I'd also include in the above
list European electronic artists like Jean Michel Jarre and Kraftwerk's
mesmerizing rhythms. Minimal industrial surges driven by punk electro
like a collision between 80's experimental and 90's electronica.
Contact: CHARRUE PAR LES CORNES, PO BOX 494, Lac Carre, JOT 1JO CANADA.
PAN PIPES
- TRANSMISSION FORM (CD - AC)
Debut release from this five-piece band led by Taba who were formed
in 1998. The novel 'Nova Express' and alien contact inspire their name.
Having had previous experience with other combo's including Sinnerdolls,
Unable and even a connection with Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience)!
Out there guitar ambiences and psyche influences put me in mind of Pink
Floyd and more recently Spiritualised. Hypnotic Beats a la Space Rock
and other worldly vocals like Lou Reed in the ether.
Then it gets all Manchester along with sitar lounge to give your head
more to get round.
Contact: PAN PIPES, Via Lume 30/c, Bubano (Bo) 40020, ITALY.
E-mail:TOTY@LIBERO.IT
PARAISO
HOLOCAUSTO - COMPILATION (CD - GENITAL PROD.)
A collection of new industrial, hard dark electronic bands from Latin
America.
This features ANUBIS (Mexico, Power electronics like Merzbow meets E.
Geometrico), CORNUCOPIA (Puerto Rico, Extreme waves of distortion),
CENOBITA (Mexico Rhythmic industrial), HARD BOILED (Spain, metal meets
Industrial via the likes of Biohazard and Fear Factory), MESIAS (Mexico,
more industrial - metal), LLUVIA ACIDA (Chile, rhythmic metallic electro),
BIOGRAVE (Mexico, Hard electronics in Front Line Assembly mode), ECODALIA
(Spain, European EBM), CORROSION (Mexico, guitar driven electro), MALDICION
( Uruguay, Tribal metal - industrial), FABRICA DE QUIMERAS ( progressive
electronic), INSUMISION ( Peru, hardcore, electronic), OXOMAXOMA ( Mexico,
Punky electro), HIJOS DE CAIN ( Puerto Rico, Pounding electro meets
gothic), LA FUNCION DE REPULSA ( Mexico, Primal - industrial), ASTROVAMP
(Mexico, gabba - techno), CROMAFACTOR (Puerto Rico, Industrial - techno),
OGO (Mexico, more industrial) and ARMENIA (Ecuador, Power electronics).
Contact: GENITAL PRODUCTIONS, IO Y II Anaya Y O. Ramirez no. 736, Cd.
Victoria, Tamaulipas CP 87050, MEXICO.
E-mail: genitalp@hotmail.com
SYEVAD - SCARBEAT
(CD - SELF RELEASE)
Project named after the individual Alex Syevad, beyond that the info
is minimal. Electronics of one form or another, from Orb like ambiences
to uptempo trance seems to be covered here. Some of the material veers
into more industrial / EBM territory but all of which is instrumental.
Difficult to pin down all these various styles, maybe next time he'll
maybe get a theme going.
Contact: ALEX SYEVAD 020 77003149
CIRCUMSPECT
- UNLUCKIEST MAN IN THE WORLD (CD - CLASS ACT)
Their fourth release features on bass and vocals Nick Nedzynski from
'Lady Morphia'. They have toured extensively in London and Southeast
and built up a loyal fan-base. Musically they've drawn on many influences
but have a close affinity with the sixties Britpop scene. Melodic harmonies
and jangly guitars is this bands trademark. I hear touches of the Jam,
House of Love and some of the bands from the Sarah label.
Contact: CLASS ACT, North Park Cottage, Paddock Wood, Little Walden,
ESSEX CB10 1XE.
E-mail: Classactrecords@yahoo.com
RO - ROBOT -
LAND (CD - RO - R)
Founded in '98 this Dutch band have a penchant for eighties cold wave
AKA Joy Division and the Cure.
Angst ridden songs that have a sharp post - punk cut reminiscent of
the sound of early wire. Minimal art - rock that draws on that moody
quirky period of the likes of Television, Talking Heads and even Nasmak
(cult Dutch band). Moody and melodramatic, but the melodies do cut through
the gloomy atmosphere. With the current flirtation of all things 80's
this could be the bands chance to get wider recognition.
Contact: RO - ROBOT, Lansinkstraat 10, 7481 JP Haaksbergen, HOLLAND.
E-mail: europrom@wxs.nl
GREGS - OFFICE
PARTY (CD SINGLE - CRIPPERTY )
From the guitar rock mecca 'Isle of Man' ? Well always expect the unexpected.
Blurry, catchy distorted pop like early Jesus and Mary Chain or more
recently Super Furry Animals or Ash. They've got the odd quirk that
makes them stand out from the plethora of bands in this genre.
Melodic guitars entwined with violin and drifty vocals all drenched
in reverb work well in a My Bloody Valentine kind of way.
Contact: GREGS, 27 First Avenue, Douglas , ISLE OF MAN IM2 6AZ.
