Next Wave: Roladex

Here another great band we were really into and following all they did in this year. Roladex was formed in Texas by Tyler Jacobsen and Elyssa Dianne. Tyler Jacobsen holds an MFA in Electronic Art and this becomes apparent as they find lyrical and musical inspiration through the films of David Cronenberg and John Carpenter, the works of authors such as J.G Ballard as well as video artists such as Vito Acconci and Nam June Paik. Using an arsenal of analog instruments, Roladex nostalgically borrows ideas from music of the past to carefully craft a unique brand of futuristic-mechanized pop, with an emphasis on songwriting and layered production. Themes such as nuclear war, cosmology, false memories and technology as the “opiate of the masses” become apparent as the listener plays through the LP. Their debut LP is out on Mediacal Records. 

Source: Medical Records (Edit)

More about the band under the following links:
http://roladex.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/roladex
www.facebook.com/roladexmusic

WAW: Keluar- Fractures

Good news for the fans of Linea Aspera because one half of the duo Zoè Zanias  who provided vocals has a new musical project. Not far where Linea Aspera stopped but even more complex and very rhythm orientated. What started as an exchange of material and ideas between Berlin and London gave birth to this new group entitled Keluar now based in Berlin. They released two EPs for Desire records. We're little bit late with this because our time off, but with good music, one is always on time.

      

Reissue: Soma Holiday- Shake Your Molecules

In April this year Minimal Wave released a remastered reissue of Soma Holiday‘s cult classic, "Shake Your Molecules". Soma Holiday was a Franco-American duo consisting of Jean-Marc Vallod (FR) and Jane Honicker (US), based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn back in the early 1980s. They recorded “Shake Your Molecules” along with “Too Many People” and “Art Dimension” in 1984, at Unique Studios in Manhattan. The studio was known for being the first NYC studio with MIDI capabilities. 

 This new remastered 12" edition features four tracks by Soma Holiday, the original “Shake Your Molecules” mix, the unreleased dub version and two other unreleased outtakes of “Too Many People” and “Art Dimension”, all from their 1984 studio recordings at Unique Recording Studios. Soma Holiday’s Shake Your Molecules EP is pressed on 180 gram oxblood vinyl and limited to 999 copies. Full color gloss sleeve with two sided insert featuring photograph of Soma Holiday in front of their home in Brooklyn and full liner notes with text by Jean-Marc Vallod. Release date: April 30th, 2014.

http://minimalwave.com/releases/release/shake-your-molecules

Next Wave: Tuxedo Gleam

Tuxedo Gleam is Modesto, California based musical project of Aunt Gleam who writes and records as Tuxedo Gleam. Synth driven, dark, intense and with cold minimal blend might be just one formula to describe his/their music. To this date, Tuxedo Gleam has released three EPs and one video. Tuxedo Gleam perform as quartet and the line up includes AMRADIO-synthesizer, JB-synthesizer and SC-drum machine, synthesizer. Their most recent EP is entitled 'Pour Ferrari' and it was released in October. To preview the tracks from the new EP as well as from the older ones check out band's Bandcamp page.

http://tuxedogleam.bandcamp.com/album/pour-ferrari

Recent video for the song, "penetrate."
http://www.youtube.com/
Facebook

Next Wave: Daybed

Daybed is Carla (U.S.A) and Tim (New Zealand). Together they formed Daybed in 2010. Sharing their love to 80's music they started to create their own synthwave experiments. The duo is currently based in Berlin which also influenced their music a lot. To this date they have released one EP entitled 'Preludes' which combines the best in Minimal Synth and Coldwave. Their songs appeared on several compilations including Future Echo's Tape One. The duo is working on a new material and new releases might hit us soon.  

