Recent Reviews

Latest Reviews:

Night Liberator - kautesk111 - Nov 25, 2009
Night Liberator has his own very individualistic sound, that is very different and unique for all of his releases and remixes. And I find it very cool because its so different from everything else there is out there. I personally recommend "Concentrate (Original Mix) and Joe-E - Music Generation (Night Liberator Remix)
Very talented 5/5

Blutonium Boy - Hardstyle4L - Nov 25, 2009
Blutonium Boy, one of the worlds most well known hardstyle djs. For over 20 years Blutonium Boy has been a DJ a Record Label owner with many sub labels. He has also worked with some well know hardstyle djs and bands such as: The Prophet; Headhunterz; Showtek; Zatox; Activator; and the usual Blutonium DJs Warmducher & Neo. The Hardstyle scene will miss their Hardstyle Ambassador ;)

Goods, The - Dream Sequence - knowself - Nov 25, 2009
CLASSIC ALBUM- CRAZY PRODUCTION, REAL CONTENT- TOO FLY FOR HALIFAX!!!!!! GORDSKI IS THE MASTER!

Pip Skid - Friends4Ever - knowself - Nov 25, 2009
PIP HAS A SPECIAL CONNECTION TO THE DEAD PREZ- "LETS GET FREE " ALBUM!!!. INSIDE JOKE- WHAT UP PIP.ALBUM IS BONKERS- ESPECIALLY THAT KNOWSELF VERSE.

Josh Martinez - Josh Martinez & The Hooded Fang - knowself - Nov 25, 2009
DAMN WE HAD A GOOD TIME RECORDING "WITH SPEED"!

Recyclone - Numbers - knowself - Nov 25, 2009
KNOWSELF PLAYED SOME OF THE KEYBOARDS ON THIS ALBUM. THIS ALBUM IS WHAT HAPPENED AFTER WE WERE BOTH SIGNED TO PERILUNAR, BUT RECYCLONE GAVE UP ON THE PROJECT WE WERE DOING TOGETHER BECAUSE HE WANTED TO DO A WHOLE ALBUM IN A WEEK. iNSTEAD hE DID THIS.

Paul Anka - The Original Hits 1957-1959 - morisoft - Nov 25, 2009
The track name for the first song is wrong. This should be Diana instead of Donna

Sixtoo - Songs I Hate (And Other People Moments) - knowself - Nov 25, 2009
OH I GOT CREDIT FOR BEIN ON THIS?!

La Vienta - Jazzmenco - food2prep - Nov 25, 2009
One of my favorite CD in my collection. This is an album that you can always hear from time to time. Jazzmenco it mixes Jazz with Flamenco Guitars and raw sound of an Hammond B3. Explosive mixture. Rhythms and Percussions throughout the album. It is not just plain acoustic flamenco but there is the whole team of musicians putting something into it.
The whole album is great but these are my favorite tunes.
"Tu Sonrisa", "Last Train To Paris", "My Desert Home", "Moroccan Face Dance", "Legend Of Triana", "Pacos Night Out".

Grooveyard - Watch Me Now / Hard Groovin' - tnphotonight - Nov 25, 2009
Watch Me Now is simply a killer track, ahead of its time. Ever since it showed up on DJ John Kellys first FunkyDesert Breaks CD back in the day, I have not been able to get it out of my head. Every time I work it into a breaks set it always kills!

Tranquility Bass - Broadcast Standard Issue No. 1 - tnphotonight - Nov 25, 2009
Cantamilla is just such a gorgeous, groovy, fluid and dreamy track that I never get tired of. It is indeed timeless. They Came in Peace is also a great, deep, chilled out trip-hop track, but a distant second to Cantamilla.

Deep Dish - Dreams - tnphotonight - Nov 25, 2009
Beautiful remixes on this 12" in my opinion, particularly the Tocadisco Remix and Club Mix. Both of those tracks never fail to lure people onto the dance floor and singing along.

Aspectee - Morben - DarkAmbientRadio - Nov 25, 2009
Aspectee seems to refer to a paradox: Is it someone who is subject to the constant alignment of the angle he has to an object? Like the beholder becomes the beholded (sic!). Is there a form of reverse perception? I can only guess what kind of kafkaesque reification context has lead to this project name. But maybe its just a weird (helgeesque) kind of humor. The latter assumption may seem right, if you know the name of the previous project the artist was involved (Evoke Scurvee) and that he is a big fan of German comendian Helge Schneider.