E-mail: thegregs@rainyday.co.uk
WORKING WITH
CHILDREN AND ANIMALS - COMPILATION (CD - WASP FACTORY)
A new label run by those 'Chaos Engine' stalwarts dedicated to industrial,
darkwave and alternative electronic rock.
Artists featured include THE CHAOS ENGINE (New electronica meets techno
/ rock with the tune still intact), ARKHAM ASYLUM (White powder driven
electro grebbos), LEECH WOMAN (Industrial muscle and metal guitars from
renowned band), GOTEKI (New project from 'Sneaky Bat Machine' member,
in cyber - mutant style), TARANTELLA SERPENTINE (Fetish disco meets
Sheep on Drugs), HYDRA (Distorted EBM, harsh metal bashers like Test
Department), SQUID (Loved by the nu-metal press, these dark darlings
have electro teeth), SKINFLOWERS (Melancholic melodic electro melodramas)
are all sewn together with the musical needle of warped Italian horror
flick fans FREUDSTEIN.
Contact: WASP FACTORY, Unit 1, 65 - 67 High Street, Cheltenham, Glos.
GL50 1DU.
E-mail: enquiries@waspfactory.com
Web-site: www.wasp-factory.com
KRANKHEIT DER
JUGEND - ILMENAU / BAD RAPPENAU (CD - KRANKEKUNSTVERLAG)
First album for nearly two years and related musically and lyrically
to the material on 'Schnittstellen'.
A mix of not only musical styles taking in psychedelic, jazz and electro
but languages including German, English, Italian and French. This 'concept'
album is lyrically built around a journey made by persons unknown taking
in India, Italy, France and Germany. Intriguing! Sub - poetic spoken
word pieces give this a speaking diary feel, along with occasional sample
snapshots. Very 'artrock' throughout from progressive via Krautrock
to experimental and electronic. Outhere sonic ambiences give the songs
a psychedelic tinge to go with the ever-changing musical landscape.
Contact: KKV, Haupstr. 75, 44206 Bad Wimpfen, GERMANY.
E-mail: werk512@aol.com
Web-site: www.betonbruch.de
A NICE DERANGEMENT
- A NICE DERANGEMENT (CD - AIRSOUND)
This represents the tip of the iceberg material wise from this project
based around the music of John Kelly. There's a definite singer/ songwriter
axis, which puts me in mind of the likes of Paul Weller and Ray Davies.
Urban takes of the modern world that has a melancholy atmosphere throughout,
but all done with a certain English quirkiness that the above artists
are renowned for.
Contact: AIRSOUND, Lane Cottage, Old Mill Lane, Mertsham, SURREY RH1
3BE.
HEIST - FRIDAY
NIGHT AT THE TRABI RACES (CD - SUPER 8)
Formed in '98, going on to win NME's band of the year, they feature
Callina de la Mare who has worked with the likes of Tindersticks, Nick
Cave and Marc Almond. If that wasn't pedigree enough, Allison Thomson's
credits include Trashcan Sinatras and Primal Scream. They've also toured
with the likes of The Fall, Buzzcocks and Happy Mondays, along with
releasing the 'Defectors' EP and an experimental film noir / dance album
'Berlin Express'. I think the titles give away their fascination with
Iron Curtain era subjects. This, their debut album is imbued with 'cold
war' atmospherics and kitsch spy theme motifs. Like an upbeat Portishead
mixed with a touch of the Tindersticks and 'The Third Man' soundtrack
thrown in for good measure. Back in the USSR, yeah!
E-mail: super8recordings@yahoo.com
GROOP DOGDRILL
- EVERY SIX SECONDS (CD - MANTRA)
Inspired by masculinity, sex and relationships, this post-small town
hate machine has experienced much. Now they are ready to look at their
past hedonism with a more sober eye and see it for what it really is.
This musical wake up call charges like a tornado ready to draw everybody
into the mosh pit maelstrom. Their brand of guitar rock draws on grunge
a la Nirvana along with Motorhead's headbanging riffs. Beneath all the
bravado the band show a sensitive side, catch it while you can.
BOWERY ELECTRIC
- LUSHLIFE (CD - BEGGARS BANQUET)
Following on from the '97 second album 'Beat', which received great
critical acclaim, even described by 'Wire' as a 'benchmark' release.
This Brooklyn based band have soaked up hip hop, Philly soul, Mancini
and Shire to produce emotive soundtracky trip-hop. Obvious contemporaries
would include Portishead and Massive Attack's dabbling with melancholy
soul. Their explorations into chill out grooves seem to conjure cinematic
images. Perhaps Hollywood beckons.
BIS
- MUSIC FOR A STRANGER WORLD (CD - WIIJA)
Never a band to be tied down to a particular sound on this mini-album,
they've flirted with electronica.
From the catchy melodic pop reminiscent of St. Etienne to the Teutonic
beats of Kraftwerk. Drawing also on 80's synth bands like Depeche Mode
and Human League to be in tune with the current fascination with that
period. But their brand of electronics has always had a spikey punk
tinge that gives it a bit more bite. An interesting pre-cursor to the
full-length album to see whether they explore or ditch this sound.
Contact: BEGGARS BANQUET.