https://www.facebook.com/DaybedMusic/
http://soundcloud.com/daybed/

Polyphonic Size's Earlier/ Later LP out on Minimal Wave

Minimal Wave Records have released a 'Earlier / Later', a selection of songs by the prolific Belgian synthpop band Polyphonic Size. The Earlier / Later LP are remastered selections, curated mainly from Polyphonic Size’s early output as a band, from when they formed in 1978 to when they began working with JJ Burnel in 1980. The tracks on side A represent their early period were recorded between 1978-1980 and the side B tracks, recorded between 1980-1982, are representative of how their sound evolved whilst working with a producer. The LP will be pressed on transparent red 180 gram vinyl, housed in a heavy printed sleeve with text overlay printed on a clear vinyl outer sleeve, and limited to 999 hand-numbered copies. Release date: July 9th. Sound samples on label's page.

http://minimalwave.com/articles/article/polyphonic-size-earlier-later-lp

xex' Changes out on Dark Entries

Dark Entries Records have released of xex' second album 'Change' as the final piece of our Americana Underground trilogy which comes from the state New Jersey, circa 1981. The album was recorded in the early 80's but the band did not have the funds to release the album and it sat in obscurity for over 30 years.

 All songs have been remastered from the original reel to reel tapes for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The vinyl comes housed in jacket created by Alex Zander for his senior art project in college in 1980. Each LP includes a double sided 11×11 cardstock insert with lyrics and photos. Also included is a full length DVD featuring a 9-song xex concert from 1981, recorded at Hurrah in New York. With the bonus DVD included in the new LP, more people will see xex perform than ever saw them play live. More than 30 years later xex:change finally sees the light of day and fits in today’s world all too perfectly. 

  www.darkentriesrecords.com/xex-change

Reissue: David Sinfield / League Of Nations - Oblique Strategy / Music For A New Depression

In less than 24 hours, the always brilliant Anna Logue Records will be releasing a collection of often sought-after synth tunes. I would go as far as saying that certain appendages were possibly lost in a quest to acquire the original releases. OK, so maybe that's a slight exaggeration on my part. Though, i think you get idea of just how urgent this is. I know i've been salivating over the months leading up to this glorious day. Not a great deal is known about David Sinfield. We do know that, in 1981, he released an eight song cassette titled "Oblique Strategy". Later, in 1984, he would release a six track, 12 inch vinyl titled "Music For A New Depression" This time under the name of League Of Nations. After that, nothing and we we're left wanting more.

This blow has been softened, a bit, with this beautifully packaged and remastered release that includes...

• 180 grams vinyl with printed Hansaboard outer sleeve
• Printed inner sleeves with lyrics
• Double-sided DIN A3 poster
• Double-sided maxicard
• Double-sided DIN A6 postcard with credits

Now, pick your jaw up off of the floor, wipe the drool from your chin, and just say "Wow!" Lastly, this is a limited edition release that i'm sure won't be around for long. For more info and sound samples, please visit: Anna Logue Records @ SoundCloud and Anna Logue Records @ Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

In Review: Red Fetish- Cardinal Synth

After creating at the early 80's "All The Madmen", Neale James Potts and Mike Richardson, have made a new project called Red Fetish. Neale and Mike are two visionaries of electronic music who have made one LP very amazing for 2013 under the name "Cardinal Synth" essential for the lovers of the minimal/synth. The consecration of Red Fetish was with "The Future Is Now In Your Hands" an EP that was released by the prestigious record label "Anna Logue Records". This EP, received great reviews and Red Fetish quickly became a cult group for the lovers of electronic music. 

Looking to the future, they discover new sounds more purists of the minimal/ synth, borning "Cardinal Synth" as album revelation. Everything is perfectly carefully from the presentation in red vinyl, and with wide range of sounds, ranging between the cutting-edge electronics towards the classic sound he has created school in the popular culture of electronic music. The mastering of the LP, has been done by Dave Hewson (Poeme Electronique/Twins Natalia) and LP design has been done by Steve Lippert. Cardinal Synth is configured as a classic where gems like "Let's Get This Started Parity" " I´m Jofef And I´m Not Ok" "Virtual Dystopia" " The Little Beat Girl" "The Future Makes No Senses" "Cafe Sugiyama" "Culture Of Deceit" and more songs that will make delights if you love the minimal / synth, and the first sounds analog electronics that was given in the early 80's a LP highly recommended. 

