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

Retrovision: Missing Persons - Words

Epitomizing the early 80's L.A. New Wave scene, Missing Persons released their debut EP, "I Like Boys" in 1980. Fronted by vocalist Dale Bozzio and rounded out by Terry Bozzio and Warren Cuccurullo, the line up would later expand with the addition of Patrick O'Hearn and Chuck Wild. The first single and MTV staple, "Words", peaked at #42 on the US Hot 100 Singles Charts and went to #9 in Australia. The band would go on to release three studio albums and a string of singles while gaining a loyal following all along the way. They ended their run in 1986 as the members moved on to other projects. Most notably, Cuccurullo would land in the midst of Duran Duran as the replacement for the departed Andy Taylor.

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

January Singles Round Up

 Trust- Heaven
 The Knife- Full of Fire
David Bowie- Where Are We Now?
 Sally Shapiro- Starman 

Suede- Barriers 
Monarchy- Disintegration
Crystal Castles- Sad Eyes
 Soft Kill- Seven Hundred
 Bat For Lashes- A Wall
 Hurts- Miracle

 Club 8- Kill Kill Kill
Factory Floor- Fall Back  

Shout Out Louds- Walking in Your Footsteps 

 Jessie Ware- If You Never Gonna Move
 Stereophonics- Indian Summer 

The Men- Electric
 The Strokes- One Way Trigger

Next Wave: Gold Zebra

Gold Zebra is a Montreal based electro pop duo consisting of Julie (Vocals) and JP Richard (Synthesizers). The duo is active since 2010 when they released their debut EP on Visage Musique. Their music combines dark tones with melodic electro beats and seduces you with late night disco melancholia. The duo is currently working on their debut album which is announced for release in spring. Take a listen to Gold Zebra on Bandcamp and check out their official FB page for updates. 

Depeche Mode Reveal New Album 'Delta Machine'

Depeche Mode have announced that their 13th studio album studio album will be entitled Delta Machine. It is set for release on March 26th on Columbia Records. the debut video for their first single ‘Heaven’ will be premiered on February 1st on Vevo. Alongside a standard CD format, Depeche Mode will release 'Delta Machine' in an exclusive Deluxe Edition with four additional new tracks and accompanied by a 28 page hardcover book including photos by longtime artistic collaborator Anton Corbijn. 

 Following the release of their new album, Depeche Mode will embark on a European stadium tour, kicking off in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on May 7th. They will perform 34 shows in 25 European countries. 

http://countdown.depechemode.com/#delta

The Return of the New Wave Pirate

We already reported about Adam Ant's big return in 2012 and this weeks sees the release of his sixth studio album 'Adam Ant Is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunner's Daughter'. The video for his first single "Cool Zombie" was filmed on 28 October, with NME running a competition offering readers a chance to be an extra in the shoot. The concept of the video, is the story of Adam's return to London after living in Tennessee. It was produced and directed by Adam Ant and Adam Ross. 

Rewind 2013 Line-up Confirmed

"Rewind Scotland – The 80s Festival" in Perth, Scotland is back for its third year running. The festival will take place from Friday 26th July until Sunday 28th July at Scone Palace, Perthshire, Scotland. 

This year’s line-up is headlined by Ali Campbell’s UB40 and OMD. Other highlights include a rare appearance from Jason Donovan, A Flock Of Seagulls, Tony Hadley, Rick Astley, Belinda Carlisle, Level 42, Earth, Wind & Fire Experience Featuring Al McKay, Howard Jones, Soul II Soul, Kim Wilde, Mike + The Mechanics, The Blow Monkeys, Sonia, Nik Kershaw and many more. 

Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday 25th January.Full details about ticket outlets and prices are available from the official Rewind website. 

 http://www.rewindfestival.com/