HEAVEN AND HELL
- COMPILATION (CD - TRISOL)
A special 50th release from this unique label which features exclusive,
unreleased and rare tracks, along with the crème de la crème
of club hits from some of the best known acts from these genres.
A veritable who's who of the scene which includes GARDEN OF DELIGHT,
SANGUIS ET CINIS, WHISPERS IN THE SHADOW, BLACK TAPE FOR A BLUE GIRL,
MOTHER DESTRUCTION, DIE FORM, ESPLENDOR GEOMETRICO and ATTRITION. This
is a definitive guide to the current European scene and a must for the
curious out there.
SAMSAS TRAUM
- OH LUNA MEIN (CD - TRISOL)
Follow up to the widely tipped 'black metal' opera album 'Die Liebe
Gottes', which was critically well received in their native Germany.
Mixing gothic and black metal along with a heavy dose of romantic melancholy,
that draws on many influences. Yes, we do have grinding guitars and
growling vox to satisfy the satantic masses but they shift from dark
to light like the waning moon. Classical keys and strings pierce the
gloom and lift the proceedings in a Dead Can Dance way. But even with
all the pounding, there is always a melodic element to save the music
from turning into a dirge. The dual vocals and an ear for a catchy black
opus aimed at the darkly clad hordes will certainly get the dancefloors
heaving.
SANGUIS ET CINIS
- AMNESIA (CD - TRISOL)
Another release from this exotic and eccentric band, that has a strong
sense of musical and visual drama. Their brand of romantic death rock
puts me in mind of the likes of Christian Death, the March Violets and
Sisters of Mercy. This, their fourth album continues where the others
left off, and was produced by Bruno Kramm of Das Ich. Electronic elements
help drive the songs and give them an 80's synth feel a la Depeche Mode.
But then they get darker with sub-Marilyn Manson type riffing just to
confound us. An eclectic mix of songs that will appeal to both gothic
/ electronic audiences.
Z.E.T.A.X - FEOH
(CD - TRISOL)
This lies in the hard electronic field bordering on techno and doesn't
pull any punches.
Don't be fooled by the sub-ambient classical interludes, this material
is intended to fill dance floors. Pounding beats sampled guitars and
angst-ridden vocals that would shame even Cubanate or Sheep On Drugs.
We not only get a lesson in musical prowess but also a look at history
to enlighten us.
They certainly fit in with the current mode for dancey electronic music
like Mesh, Covenant and VNV Nation.
Contact: M.O.S, Altenbach 24a, 94900 Vaduz F. LIECHTENSTEIN.
E-mail: mos@rec.lol.li
CINEMA STRANGE
- CINEMA STRANGE (CD - TRISOL)
A new band to me, this is their debut album after critical praise for
their self produced singles.
Another American band that's carrying on in the death rock tradition
a la Christian Death.
Add to that the post-punk howl of the likes of Sex Gang Children and
that brief 'Batcave' embryonic era. Their brand of graveyard romanticism
puts me in mind of a darker London After Midnight or even a spookier
version of Specimen. Doom laden vocals have uncanny similarity to Varney
from Soper Aeternus ghostly Goth cries. New World critical praise has
been enthusiastic and it'll be interesting to see what European audiences
make of them.
DIE FORM - EXTREMUM (CD - TRISOL)
A new album from this established ritual S/M band from France; t's been a while. The artwork is as provoking as ever, female forms mixed with images of machines reminds me of some of Geiger's more erotic work. Pulsing electronics that probe the subconscious overlaid with ethereal female vox that calls us like the proverbial 'sirens'. Dark male vox growl orders of discipline with hidden menace towards the listener. Dungeon dancescapes that repulse and intrigue in even measures depending on your viewpoint. They have managed to carve their own niche in this area, along with the likes of Sleep Chamber and material released by Ant Zen.
YENDRI - BREAKDOWN
OF REALITY (CD- TRISOL)
Second album from this 'machines in decay' obsessed individual from
Germany. The androgynous Yendri seems to have a love-hate relationship
with technology and its effect on society. Then using the same technology
in the form of electronic music to promote these ideas a nice paradox.
Putting these issues aside, the music works on many levels and appeals
both in a cerebral and emotive way. Melodic electronics with spoken-sung
vocals full of hooks, that draws on the likes of Visage, Kraftwerk and
Nine Inch Nails.
SIECHTUM - GESELLSCHAFT:
MORD (CD - TRISOL)
This is the debut release from Thomas Rainer from the band L'Aime Immortelle.
It's in the vein of his own band but also draws on other harsh industrial
artists such as Dive and Esplendor Geometrico. I can see the connection
with Geometrico's distorted rhythmic tribal electronics that mesmerize
the listener. Then, think of the harder end of techno via gabba, which
puts me in mind of Ultraviolence. Unrelenting power electronics and
totalitarian beats take no prisoners.
MANTUS - LIEBE
UND TOD (CD- TRISOL)
Debut release from this German Gothic band that might have been compared
to London After Midnight.
They share the same neo-romantic psyche but Mantus employ a lot more
electronics in their sound.