A review by Antonio J. Guerrero

A very special Thanks to Antonio!

Orders to Anna Logue Records or Neale James Potts. 

http://annaloguerecords.blogspot.com/

http://www.darkentriesrecords.com/store/

 

Das Kabinette- Spy Thriller 2013 Reissue

Due to popular demand, Minimal Wave Records have decided to do a limited repress of Blackpool's band Das Kabinette release 'Spy Thriller'. They were known mainly for their underground hit "The Cabinet" which was originally released as a 7” single in 1983. This track and a couple of unreleased tracks were then released in January 2008 as 'Spy Thriller'. The record sold out quickly soon after. 

The new repress of 'Spy Thriller' comes on 180 gram ultra clear vinyl, limited to 500 hand numbered copies complete with a heavy weight die-cut matte jacket, with a printed inner sleeve which shows through the window. Lyrics included on the inner sleeve. Vinyl will be available in early March 2013. Digital release to follow.

 

Next Wave: White Blush

White Blush is the pseudonym of LA based artist Carol Rhyu. Originally from Chicago, Carol began playing in synth bands when she was in film school in LA, culminating in her launching her White Blush project earlier this year. She’s just released her debut, self-titled, EP and it makes for engrossing listening. Influenced by Cocteau Twins, Julee Cruise and Velvet Underground and transformed in her own artistic vision, the music of White Blush seduces you with a dreamlike euphony. Carol is in now in post-production on a new music video with plans to play shows in early 2013. 

www.whiteblushh.com/caplunk/Home
https://www.facebook.com/whiteblush
  

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

Label Spot: Other Voices Records

Other Voices Records is a Russia based independent record label dedicated to releasing works by ambitious and creative artists from the past, present and future. The label concentrates on genres that originated in the 80's like new wave, minimal synth, electropop, post punk, cold wave, darkwave and shoegazer, but it isn't deaf to other music styles like indie rock, krautrock, goth rock, post rock, indie pop,electronica, trip-hop, ambient etc. 

The label was founded in 2007, out of the ashes of Russian pioneering post-industrial/ambient label Tantric Harmonies and till 2009, it existed as Intuition Records after which it changed the name to the Cure inspired Other Voices Records. From 2007 to date the label has issued and reissued albums and released compilations by artist such as Eleven Pond, Tobias Bernstrup, Parade Ground, Lust for Youth and many more. 

 Their most recent release is a compilation called 'Distant Noises' which collects fourteen artists from nine countries and two centuries. Upcoming and something we really look forward to is Soft Riot's debut LP 'Fiction Prediction' which is available on pre-order. More news on that soon.

More about the releases and updates:
http://www.othervoicesrecords.com/index.html

Ceramic Hello- 'The Absence of a Canary' Reissue

Ceramic Hell's classic album 'The Absence of a Canary' has been reissued by Suction Records. The duo was formed in 1980 after the former member of Spoons joined forces with Roger Humphreys to produce at that time a very obscure and avantgarde minimal-synth album. Ceramic Hello made their debut in 1980 with the single “Climatic Nouveaux” and the album followed a year later in 1981. The German label Vinyl on Demand reissued the album in 2006 and it was sold out. Despite not being the first official reissue of the LP, it is the first time it will be reissued in its original single-LP format, with the original artwork. It is also the first time that the LP will be reissued in CD / digital download format. 

www.suctionrecords.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.

New Featureless Ghost LP 'Personality Matrix' Announced for November 6th

Personality Matrix is the debut LP by Atlanta duo Featureless Ghost following a steady stream of EPs including the recent 'Mind Body' cassette on Night-People. All of those prior releases were great but Featureless Ghost were holding onto something special that they have now fully materialized in the form of this LP. Pre-release listens of the vinyl had friends of the band and the label awed by the heavy and deep sound of this record, a true stunner that buries the speakers and space around the sound. A fully realized master work recorded and mastered to perfect specifications; Night-People has never released anything that simply sounds this good. Featureless Ghost set high expectations and surpassed them. Any reference to the aesthetic or influence seems too simple to fully describe what has been accomplished with this release.