Nonetheless a high level of tension exists in all tracks between melodic pad sounds that seem to serve the only purpose to seduce the listener just enough to have her drawn through all the grinding noises that drill into the mind deeply. And thats what makes the difference between pleasing light ambient music, which only wants to tranquilize you, and dark ambient thats willing to mess around with your mind badly -- in similar ways Helge Schneider does, not using music, but jokes. The destruction of the punch line as the ultimate goal of artistic expression is the aspect Helge and Aspectee share. The elements, skillfully arranged in each track, stay separated until the end, as irreconcilable antagonisms. Another reviewer stated that the album is not straight enough. But this is a misconception. Its very straight, though it may make you feel uneasy. Only the last track unwic offers some salvation. Forgivable, if one keeps in mind that this is still a product that has to follow some rules.

If you are the type that enjoys to think, feel, and exist in contradictions: give Morben a try! Im still not through with this album -- just enough to write a review. Maybe once again, as with Evoke Scurvee, the artist is way ahead of the Zeitgeist. But this time he cared to get a label.

The Reviewee

Steve McMillan (2) - Reuzeken - Nov 25, 2009
McMillan was freed after 9 months in Prison (on remand) & 6 months in the psychiatric ward.He was never convicted & has NO police record.The media frenzy around his arrest was shamefull & the newspapers/internet/grapevine were rife with falsehoods, downright lies & feeble attempts to make certain "individuals" garner more attention & look less "incompetent". Apparently, he NEVER admitted to rape as this was never the issue in the first place, yet it was reported as such. Such is the power of the rumourmill & loose gossip on the internet, mixed with inappropriate translation & people/organizations with hidden agendas & ulterior motives.

Hallucinogen - Twisted - drexcia2 - Nov 25, 2009
This is by far the cream of the crop when it comes to goa trance every producer of the genre must look at this release with a certain amount of "awe and respect!every track is crafted and shaped to perfection its honey to the ears a magical journey through the best goa the world has heard.The intro to LSD captures the ambivilence surrounding "hallucingenics".The track oscillates up and down and turns full bliss midway through,probably his master piece not forgetting "shamanix" to say these two tracks our his greatest is sacriledge to the other 6 mind blowing tracks on the album there all brilliant and unique even by todays standards if it was released tomorrow it would still be a classic and a great introduction to new people who dont no the genre this album was my entry point i cant help comparing most other goa by this album but the truth is you dont get much better than "hallucinogens-twisted".I would recommend to all lovers of electronic music.

Divasonic - emcemd - Nov 25, 2009
Divasonics music sounds like no other female vocalist youve heard- light, floating vocals underscore deep, meaningful lyrics that evoke strong emotions and defy genres. Her single "Can of Wormz" easily jumps between almost playful rapping by Atiim Chenzira and the poignant singing of Lynda Arnold.

Divasonic is a project of Oakland-based Lynda Arnold, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, and performer. Her unique mix of downtempo, house, and electronic music has been featured on the labels EMI, Clubstar, Cyberset , Epiphyte, and her own label, Digital Bliss. Her latest single ("Can of Wormz," July 2009) features the songwriting and collaborative efforts of writer/vocalist Atiim Chenzira. Its also been remixed by local San Francisco DJs such as Pance Party, Jaswho? and DJ F.

This up and coming artist not only has a fresh, new sound, but a new way of connecting with her fans: her music is available for download on Kroogi.com, a new social network for musicians that allows them to make their music available for however much their fans want to pay for it. http://divasonic.kroogi.com/

Various - The Retro Mixes Volume 1 - blackpaw - Nov 25, 2009

great tracks and mixing. rare/hard to find choons like
House Crews The Theme

CDs DO NOT have track stops. very puzzling

Supergrass - I Should Coco - dazzerjp - Nov 25, 2009
Sporting sideburns almost as big as himself, Gaz Coombes more or less led Supergrass as the trio charged through a very goofy selection of pop-punk; think of them as the Who influenced by 1977 punk, or a British version of Green Day and youre getting somewhere close to the sound.