Dramatic gloomy atmospherics and sub-sisters guitar, along with dual
male and female vox draw on classic Goth bands. Heart wrenching strings
and melancholic voices pull us into a web of despair. Dealing with subjects
like 'Love and Death' (the title of the album) their view is bleak indeed.
ASP - HAST DU
MICH VERMISST? (CD - TRISOL)
Project of a famous fantasy comic artist whose name will remain a mystery?
They've received good press in Germany being touted as one of the best
releases of 2000. Influences include early Sisters of Mercy, Rammstein
also And One, calling on Goth, Industrial and synth. Reminiscent in
places of the sequencer driven DAF but not as Teutonic as their fellow
countrymen. Vocally very much in classic Goth mould a la Eldritch's
moody dark invocations. They mix classic Goth with catchy hooks that
hang around in the brain like Rosetta Stone and Rose of Avalanche. Everything
feels and sounds familiar so they'll find a welcome in most dark hearts
but beyond that we'll have to wait and see.
FLESH FIELD -
VIRAL EXTINCTION (CD - TRISOL)
Hailing from the States where they've received rave reviews in the elektro/
industrial press. Power electronic rhythmic surges a la Esplendor Geometrico
put together with EBM, think Front 242 and Front Line Assembly. Dancefloor
orientated industrial electro that's got the hooks of Sheep on Drugs
and the pace of Nitzer Ebb. Then draw on both old and new electronic
genres but also add touches of techno and gabba. It's difficult in this
genre to come up with an original sound but I think Flesh Field is half
way there.
JANUS - SCHLAFENDE
HUNDE (CD - TRISOL)
Follow up to the 'Vater" album, also with production stints with
the likes of Sopor Aeternus, L'Ame Imortelle and Samsas Traum. Again,
visually strong with a gloomy comic strip to accompany the ominous electronics.
Atmospheric interludes give you a feeling of unease before the sampled
guitar kicks in very Rammstein. Spoken word passages give a pervasive
feeling of melancholy to this story of woe. The more up-tempo pieces
have a metallic edge with a mix of electro/ metal, think Die Krupps,
Fear Factory and Young Gods.
Contact: TRISOL,
AHORNWEG 19, 64807 DIEBURG, GERMANY.
E-mail: info@trisol.de
ARTEMIY ARTEMIEV
/ PETER FROHMADER - SPACE ICON (CD - ELECTROSHOCK)
Another release from this pioneering and prolific label led by the ever-present
Artemiev, one of the leading lights in the international electro-acoustic
genre. Ominous space inspired electronic soundscapes that wouldn't sound
out of place in the film '2001'. A soundtrack looking for a film, I
can see this Russian composer's strength is in conjuring images in the
mind. This time he has collaborated with German composer Frohmader,
sharing studio time in Munich and Moscow. This work is less ambient
than previous outings and has more movement in emotions and atmosphere.
ELECTROACOUSTIC
MUSIC 5 - COMPILATION (CD - ELECTROSHOCK)
An international selection of artists. If you're into the kind of music
that the likes of 'Wire' write about, then this might mean something
to you. This compilation features CLAIRE LARONDE (France, spacey ambiences),
PEETER VAHL (Estonia, classically inspired electronics), ROBIN JULIAN
HEIFETZ (USA, discordant drones and distorted ambiences) ANATOLLY PERESELEGIN
(Russia, violin led disconcerting ambiences), DIETER MOEBIUS (Germany,
ambient murmurs from space), HARDA ESTRA (UK, neo folk distortions),
and CHRISTOPHER DE LAURENTI (USA, other worldly emanations).
SCREAMING DEAD
- DEATH RIDES OUT (CD - RESSURECTION)
Cult band from the mid-80's who've been revived via Resurrection (the
label) and the great success of Inkubus Sukkubus. You can hear the embryonic
Inkubus in these tracks, a skeleton of ideas that would be fleshed out
by the later project. Driving drums are very Killing Joke, and grinding
guitars all have a post-punk feel. Pounding tracks that all have the
give away Inkubus keyboard lines interwoven in the melee. Rousing songs
that demand your attention, it's like Bauhaus, March Violets and the
Sisters have never been away.
Contact: RESURRECTION, 228 Camden High Street, London NW1.
Web-site: www.screamingdead.homepage.com
MOISTEN BEFORE
USE - AWKWARDNISITY (CD - FRAGMENT)
The return of Clive Richard's wayward label and one of his many incarnations,
which includes the sublime Erixma. Unusual percussive instruments have
been used to give this a very South East Asian and Polynesian feel.
Very reminiscent in places of rhythms used in Thai dances, but brought
into a modern context with various cut ups and samples. Industrialised
world music would be my nearest genre to hang this post - cocktail chic
kitsch on. Not that this is not profound material; it's just that there
always seems to be an element of play involved in the proceedings. But
with the above, we have elemental drones and ambiences that wouldn't
sound out of place in a Tibetan monastery.
Contact: FRAGMENT, PO BOX 4065, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4WH.
