Showing posts with label Minimal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minimal. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

WAW: Boy Harsher- Motion

Boy Harsher are back with a brand new release. With the video for the song "Motion" they are announcing the release of their EP "Country Girl" which seems to continue with the sound they have started on their debut album 'Yr Body is Nothing'. The album will be available via http://ascetic.house/ from October 27th, 2017. The video is starring Kristina Esfandiari and it was directed by MJ Bernier!



Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Instant Hit: A.T.R.O.X.- Overture to the Tales

"Overture to the Tales" was the opening track from the second album by the Italian minimal wave act A.T.R.O.X. Like this tune, the album included eleven other tracks, in which the band explored synthetic electronic sound with a superb experimental vein. The album from which the singles was taken was titled Water Tales and was originally released in 1984 and reissued in 2015. 


Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Schonwald Announce their Fourth Studio Album

Schonwald have announced their fourth studio album 'Night Idyll' to be released on June 1st via Manic Depression Records. The Italian duo consisting of Alessandra Gismondi and Luca Bandini still focus on a atmospheric and synthetic darkwave sound drawing inspiration from New Order, The Cure, Suicide with guitars echoing My Bloody Valentine and Curve. The new album is now available for pre-order via Bandcamp and the duo have released, “Love Collides” as a preface to their dark sound.
https://schonwald.bandcamp.com/album/night-idyll

The band is currently touring as part for the promotion for the new album.
May 19 Cueva Rock – Cagliari + Digital Disorder, Uncodified
June 8 Bus Palladium – Paris + Soror Dolorosa
September 8 NCN – Nocturnal Culture Night – Leipzig
November 25 SOUNDFIELDS WAVE – Deinze + Ash Code, She Past Away

Monday, September 26, 2016

Next Wave: Boy Harsher

Boy Harsher is a Northampton, Massachusetts based electronic duo consisting of Augustus Muller and Jae Matthews. Their music is quite intense and atmospheric where minimal and cold-wave synth-pop is fuzzed with dramatic vocals expressed through screams and chants. They could link to early 80s recalling the music of Kas Product, Soft Cell and Suicide. 
Boy Harsher started in early 2013 under the name Teen Dreamz. The project was based on short stories written and read by Matthews then live scored by Muller. As the project matured the instrumentals became more dance influenced and Matthews’ delivery became more dynamic and spontaneous. 
In January of 2014 Teen Dreamz took on the moniker Boy Harsher. In 2015, they released their debut EPs 'Lesser Man' and 'Pain' and this year in June they released their debut album 'Yr Body is Nothing'. More info on them is available under the following links. 

http://boyharsher.com/
https://boyharsher.bandcamp.com/

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Snowy Red

Snowy Red/Micky Mike was a stage name for a Belgian musician Marcel Thiel who was musically active from the late seventies all the way to the teens. Influenced by Suicide, Marilyn Monroe and the Belgian Art scene, Micky released four albums, both as a solo artist and band. He remained as one of the leading figures in Belgian underground DiY and electronic music scene. In the internet era, the interest for the music of Snowy Red was revived. Micky sadly passed away in 2009 at the age of 52.

Photography by Marc Portée

 Micky Mike’s first adventure in music started in the local Punk band from the French speaking part of Belgium and lasted not longer than two years. In general his early music start was on a long wandering from aborted band to aborted band. 

Then in 1980, Micky decided to go solo and picked the name Snowy Red. He recorded some ten tracks, alone at home, in a fortnight’s time which was mostly experimental work released in 1,000 copies. This became his eponymous solo album. During the writing and recording of the album, Snowy Red made their stage debut. For the First Belgium Rhythmbox Contest, Micky shared the bill with Pseudocode, Etat Brut, Nausea and another new band, Polyphonic Size. To complete the stage set, slides were projected on one side, polaroids on the other, courtesy of photographer Stéphane Sergeant. Together with Sylviane V, Stéphane created the visuals for the record sleeves and promotional photos. 



From 18th May to 30th June 1981, Micky Mike took to the stage in the Cool Gate (Brussels) to perform live his soundtrack for the play “Inquest into the death of Marilyn Monroe” written and directed by Serge Nicolas, played by Yolanda Soniga. In this work of fiction, Marilyn Monroe is still alive in 1981. She is 55 years old and leads a secluded life in a shabby attic apartment in New York.

