Electronic' Debut Reissue Announced for March

EMI Music have announced the release of Electronic' self titled debut album. The new 2CD reissue will include a newly remastered edition of the original album on one disc, accompanied by a second CD featuring a dozen alternate versions, remixes, edits, B-sides and instrumentals, including their biggest hit and Neil Tennant collaboration on “Disappointed”. The album which was originally released in 1991 and first time reissued in 2007 will be out on March 11th in the U.K.

In Conversation: The Present Moment

When you think of L.A., what are some things that come to mind? Sunshine? Beverly Hills? The beach? Hollywood? The Walk of Fame? Let's forget them all, for now, as i would like to focus your attention in a different direction. The Present Moment are a bit of a hidden gem but very much loved by those in the know. That said, i've chosen to shine some very well deserved light their way. Comprised of main man and songwriter, Milton Scott, who crafts an infectious blend of melodic, dark, atmospheric, electronic goodness. And may i add shimmering abstract undertones in some places. Well, that's what i get out of it. I urge you to give them a listen and i'm sure you would highly agree.

Scott is a very busy man as he's in the process of finishing up a soon to be released LP. This will actually be his third and the follow up to 2010's "The High Road" and 2011's masterpiece, "Loyal To A Fault". Back in September, he reissued the debut album with the addition of four bonus tracks, two music videos, and some utterly flawless repackaging. Limited to 150 hand numbered pressings, you'll be very lucky and oh so happy to find a copy. Doing the reissue honors was German label, Hidden Treasure Music, who also played the role of booking agent, along with Antistars Booking, for last years very successful European tour. You can check out several tracks and purchase a digital download copy at Hidden Treasure Music @ Bandcamp if you're so inclined.

Being that he had a few days off, Scott agreed to answer some questions i threw his way. I was genuinely interested in finding out more than what i've shared with you. Let's see what he has to say, shall we?

Next Wave: blablarism

Being 20 years old and writing/producing dark, haunting, melodic atmosphere is indeed a rarity in this day and age. Oksana Zmorovytch is quite possibly the valedictorian of such a special class. This young lady doesn't miss a beat and exudes a passion that is undeniable. Going by the moniker blablarism (intentionally lowercased), she comes to us from Kiev, Ukraine. Just short of a day ago, she released her official debut offering, "Fugue", on the New Ideals label. It's a four song cassette EP that is limited to only 50 copies. For me, personally, it is a portal to lands unknown and soul fluttering dreams. I highly recommend her.

For more info, please visit: blablarism @ Facebook , blablarism @ SoundCloud , New Ideals @ Facebook , New Ideals @ SoundCloud

Next Wave: Visonia

We, here at Burning Flame, have been keeping our ears on the lush and soothing sounds of Visonia. It seems we're not the only ones, and from what i've been seeing, the response has been a great one. The man behind it all is one Nicolas Estany who is well on his way to releasing his debut LP, appropriately named, "Impossible Romance". Based in Santiago, Chile, Estany is slowing creeping upon us, shrouded in mystery, and with stellar company in tow. This by way of a collaboration with Dopplereffekt on a track called, "Die Reisen". If that doesn't get your attention then nothing will. The music of Visonia is late night atmosphere at some of it's very best. An exact release date has not been specified but we're looking very forward to the fruits of his labor.

For more info and sounds, please visit: Visonia @ Facebook , Visonia @ SoundCloud , and Visonia @ YouTube

Reissues: Foretaste - American Terrorist TV-Show

And now for a reissue of a different kind. I say this as it's not the type of reissue we normally report about. In fact it's a re-working of a previous album, released in 2008, called "Terrorist TV". The tracklisting and songs themselves will be completely different from the prior release. Also included will be 2 tracks from previous EPs. Due any day now and limited to 300 copies.

In case you're unfamiliar with Foretaste, i'll give you a simple and brief history. The band is made up of two members, Sylvie aka "Lover XX (vocals) and Pierre aka "Lover XY" (programming / backing vocals). They hail from Paris and released their debut album, "Beautiful Creatures" in 2005. The third and latest official offering being "Love On Demand" from 2011. A string of live performances have been done, over the past few years, which included Paris and Italy to name a few. In addition to the 3 albums, there's is also a selection of digital  EP's available. XX and XY collaborate on their tracks and focus on matters such as crime, lust, passion, sadness, and forgiveness. I discovered them back in the glory days of Myspace and have been a huge fan since then. That said, i can personally attest to their synthsized goodness. "American Terrorist TV-Show" will be available for purchase at BOREDOMproduct Records within the coming weeks. I'd hate to have any gaps in my Foretaste collection so wish me luck in getting a copy.