Synth pop, dark wave, minimal synth, trance, none of it really matters. This is deep eclectic electronic music performed to live midi, hybrid digital and analog perfection. The dual male/female vocal delivery presented on this record shows a high concern for distinctly developed interplay and identity that is perhaps unequaled in contemporary synth-pop. Cyber dreams, lost worlds, and dystopian futures seem to be the subject of Featureless Ghost's expression but the music itself couldn't be more solidly realized and perfected.

Mastered by Pete Swanson and artwork by Shawn Reed, 'Personality Matrix' will be available on vinyl and digital formats from Night-People on Nov. 6th. The pre-order is now up on their web-site http://www.night-people.org/

https://www.facebook.com/FeaturelessGhost

And the Featureless Ghost interview if you missed it.
In Conversation: Featureless Ghost

Next Wave: Second Planet

From Germany comes our next band to watch out for. It's the Second Planet by Danilo Roost who has been quite around with his minimal electro-pop project in the recent years releasing three albums on his label. New album by Second Planet is entitled Work Processing and it was officially released earlier this year on SkullLine. Several songs on the album were already featured on the previous releases and altogether it makes 17 track total on the new album.

http://www.myspace.com/second-planet 

Reissue: Nuvo West- Nuvo West

The Italian record label Synthetic Shadows has reissued the rare and obscure debut album by the American group Nuvo West. Their debut album 'Scary' was originally released in 1983 through West Records Inc. This new compilations features the remastered edition of 'Scary' plus their unreleased Cassette 'Twankin'' from 1984. The release is out today and it is available in 500 copies.   

Label Spot: Dark Entries

Dark Entries was born in the spring of 2009 to release out of print and unreleased underground 80's music as well as contemporary bands referencing that sound. The project was named after the first Bauhaus' 7" and the man behind this project was Josh Cheon, a vinyl-focused DJ and collector. 

Dark Entries takes great care in preserving sound quality and respecting the aesthetics of its artists. All of their releases reflect the DIY days of the 1980's independent record labels. The label entrusts all of their projects with the best engineer in California, George Horn at Fantasy Studios, who has remasters each release using his 50+ years of knowledge in the industry. 

The label founder Josh Cheon has had a rich musical background and music was always part of his life. He grew up in New York, enjoyed the dance in the clubs with dark synthesizer driven sound. He was working for several different record labels and radio stations and when he moved to San Francisco he started a night called 'Radio Lines' at the Transfer. Sharing the decks with another avid minimal synth collector, Phil Mailer who ran the blog 'A Viable Commercial', Josh learned about the band Eleven Pond, whose debut LP was going for $500 on Ebay. Luckily Jeff Gallea from Eleven Pond left a comment on the blog post: “If people are interested in a re-release I would love some feedback? I’ll dust off the Masters and see what could happen?” Josh contacted him and eventually obtained a copy of the master tapes, had the songs remastered for vinyl and released the LP in July 2009 with a silk screened cover like the original LP had. This is how things stated to roll on Dark entries Records. 

From its foundation in 2009, the label has reissued music by artist such as Dark Day, Second Decay, The Neon Judgement, Parade Ground, Starter and many more and released new material by Linea Aspera, Inhalt and many more.

www.darkentriesrecords.com 
https://www.facebook.com/DarkEntriesRecords
 

Instant Hit: 3rd Man- Oral Pleasure

3rd Man was a Norwegian minimal-synth duo who release their only single "Oral Pleasure" thirty years ago. The group consisted of Bjørn Sorknes and Morten Sjøberg who was also a member of one of the finest Norwegian post-punk outfits Fra Lippo Lippi. The single was issued as 7" on Unition Records and featured "Pleasure Recycled" as B-side. The song appeared on the compilation Maskindans - Norsk Synth 1980-1988 which was released in 2009.