  Not long after the first Snowy Red album and its success, Micky started work on a new project soberly entitled Carol, after the girl of the same name. The single Breakdown/So Low” was the result of a romantic encounter. Carol, a young lady without artistic background, and Micky Mike, already known under the name Snowy Red, composed these two haunting melodies together. He came up with the music and arrangements, Carol wrote the lyrics and the melody line. By the time you were about to release second single, they decided to go separate ways. 


In October 1981, Snowy Red celebrated their first anniversary and Micky started work on the second album. The minimal austerity of the first album was still there, but warmer sounds were added by a guitar, a bass, and more confident vocals. The single “I’m Hurt” announced the release of ‘The Right  to Die’. The opening track “Euroshima (Wardance)” was a rushed job, written to fill out the playing time. It would enjoy an unexpected destiny a few years later. The album was praised by the entire Belgian press and by the English Melody Maker and Vinyl. 


In 1983, Micky decided to form a band with some local musicians from other bands. Paul, Stephan Barbery (formerly of Digital Dance and Thrills) and Alain Lefèvre (a.k.a. Robert Leff, formerly of Thrills) to become full-time members of Snowy Red in 1983. The 4-piece band was then joined by singer Nikki Mono, who had started getting noticed through her collaboration with Tuxedomoon. Here was the new Snowy Red, with the third album, 'Vision'. A crucial milestone for Micky Mike, because the record showed the evolution of his ideas towards a unique artistic approach, quite unknown in the rest of Belgium. This third collection was recorded and produced with the same limited means as its two predecessors, but departed from their cold, hyper-synthetic atmosphere. 'Vision' embodied a new soul and a fashionable sound, but with a depth that owed more to Gary Numan than to the Human League or Simple Minds. 



With 1984 and its concerts behind him, Micky gave his project a new twist and an appendix to its name, becoming Snowy Red Mk II and going for a blues-tinged rock sound. 1988 not only marked the return to a one-man band formula, it also heralded other changes: a new label and a new sound. Micky signed onto Antler early in the year. His first release on this label was 'Snowy Red, The Compilation 1980- 1984'. The following year saw the release of 'The Beat is Over', the fourth and last official Snowy Red album. Once again, Micky went for a raw, personal approach. 


The early nineties were yet another transitional phase for Micky. He put Snowy Red on the back burner to devote himself to a band formula. He formed Invaders From Mars with now official member H.H. Del Rio on guitar, Paul Zahl, former drummer with Tuxedomoon and Simi Nah. In 2004 Snowy Red appeared as a duo at the Belgian Independent Music festival.
 On May 26, 2009 the French speaking Belgian broadcast RTBF announced the death of the Belgian New wave legend Mickey Mike. Aged 52 he died in a Brussels hospital after months of health problems. The Onderstroom label picked all the work dated from 1980-1984 and released it on a compilation entitled, ‘The Ultimate Edition 1980-1984’.

Source: Facebook Fan Page
https://www.facebook.com/Snowy-Red-official-179154485437205/

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Boys Say Go- Easy to Move Compilation

Dead Wax Records have released "Easy to Move" a compilation of previously unreleased material by Boys Say Go. During the 80's deaced the band recorded a whole array of new wave songs of which only two were released as singles. This new compliation will include ten songs including a great cover of Sylverster's "Do You Wanna Funk?". 

More info:
http://www.deadwaxrecords.es/band_boysaygo.php


Monday, December 8, 2014

WAW: Kline Coma Xero- Mannequin

Kline Coma Xero is one of the brand new acts coming from Seattle based Medical records, a label know for a very distinctive and experimental minimal synth styles. The band was mainly influenced by the sterile and isolated iconography of authors such as Philip K. Dick, William Gibson and JG Ballard. The sound scapes are analogue spanning a realm of styles from experimental noise, tape loops and early industrial. We are presenting the video for their song "Mannequin" which was released this year. You might notice a Kraftwerk refernce in both vision and musical style.