Web-site: www.fragmentmusic.com
LADY MORPHIA
- RECITALS TO RENEWAL (CD - SURG)
Follow up to the mini album 'Pangoea' which came out in '98, and now
they have spread their wings in this full-length opus. Like a flag unfurling
in the wind, this album shows strongly where their lineage comes from
- the likes of Death In June, In the Nursery, and Dead Can Dance. Epic
neo folk and melancholic militaristic beats draw us into an ancient
world full of myths and legends. Choral ambiences re-affirm this connection
with a more pagan heart and its closeness to nature. Already garnering
plaudits from various critics, this album looks set to push Lady Morphia
into a wider arena.
Contact: LADY MORPHIA, North Park Cottage, Paddock Wood, Little Walden,
Essex CB10 IXE.
E-mail: Lmorphia@aol.com
ALAN MOORE &
TIM PERKINS - HIGHBURY WORKING (CD - RE)
Features cult comic guru Alan Moore's spoken word 'beat' poetry with
the musical backdrop provided by Tim Perkins of Finality Jack. Moores
obsession with historical events based geographically in London, he
constantly flits in time and place. He digs through the layers of words
to expose the darker heart of this sprawling metropolis. With speech,
he interweaves the modern and ancient world joining different events
together into a vocal ley line. Discordant sub-industrial distortions
provide the stage for these observations, like an avant-garde version
of Anne Clarke. We fast-forward through murders, intrigue, Crowley,
Arsenal and sewers, which are all drawn into this montage.
Web-site: www.stevenseverin.com
FINALITY JACK
- PEASANT GOURMET (CD - NORTH STAR)
Featuring the omnipresent Mr. Perkins, along with Becky Price and Tim
Harris, all who have had involvement in various degrees in folk, acoustic,
and world music. European folk traditions, from Celtic to Eastern and
beyond, are called upon for inspiration. A melting pot of cultural sources
with a penchant for classical, all done with a modern slant. Think Phillip
Glass, Enya, Pognes, Kate Bush and even Peter Gabriel's dabbling in
world music. These purely instrumental tracks will evoke many feelings,
mostly of distant landscapes.
Contact: NORTH STAR, PO BOX 868, Cambridge CB1 6SJ.
E-mail: info@northstarmusic.co.uk
Web-site: http://www.northstarmusic.co.uk
THIS GENTLE FLOW
- THIS CAGE (CD SINGLE - LEFT AS IN SINISTER)
Features Valerios from the now defunct cult gothic band 'Left Avenue',
who have released material on the same label. This project is altogether
more electronic but still has strong gothic ambiences.
Industrial rhythms, ethereal keys and droning bass are the backbone
to this conjunction between the Sisters and Dead Can Dance. Add to that
classical elements, there's a lot going on in this cauldron. It'll be
interesting to see what happens when they make a full album.
CANDLES AND INTRIGUE
- COMPILATION 2 (CD - LEFT AS IN SINISTER)
Titled as 'the next wave of Australian music' albeit within dark wave/
gothic/ electronic/ industrial genres. This 'downunderground' compilation
features BRILLIG (hypnotic electronics), IKON (gothic between Sisters/
Death in June, released material via Apollyon), THIS GENTLE FLOW, REDRESSER
(reminiscent of Bauhaus), SHINING VRIL (ominous soundscapes), ONE (EBM
from the album 'Mercy Mile' via Nightbreed), RECUR (gothic/ electronic),
LEMON AVENUE, IONA (hard electronic), SCISSOR PRETTY (weird atmospheric
electronics meets the Banshees), UNSAID (post punk meets Led Zep), SEVENTH
DAWN (Depeche Mode sounding), and NICHOLAS OGBURN (industrial ambient
sound-scape).
Contact: LEFT AS IN SINISTER, PO BOX 1769, Collingwood, 3066 Victoria,
AUSTRALIA.
E-mail: valerios@rabbit.com.au
TRANCENDENCE
- DARK CULTURE SAMPLER (CD - DOPPLER EFFECT)
A compilation of electronic bands mostly from Washington and Oregon
areas in the States.
This features SMP (EBM in Front 242/ Front Line Assembly mode), NOXIOUS
EMOTION (hard electronic reminiscent of Young Gods), PARALLAX 1 (industrial),
PET OF THE FUTURE (classical inspired Depeche Mode), TRIPLE POINT (minimal
80's electronics), LATERAL TENSION (dancey in Sheep On Drugs vein),
OMNIBOX (more EBM), TRI STATE KILLING SPREE (melodramatic gothic/electronic),
WRITTEN IN ASHES (Gothic Rock), IXI (industrial), FIERCEN (industrial
dance), THINE EYES (sound-scape), LANDSCAPE BODY MACHINE (pulsing electronics
in Kraftwerk mode) DIAO (world music influenced electronics), ALTENUATED
EUPHORIA (brooding electronics), and MFD (dark ambient murmurs).
Contact: DOPPLER EFFECT, PO BOX 6417, Beaverton, OR 97007, USA.
E-mail: dfx@sonic-boom.com
Web-site: www.sonic-boom.com/dfx
BILL HORIST -
SONGS FROM THE NERVE WHEEL (CD - UNIT CIRCLE RECORDS)
Follow up to the 'Soylent Radio' album, which also revolved around treated
guitar sound-scapes.