The kids were more than alright, however, having more fun than was probably legal, with choruses that velcroed themselves to the brain ("Alright," "Shes So Loose") while still being decidedly off-the-wall. The album included their first two singles, "Caught by the Fuzz" and "Mansize Rooster," just to add to its top pop quotient. --Chris Nickson

Synthetic Violence - Toys - bioattack - Nov 25, 2009
SYNTHETIC VIOLENCE - TOYS

UGW recordings - Russian underground music lable, released a new IDM/Experimental album TOYS on November 24.
It was composed by Synthetic Violence - a young electronic music producer from Latvia, and consists from 11 tracks,
4 of which where created in collaboration with latvian musicians, such as Coffee, Paranoid Vision and Flayway.
Most of the recorded tracks contain melancholy tones, as the main theme of the album is happy childhood through the eyes
of a grown up person. Some tracks carry piano sounds, which have been processed with noice and diffuse sound effectors,
as well as synthetic melodies. Drums create a complicated, broken rhythm, throughout the whole album, though
calculated with mathematic precision - each hit is on its own place.
Album is very pleasant to listen to and is highly interesting by the idea it brings.

Murmur Breeze - Bird Irony - mllemetronome - Nov 25, 2009
Great!!!!

Anla Courtis - Ornitologia - cincinnati - Nov 25, 2009
From 8mm:

A talisman, a living mandala. Recorded in Buenos Aires, 1992-93 (!) and now brought to life by the chants of birds, this is Anla Courtis Ornitology, a poem about the secret forces of nature and the most sublime forms of communication hidden in the forest. Earth, Water, Wind and Fire the elements that are all living inside these three gems, starting with a spectral ballad, "Quetro", and exploding into the second track, Escua, 16 minutes of epic guitars flying over an endless sea of visions. The last track, Tersina, is the final redemption, and it comes through as a primitive-electronic assault! Pure magic.

Peanut Planet - Awakenings - w-i-z - Nov 25, 2009
From Sweden with love.
one my favorite singles back from the 90s. the self titled track is the best, great chill out drum’n’bass. seba do his miracle once again.

Christopher Lee Reads Edgar Allan Poe - Tales Of Horror - pastysurprise - Nov 25, 2009
Christopher Lee is known for his gentlemanly depictions of the macabre in the movies. On this tape, his skilled acumen as a speaker makes one wonder why some of his movie characterizations were quiet types. The unerring and evocative reading herein is in my opinion better drama than that of the screen adaptation(s) of The Pit and The Pendulum. Here, Lee takes us inside the character of Poes unsettling characters for a first hand personal experience of the tortures and woes reported. In such a first person account of the stories of Poe, one can immediately regard Lees skill as a storyteller as fantastic. Many elements of suspense, trepidation, genius, and personality are inflected well into Poes protagonists by Lee. These recordings are well edited and produced, making these stories the perfect companion for a dark night.

Kananga - Oh Yeah - CRUSHTRASH - Nov 25, 2009
Nice chunky housey reworks of the Yello classic. Uses enough samples from the original to please their fans, but adds different (and moody, on the original A side) instrumentation to compliment. Great sound quality too. IMO more successful as a remix than the patchy 2006 official Oh Yeah Oh Six releases - nice one Kananga!

Massive Attack - Splitting The Atom EP - dierubix - Nov 25, 2009
Massive Attack is back with a dream line up the likes of which Them Crooked Vultures could only hope to aspire, A whos who of contemporary musicians, and several of my personal favorites.

Track one with Damon Albarn (blur, gorrillas) Track two with Tunde Adebimpe of Tv On The Radio fame. Track three remixed by non-other-than The Subliminal Kid, no longer a kid, but very much a stalwart of the downtempo scene, and Track five, unbelievably, with the marvelous Martina Topley-Bird (the female voice from most of Trickys notable work, with an awesome solo album of her own.)

For those of us who consider the acts 1998 mercury prize nominated, #1, platinum selling album the height of Massive Attacks artistry, this four Track EP is their most satisfying release to date. It is the slow and simple effectiveness that hypnotized us in 1998, the laid back, low mixed vocals that balance music and prose is such tandem that every note, every word, hangs on the ear, dripping slowly into the brain, with bass and polyrhythms so delicately layered it would take a microscope to discern their individuality. In my educated opinion: Splitting the Atom sits proudly next to Mezzanine as Massive attacks finest releases. As To the lucky 999 fans that share with me the fine distinction of owning the rare and wonderful physical release: kudos. Vinyl well bought.

I:Gor - Untitled - somebedroomdj - