Next Wave: Engines of Malice

Engines of Malice is a French duo consisting of Roxy (Contre Jour) on vocals and Chris (The Glow Inc) on keys, programming and guitars. Their musical style can be described as Industrial/ethnic and they deliver a high-energy melting-pot of electro, ethnic, industrial, orchestral and rock influences, the sound of a fierce heart going into battle. This year sees the release of their self titled debut EP which will be out on July 9th. "Surrender", one of the songs from the upcoming EP and one of our favorites was already released as a single in February. A must for Austra, Zola Jesus and iamamiwhoami fans.

https://soundcloud.com/enginesofmalic
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Engines-of-Malice

Next Wave: Be Quiet

Be Quiet is a five piece group from Bordeaux in France. The group consist of Benjamin Grenier (Vocals/Guitar), Lou Whitechapel (Guitar) Pierre Graber (Bass), Quentin Whitechapel (Drums) and Matei Convard (Keyboards). The group was formed in 2009 and their music is 80's orientated with influences of My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and Joy Division and Interpol. Their music is both noisy and melodic coupling screeching guitars and rhythmic minimalist riffs. Their debut EP 'Primal' was released in April and you can preview the tracks via band's Bandcamp page. With the average age of 18 years, seems that future looks promising for the Bordeaux youngsters.

https://www.facebook.com/wearebequiet

 

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

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

WAW: Lescop- Tokyo, la nuit

The long awaited album by the French electro-pop outfit Lescop is out this month. It is a self titled debut which was produced by Johnny Hostile and which is out on POP NOIRE. The album features the songs "La Foret" which was released last year and their summer hit "Tokyo, la nuit".  

www.facebook.com/lescoplescop
 

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

 

Retrovision: Marquis de Sade- Wanda's Loving Boy

French post punk group Marquis de Sade fronted by singer Philippe Pascal and guitarist Franck Darcel released "Wanda's Loving Boy" in 1981. The song was the last release for the group in the early 80's before they split. The song appeared on their second album 'Rue de Siam', released during the same year.

Iggy Pop Goes French on 'Après'

Iggy Pop has released a brand new album on which he pays tribute to French culture and heritage. The album is entitled 'Après' and features his covers of French classics by Serge Gainsbourg, Georges Brassens, Edith Piaf, Joe Dassin, Henri Salvador and also the Beatles and Frank Sinatra. 'Après' is officially out May 9th and it is available as a digital download via 'believe digital'.  

www.iggypop.com
 

Lost Videos: Nini Raviolette - Suis-Je Normale?

Nini Raviolette made her debut 32 years ago with her only single release "Suis-Je Normale?". This minimal-synth gem appeared on a compilation album 'So Young But So Cold: Underground French Music 1977-1983'. Enjoy the artwork of squares, hearts, lips and blips.

Next Wave: HNN

Gregg Anthe, formerly know as a member of the band In Broken English is back with a new solo project. His new band project is called HNN and his music combines modern synth pop and vintage electronics with experimental and artistic vision. HNN's debut album "Pièce Radiophonique" has been released on September 11th and the official release party will be held in Paris (Le Klub) on the September 30, 2011. The release party will include a premiere live performance by Automelodi and HNN. The whole show which will also feature diverse DJ sets will be presented by La Forme Lente and Bunker Bal. Follow HNN on Facebook to get details about the main event.

http://www.facebook.com//HNN/

Reissue: Jacno- Jacno

Celluloid has reissued the debut album by Jacno which was originally released in 1979. Born as Dennis Quillard, he has recorded his first album in collaboration with Elli Medeiros. After this album they continued to record and release album under the name Elli et Jacno. The albums mostly contains instrumental tracks and features soundscapes of synth pop minimal style. Jacno died of cancer in November 2009 aged 52.

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Instant Hit: End of Data- Sahrah

The minimal/ post punk outfit End of Data from France released two albums during their Brief existence. Their first LP Sahrah was released in 1984 through Divine record label and their second album followed the year after. This gothadelic tune perfectly represents the sound of the first album.
End of Data never officially released any singles and, sadly their albums never got reissued.