For more info on Foretaste, please visit the following: Foretaste Official Site , Foretaste Official @ Facebook , Foretaste Official @ YouTube

Oppenheimer MkII - The Presence of The Abnormal

Andy Oppenheimer, formerly Oppenheimer Analysis, was working on several musical projects last year including Oppenheimer MkII which features the collaboration with Mark Crumby of Konstruktivists. The duo met last year and started making music together. The result is their debut album 'The Presence of The Abnormal' which features 21st century Oppenheimer style electronic pop. The 12 track album is going to be issued by Klanggalerie and it will be available on CD and digital download initially, with a vinyl edition if there's enough interest. Oppenheimer MkII will be playing live in Vienna on 23 March to launch their first album.  

https://www.facebook.com/OppenheimerMkII
 

WAW: Xiu - Possession

Fresh from production is a brand new video by Xiu. "Possession" is a dark, synthy, and quite sexy tune taken from her upcoming EP of the same name. She makes her Belaten Records debut, in February, with select live appearances to follow. It's needless to say that she's a favorite around these parts. We've thoroughly enjoyed wathing this DIY greatness unfold. Don't blink as there's so much more to come and you really wouldn't want to miss out.

For more info on Xiu, please visit: Xiu @ Facebook , Xiu @ SoundCloud , and Xiu @ YouTube

Retrovision: Electronic- Forbidden City

The Britsh duo Electronic comprising Bernard Sumner and Johnny Marr released their sixth single "Forbidden City" in June 1996. The song was taken from their second album 'Raise The Pressure', their first release on Parlophone which was co-produced by Karl Bartos of Kraftwerk. The song was not a huge hit reaching only #14 on the UK Singles Chart, but did receive substantial radio play in Britain and remains one of Johnny Marr's favourite Electronic songs. This year in February Johnny Marr announced the release of his debut album 'The Messenger' and there are rumours of possible Electronic reissues during this year. 

Karl Bartos Announces a New Album in March

Karl Bartos, the well known one quarter of the classic Kraftwerk line-up has announced the release of his second album 'Off The Record' for March 15th. After leaving Kraftwerk in 1990, Karl Bartos was still involved with electronic music forming Elektric Music, collaborating with OMD and Electronic and recording solo. Ten years ago he released his debut solo album 'Communication' which featured the single "I'm the Message". "Off The Record" will be preceded by a new single "Atomium" which will be released on February 1st 2013. 

To get the latest updates, visit:

www.karlbartos.com.

 

Reissue: Informatics - Dance To A Dangerous Beat

In the tradition of doing what they do best, Dark Entries Records has rounded up the best of Australian analog synthers, Informatics. The vinyl compilation titled "Dance To A Dangerous Beat" is set to be released on January 29. Tracks such as "Proximity Switch, "What A World", and "Hungry Pets" will be included amongst others. Informatics began in Melbourne, Australia in 1981 with the line-up of  Michael Trudgeon, Valek Sadovchikoff, Steve Adam and Ramesh Ayyar. Philip McKellar would be added to the mix in 1983. After two EP releases and numerous live performances, the band would end their run in 1985.

For more info and sound samples of this must-have release, please visit:

Dark Entries Records and Dark Entries Records @ SoundCloud

Kraftwerk Announce Eight Albums, Eight Nights Residency in London

After New York and Düsseldorf, Kraftwerk have announced eight live performances in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in London. 'KRAFTWERK - THE CATALOGUE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8' is a chronological exploration of the group’s sonic and visual experiments and presents eight classic master works from across their celebrated repertoire with spectacular 3D visualisations and effects. 

The shows will kick off on Wednesday 6th February till Thursday 14th February 2013. Tickets go on sale Wednesday 12th December 2012 at 07:30 GMT. 

 https://twitter.com/kraftwerk

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.

Out This Week: Crystal Castles - (III)

Crystal Castles are back with their third studio album out this week. 'III' is the title of the new album which was produced entirely by Ethan Kath. The album's first two singles, "Plague" and "Wrath of God" were released during this summer and they were available for free download on the duo's Soundcloud page. The album cover features a picture by Spanish photographer Samuel Aranda. European tour dates to promote the album were announced on October 17, 2012, on the band's official website. 

http://www.crystalcastles.com/ 

Instant Hit: Blackway- New Life

Blackway was a three-song Italo Disco project involving roughly the same personnel as B.W.H. and Mr. Master. "New Life" was their second single released on Moon Records Association in 1982. This and two other singles were reissued on 'Blackway' EP which also featured the remix versions of the songs. This release was issued by 'Music Control Italo' in 2009.   