Thursday, November 6, 2014

In Conversation: Minuit Machine

Minuit Machine have already been introduced to our blog during the last month. Hailing from France to some they might be new comers and to the other already a familiar name in Darkwave waters. We decided to catch up with the girls and find out something more about their sound machine. As already mentioned, the duo took shape in 2013 when they released their debut EP. This is a big year for them as they have released their debut album 'Live and Destroy' and they are currently touring an promoting it. Let's see what Hélène and Amandine have to say about Minuit Machine, past, present and future following the link below.


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Visonia's Debut Album 'Impossible Romannce' out in November

Earlier this year Visonia released their debut EP, a  split with Doppeleffekt entitled 'Die Reisen' both on vinyl and digital. This autumn Nicolas Estany returns with the much anticipated debut album 'Impossible Romance'. The album reveals poetic soundscapes of emotions, feelings, fears and positive expression. It will come as double vinyl format includes the previously available collaboration with Dopplereffekt, alongside an equally striking collaboration with New Wave/Synth Pop artist, Mad Moizel in the form of 'Beat Frequencies' and late addition to the album - the sleek, driving vision of 'Between Lies and Real Looks'.  
Expected release date November 2014. 




Monday, June 10, 2013

Out This Week: Lust For Youth- Perfect View

Lust for Youth are back with new album which is out this week. This is the third full length album by the Swedish producer Hannes Norrvide which is announced to be warmer and more inviting than any of his previous work. The new album is entitled 'Perfect View' and is composed of largely instrumental pieces, focusing more on beats, samples and general ambiance. 
 The band will embark on their first European and us tours this spring and summer, joining Chelsea Wolfe in Europe this April/May and touring the Us in late May beginning with the Chaos in Tejas festival and ending with Brooklyn’s Northside festival.


 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Dark Entries Release a Brand New Algebra Suicide Compilation

Dark Entries Records have released a new compilation by Algebra Suicide. The compilations is entitled 'Feminine Squared' and it is an 18 track song collection that collects all 8 songs from the first two EPs, 4 songs from the “Big Skin” cassette, 4 songs from “The Secret Like Crazy”, a song from the “Pas De Deux” compilation, and a previously unreleased song. Lydia and Don call their approach “Avant Garage” citing inspiration from Patti Smith, Frank O’Hara, Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed. All songs have been remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. 
The vinyl comes housed in a glossy black and white jacket featuring the cut up faces of Don and Lydia from “An Explanation For That Flock Of Crows” EP. Each LP includes a newsprint zine with lyrics, photos, liner notes, and clippings. Also included is a full length DVD featuring a 12-song Algebra Suicide concert from 1984, recorded at the Noise Factory in Chicago. Though Lydia passed away in 2007, her genius lives on in these recordings. Please respect her decadence. 

More info and preview
www.darkentriesrecords.com/algebra-suicide-feminine-squared-lpdvd


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Mathematiques Modernes Debut Reissued on Medical Records

Another great shot form Medical Record that came out in February is the reissue of Mathemstiques Modernes seminal debut album 'Les Visiteurs Du Soir'. This album was released in 1981 on the famous Celluloid imprint, this masterpiece has been out of print since its initial pressing. Mathématiques Modernes was the project of keyboardist Claude Arto and vocalist/lyricist Edwige Braun-Belmore. Arto has also worked with French bands Artefact and Spions. Also, to note, the late French producer Jacno also worked on the Mathématiques Modernes record. This gem needs no introduction to the fans who have enjoyed the classics from this era. The record is a very diverse blend of new wave, almost progressive arrangement, baroque melodies, complex rhythmic structures, and plenty of so called “cold wave” sprinkled in. 
 The original tape masters have been restored and remastered by Gilbert Castro of Celluloid Records. The sound quality is unparalleled. This project has been the collaboration between Mathématiques Modernes, Gilbert Castro, and Medical Records. The jacket features original reproduction artwork on the front and back. This record will surely need to make a mandatory arrival in the collections of fans of French new wave, early synthpop, and lovers of all things late 70s/early 80s. Presented on 180gram grey opaque high-quality vinyl in a limited edition of 1000 hand-numbered copies. Bonus insert included as well with interview of Claude Arto by Dave Segal plus other interesting tidbits. 