After a period of activity which has included touring in the USA and
Europe along with many collaborations. This solo artist seems to have
matured with these experiences culminating in a more focused piece of
work. Whirling rhythmic ambiences that float in and out of focus are
mixed with guitar tremors. Pulsing otherworldly emanations of unease
glide past like out-takes from some sci-fi horror not unlike Alien.
Contact: UNIT CIRCLE, PO BOX 20352, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
Web-site: http://www.unitcircle.com/
M&E AUDIOZINE
- COMPILATION (CASSETTE - MUSIC & ELSEWHERE)
Features a sprinkling of current releases available via the above label,
and more seriously dedicated to Kate Twilight (1968-99) RIP. As always,
it's an eclectic mix of artists from the international underground.
This sampler features SISTER SINISTER (moody folky melancholy like All
About Eve), SIRENEE (Austrian neo folk), SABOTAGE (well regarded pervy-electronics
from their CD 'Acoustic Costumes' via nightbreed), WERK (more from Austria,
this time in Depeche Mode territory), UNCLE ID (Welsh Chilli Peppers
Funky Stylee weirdness), SILVERSPOON (prog with jazzy overtones from
Germany), GURUS FROM THE NEW MILLENIUM (mantric guitars in Spacemen
3/ Sundial mode), SLEEPY PEOPLE (proggy Talk Talk meets Porcupine Tree),
MAGIC MOMENTS AT TWILIGHT TIME (the omnipresent 'Hawkwind on a budget'
band, masters of Guilford), TOSHIYUKI HIRAOKA (Japanese Kraftwerky -
electro), RAS.AL.GHUL (ritual industrial from Portugal), MOTION CONTROL
(weird electronic/ breakbeat mix), CAPTAINS LOG (space rock feedback
ambiences), and ARTEMIY ARTEMIEV (Russian composer's otherworldly ethereal
soundtrack).
Contact: MICK MAGIC, 6 Farm Court, Frimley, Surrey GU16 8TJ.
E-mail: magic@underground.fsnet.co.uk
Web-site: http://music-elsewhere.hypermart.net
NEROS ACOLYTES
- ALBATROCITY (CASSETTE - EXOTERIC), MARTOC - TRAFFIC IS PSYCHOSOMATIC
(CASSETTE - ESOTERIC)
Both projects feature the wayward talents of Martoc, along with countless
other musicians.
Although 'Albatrocity' is a band effort, we hear Martocs strange sensibilities
shine through. Reminiscent of Hawkwind and Syd Barret, with the quirky
humour of the likes of The Bonzo's.
His solo efforts are not too dissimilar in style and content but more
reliant on electronics.
Contact: EXOTERIC/ESOTERIC, 46 Kennett Road, Oxford OX3 7BJ.
Web-site: http://www.martoc.demon.co.uk
SILBERNACHT -
NACHT OHNE STERNE (CASSETTE - SELF RELEASE)
Debut release from this esoteric artist from Germany is imbued in melancholy.
Imagine the musical soundtrack to a silent black and white horror film
such as 'Phantom of the Opera' or 'Nosferatu'. This conjures those images
in my mind through atmospheric church organ dirges, all covered in a
layer of cobwebs.
Contact: SILBERNACHT, Kempener 108, 47803 KREFELD, GERMANY.
LLUVIA ACIDA/
ETSETERA/ SILVER SERFER/ NEBULA MANIFESTO (CASSETTE - ONCE UPON A TIME)
LLUVIA ACIDA/ GUERRAETERNA (CASSETTE - SELF RELEASE)
Two different releases split between five bands representing electronic
music from Latin America.
The bands featured include SILVER SERFER (Argentina - politically fuelled
atmospheric electronics interspersed with TV cut ups), NEBULA (pumping
EBM, think Front 242/ Nitzer Ebb), LLUVIA ACIDA (Chile - off kilter
experimental electro. Released material on the Harijan label), ETSETERA
(Argentina - more electronics in avant style), and GUERRAETERNA (Cabaret
Voltaire inspired weirdness).
Contact: HARIJAN, Mario Toledo V.326, Punta Arenas, CHILE.
RAS.AL.GHUL -
SONIC YONIC (CD - AQUATICA)
The duo of Cerequeira and Rodrigues has a long history of being involved
in alternative culture stretching back to 1985. This fifth release reinforces
their standing on the international ambient/ electronic scene. Hypnotic
trancey electronic rhythms with touches of Arabic/ Indian influences
transport the listener to another world. From Eno-esque mindscapes to
sub Gabriel world music electronics and Eastern drones reminiscent of
muslin gauze. Whether you're into Tangerine Dream or the Aphex Twin,
this band bridges the gap between them.
Contact: RAS.AL.GHUL, R.S.Marcal, 75 R/C 1200-419, Lisbon, PORTUGAL.