 

Kraftwerk- Eight Albums Eight Nights Exhibition

From 11th - 20th January 2013 the Electro Pioneers Kraftwerk will present their complete catalogue at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf. Within the framework of the concert series „Der Katalog – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8“ Kraftwerk will perform at eight nights. 

Each night consists of a live performance and 3-D visualization of one of Kraftwerk's studio albums – Autobahn (1974), Radio-Aktivität (1975), Trans Europa Express (1977), Die Mensch-Maschine (1978), Computerwelt (1981), Techno Pop (1986), The Mix (1991) and Tour de France (2003) – in the order of their release. 

The program ‘Der Katalog – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8´ at the Kunstsammlung NRW is Kraftwerk’s first performance since 1991 in Düsseldorf. On the occasion of the concert series in Düsseldorf, the photo exhibition KRAFTWERK / ROBOTER / FOTOGRAFIE PETER BOETTCHER will open on 11th January 2013 at the Forum NRW. Furthermore a limited edition of Kraftwerk’s catalogue in a black box will be released: `Der Katalog – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8´ in the German version and digitally remastered. 

Official pre-sale for all the concerts will exclusively be operated via kraftwerk.tickets.de.

www.kraftwerk.com/

 

In Conversation: Xiu

Back in October i did a short feature on Milan based musician Xiu. At that moment she was on the verge of releasing a limited edition, 55 copy cassette of her official debut EP. Now that it's sold out but still available in a download version, i wanted to know more about the woman herself. It must be said that her sounds have captured my entire being in a way that very few have this past year. With that in mind, i decided to get in touch with her about the possibility of answering a few question. To my sheer delight she said yes and here it is.

Next Wave: Cargo

Despite its countless evils, I just can't tear myself away from the internet. Time and time again it has proven to be a very resourceful tool in my never ending quest for new music. Without it I would miss out on so much. Though I'm not a fan of the majority i stumble upon, I do find a handful of bands who really do hit my musical sweet spot. Recently, this was the case with Cargo. They're based in Bordeaux, France and comprised of Marc and Fabien (ex Chateau Marmont) and turn out some very melodic, new wave tinted tunes by way of electronics. Yes, you could say that there are many doing just that but i would tell you not everyone does it right. These men have a real knack for their craft and deserve some attention. From what I know they've been together for close to a year, perform live in support of the music, and will be releasing a track called "Dual" on a limited edition compilation by the Function Operate label. They are in the process of making an EP and I'm very much looking forward to it. In the meantime, I'll get my fix with the tracks posted on their SoundCloud page. Give them a listen and see what you think.

Sounds and info available @ Cargo @ SoundCloud  and Cargo official @ Facebook

Author: Ty Voltaire

Next Wave: Group Rhoda

Group Rhoda is electronic music project from San Francisco. The group behind this project is Mara Babenheim who has previously been busy with other musical project before starting her own. The music of Group Rhoda is analogue synth-pop combined with tropical darkwave. Her debut album is out 'Out of Time, Out of Touch' is out now on Night School Records. Group Rhoda is currently touring and opening for Soft Riot. Check out her Soundcloud page for the tour dates and song stream. 

http://grouprhoda.com/ 

Retrovision: Space- Magic Fly

"Magic Fly" is turning 35 this year! The French electronic music band from the city of Marseille enjoyed huge international success with their space disco anthem back in 1977. The song reached #2 in the UK charts and it has been re-released and remixed several times since its original release. It has always been considered as one of the most influential records in the history of electronic music. This is the official video version, remastered with the new audio and presented in hi-res for the first time. 

Next Wave: Xiu

I feel a chill coming on and her name is Xiu. Known as Oksana Rodionova to family and friends, she unleashes her official label debut, with the help of [aufnahme + wiedergabe], on Oct. 12th. This release is a limited edition (55 copies) cassette with a digital download version available as well. Born in Estonia and now based in Milan, Oksana crafts a mesmerizing arsenal of tracks. The sound is synthy, icey, and probably the lost sountrack to your lonliest of dreams. The vocals soothe you and guide you home in comfort and contentment. This is not to be missed! Pre-orders and audio samples are available at Xiu Bandcamp.

Additional info, sounds, and visuals are available at the following: Xiu @ Sound Cloud and Xiu (official) @ Facebook

Author: Ty Voltaire