 More Info

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Soft Metals Announce Their Second Album for July 16th

Soft Metals are back!! Los Angeles based duo have announced the release of their second studio album Lenses which will be released on Captured Tracks on July 16th. The album will be available on CD/LP and MP3. "Tell Me" will be the first single to be taken from the album and it can be streamed on YouTube. Artwork provided by Shaun Kardinal and Erin Frost.



Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Xeno and Oaklander Announce New EP, Single and European Tour

The Brooklyn based duo Xeno & Oaklander are back with a brand new EP. This is the follow up to their 2011's 'Set and Lights' LP and it will be entitled 'Par Avion'. This 6 track EP is announced for release in autumn this year and in anticipation to this, the new single "Sheen" will be released on May 15th. To promote the brand new released, the duo will embark on a full European tour. More info about that and the EP artwork after the official announcement. 

 http://xenoandoaklander.com/

Monday, December 3, 2012

WAW: School of Seven Bells- Scavenger

The Bowery presents recently featured this performance by School of Seven Bells which took place in a NYC model-form shop (sadly the video is not available anymore). Surrounded by mannequins, the band performed "Scavenger", the fourth single from their album Ghostory which was released earlier this year.


Monday, November 26, 2012

Instant Hit: Thomas Leer- Private Plane

Thomas Leer made his debut in 1978 with his first single release "Private Plane". This song was recorded in his home and it is considered a seminal example of DIY electronic and the beginning of minimal. The song was self financed and it was released for Oblique Records. Together with Normal's 'T.V.O.D', this song opened new horizons and bedrooms became the new playground to experiment with sound and music.



Monday, October 8, 2012

Medical Records October Releases

Medical Records have two new singles out this month. Both are rarities and celebrate the early 80's minimal-wave DIY culture. The first one is  Disco Volante's single "No Motion" which was originally released in 1982 as 7" on Catalyst Box Records. Presented on high-quality thick transparent green 7” vinyl in a limited edition of 500 hand-numbered copies. 
The second single is a Christof Glowalla's "Erde 80" 10", a four track single, originally released in 1980. This first Medical Records 10" issue features "Erde 80" and three more singles which were recorded in collaboration with Ingolf Kurkowski, but were never released before. This collection is released on high-quality heavyweight 10” opaque mustard colored vinyl in a limited edition of 600 hand-numbered copies. Both singles are also available digital.
To find out more info about the releases and how to order go to medical-records.org.


Thursday, September 6, 2012

Deux- Golden Dreams EP Out Soon

Minimal Wave has announced the release of 'Golden Dreams' EP by the French duo Deux. This is the their second release for this label. Already in 2010 Minimal Wave released 'Decadence', a compilation of previously unreleased tracks. This follow up EP features four previously unreleased newly remastered studio and demo tracks, pressed on 180 gram gold vinyl. 'Golden Dreams' is due for release on October 6th while the highly sought 'Decadence' compilation is going to be repressed and released in 2013.

http://minimalwave.com

 

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Instant Hit: Vogue- Sahara

Vogue was a Los Angeles based group consisting of Aret Michel Madilian, Julie Kubat and Teresa Kubat. They released their only single, a wonderfully synth driven and very atmospheric "Sahara" in 1983. The song was issued as 12" for Aret Records and featured "Shattered Peace" on a B-side. The song appeared on A.A.V.V. Your Silent Face compilation which was released in 2010.  

 

Friday, August 17, 2012

Next Wave: The Phone

The Phone is a retro-analogue synth project by Jonni Mogul and Steve Lippert paying homage to some of the old heroes namely Soft Cell, Kraftwerk and the likes but with a rather unique sound in the end. Their music is minimal synth-wave with Casio VL-1 sounds, rhythms and samples. To this date, they have released two singles on Attractive, “Discreet Affair” and a powerful uptempo dancefloor filler "Cabaret Noire" which features Sharon Abbout from Poeme Electronique on vocals. Their debut album is called 'Songs From This Nuclear Age' and it is out on August 20th via Attractive. 

 http://www.facebook.com/phone

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