Web-site: www.symbiose-pt.com
GUNTER SCHROTH
- BARCODE MUSIC (CD - ARCHEGON)
Inspired by the sounds produced by Individual products as they are passed
over the scanner. Each item has a hidden melody or sonic structure that
is unique to that item. An obtuse premise as inspiration to a musical
project, but ideas can come from the most obscure places. Abstract bleeps
and blips processed and re-structured to form some kind of melodic machine
language. There is an Internet music project based in Germany where
you can hear this and other sound structures.
Contact: ARCHEGON, Muhlgasse 31, 60486 Frankfurt - Main, GERMANY.
Web-site: www.monoseuche.de
E-mail: ARCHEGON@t-online.de
DREIST - DREIST
(CD SINGLE - SELF RELEASE)
Formed in '97 in the North East of Germany where they've become well
known, this is their debut release. Angst ridden vocals lead the charge
of riffing guitars with strong metal overtones all held together by
pounding drums. The band is full of youthful zest which spills over
into their 'go get 'em' view. Enthusiasm is great but needs to be tempered
with a touch of realism. Once they've dumped their obvious influences,
it'll be interesting to see what develops.
Contact: DREIST, Dorfstrasse 2, 17291 Ropersdorf, GERMANY.
E-mail: dreist@web.de
KUROI
MORI - DAWNING (CD - TONE CASUALTIES)
The solo project of Japanese musician Hiroki Furutani, who has been
producing avant- garde/ jazz music since the mid-eighties. Imagine minimal
experimental trip hop mixed with Portishead's atmospherics and you'll
get close to what is happening on this album. Sub cinematic sound-scapes
and uptempo cocktail jazz themes all shaken and stirred to produce a
heady brew. Touches of kitsch, schmaltz and sub-exotica all add to the
late night chill club or bar atmospherics. Post-jazz and sleazy porn
flick background sounds make this a must for anyone into the likes of
Stereolab or the 'Vampiros Lesbos' film.
FLYING DUTCHMAN
- TRIP TO THE CORE (CD - TONE CASUALTIES)
Debut release from producer Hanyo Van Oosterom with the help of the members of the band Spot.Cool rhythmic backbones overlaid with shimmering electronics and punctuated by funky bass.This puts me in mind of artists like Grace Jones, Talking Heads, Propaganda and even Julie Cruise.All have strong production elements involved, which comes as no surprise with this artist's material. Add trip-hop, electronica and disco to this melting pot of eclectic musical notions and you still won't cover it.
Contact: TONE CASUALTIES, 6353 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028,
USA.
Web-site: www.tonecasualities.com
ANGEL SELF DESTRUCT
- BASEMENT (CD SINGLE - ASD)
Follow up to the debut cassette release 'Kitsch and Chaos' which came
out last year. This material has far better production values and comes
across as a 'coming of age' for this duo. Dark wave electronics with
influences that include Joy Division, Virgin Prunes and early Black
Sabbath. Take the above ingredients and include the likes of the Young
Gods and This Mortal Coil into the melting pot.
The new material has a more European minimal discordant feel that reminds
me of Xmal Deutschland.
Contact: ASD, 22 Bis Rue De L'Yveline, 78790 Septeuil, FRANCE.
E-mail: albert78790@aol.com
CROOK'D FINGER
- AFT/ FZZY PMPR-FDGYBTNS (VUZH/ BIZARRE DEPICTION), SAMARKAND - PITCH
WHEEL/ CLOUD - WANKER (BIZARRE DEPICTION / SEMPER LOFI)
Two split cassette releases from experimental/ electronic bands/ artists
from various parts of the States. Includes CROOK'D FINGER (veer between
structured electro and off the wall experimental pieces), FZZY PMPR
(lo-fi distorted big beat like Chrome meets Zappa mixed by Fat Boy Slim),
SAMARKAND (soundtracky Philip Glass like ambiences), and CLOUD (world
music influenced rhythms mixed with guitar nuances).
Contact: BIZARRE DEPICTION, PO BOX 3488, Dublin, OH 43016, USA.
E-mail: stewart@netwalk.com
Contact: VUZH, PO BOX 1204, Lyons, CO 80540, USA.
E-mail: vuzhmusic@autoreverse.net
DIPARTIMENTO
SCUOLA EDUCAZIONE - DSE (CASSETTE - SELF RELEASE)
Second offering from this Northern Italian early 80's influenced band.
Melancholic atmospherics, minimal esoteric guitar and skeletal bass
reaffirm these links. Think stark stripped down music produced by bands
like Joy Division, Section 25, early Siouxsie and early cure.
Contact: F.GELMINI, Via 4 Novembre 74, 24030 ALMENNO S.B, BERGAMMO,
ITALY.
PUBLICATIONS
MASTOCK 1/ 2
This one covers 'experimental music' including reviews and interviews
with the likes of HOLOSKANKS, ATMOSPHEH - RHYCXX and a dictionary of
musical terms.
Contact: MASTOCK, 7375 Louis Hebert, Montreal, Quebec, H2E 2X5 CANADA.
ORIGINAL SIN
27/ 28/ 29/ 30.
Prolific 'zine covering most genres including Wave, Goth, Indie, Punk,
EBM and beyond.
Interviews include CLAN OF XYMOX, WOMB, LLAMA FARMERS, MOLOTOVA, KIRLIAN
CAMERA, RO - ROBOT, DYNAMIC MASTERS and loads of music and 'zine reviews.
Essential.
Contact: ORIGINAL SIN, Jozef Guislainstraat 6, 9000 Gent, BELGIUM.
MAFIA 4
Gothic music inspired 'zine which features MIDNIGHT CONFIGURATION, BLUBBERHEADS,
VENUS FLY TRAP, MIMETIC FIELD, OBERON, L'AME IMMORTELLE and lots of
related reviews.
Contact: MAFIA, PK 58 Bakirkoy, 34711 ISTANBUL, TURKEY.
RHYTHM &
BOOZE
Monthly regional based music magazine covering the various goings on
around the West Midlands. Has reviews including SPUNGE, SPITBOX, MODICUM
and LLAMA FARMERS.
Contact: RHYTHM & BOOZE, PO BOX 271, Worcester, WR4 9ZU.
E-mail: com/group/rhythmandbooze
MONAS HIEROGLYPHICA
10
Fiction, poetry and more, including features and interviews on the likes
of AZTEC GODS, JOI BROZEK, OWAIN GLYNDWR and EDGAR A. POE.
Contact: MH, 58 Seymour Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet, ESSEX SS7 2HL.
EXCLUSIVE 6
Lots of reviews and interviews featuring MUSE, BILLY CHILDISH, MICHAEL
J. SHEEHY, MERZ and RIMA.
Contact: EXCLUSIVE, 53 Birches Head Road, Hanley, STOKE ON TRENT ST1
6LH.
PSYCHE OUT
The last issue of this 'zine which features interviews with LEGENDARY
POPTONES, VENUS FLYTRAP, SPOUT and scene reports from CZECH REPUBLIC
and BULGARIA.
Contact: PSYCHE OUT, Via Gallesi 20/ 32, 16163 San Quirico, GENOVA,
ITALY.
KITSCH KITTY
3
Indie music and rant based 'zine that has stuff on the likes of MIGUAL
BALL, STAR WARS, REVISION, VOW and lots of music reviews.
Contact: KITSCH KITTY, 21 Ashton Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 7AP.
E-mail: kitschkitty@hipplanet.com
LES ENFENTS DU
SILENCE 38
Mostly review based, with interviews from BUZY and FANTASTICORAMA.
E-mail bonnet.erik@wanadoo.fr
DARKLIFE 4/ 5
The premier music 'zine that covers the international Gothic/ Industrial
scene.
Packed with reviews and interviews with bands that include VNV NATION,
IN THE NURSERY, NEW MODEL ARMY, FRONT 242, MIRANDA SEX GARDEN, ATTRITION,
ALPHAVILLE and loads more. Essential.
Contact: DARKLIFE, PO BOX 29071, LONDON WC1H.
E-mail: aquat@students.bbk.ac.uk
ANALOG PLENUM
39
Covering Fetish, Acidcore, Industrial and Teknoise, with articles, reviews
and artwork on Taboos and Transgressions, History of Electro, Gigolo
Records and Armageddon 7.
Contact: A.P, 10 Impasse Henri IV, 64110 GELOS, FRANCE.
E-mail: khylvyh@free.fr
CRACKED MACHINE
1
Great debut issue packed with interviews and reviews with the likes
of LABRADFORD, SHELLAC, PAVEMENT, BRAINIAC, MAIN, COLIN NEWMAN, SWANS,
TRANS AM, PANASONIC, SONIC YOUTH and MERZBOW.
Contact: C.M, 64 Demesne Road, Whalley Range, MANCHESTER, M16 8PJ.
Web-site: www.webinfo.co.uk/crackedmachine
TOTEM 16
Contains all things Gothic with reviews and interviews including NEW
CREATURES, FAITHFUL DAWN, NAEVUS, TORTURE TEKK, ONE and the WHITBY WEEKEND.
Contact: TOTEM, POSTFACH 440139, 12001 BERLIN, GERMANY.
E-mail: totem-magazin@01019freenet.de
Web-site: www.people.freenet.de/totem-magazin
GLAM PUNK SUICIDE
6
Again, another last issue. This time, lots of 'zine and music reviews
and featured bands NEUROTIC POP THRILL, PIGFISH and REVOLVER.
Contact G.P.S, 44 Warwick Road, Failsworth, MANCHESTER M35 0QQ.
WORST 7
Alternative based, packed with reviews plus interviews with KOVENANT,
QUEEN ADREENA, MACHINE HEAD and GRABESMOND.
Contact: WORST, 1 Crake Way, Emerson, Washington, TYNE AND WEAR NE38
ODR.
E-mail: psi40@hotmail.com
MAUL 11
Berlin scene based, covering Literature, Fanzines, Clubcheck, Comicstrip,
Dark Lifestyle and interviews with GOETHES ERBEN and SOKO FRIEDHOF.
Contact: SONIC MALADE, PO 440 107, 12001 BERLIN, GERMANY.
E-mail: sonicmalade@transmedia.de
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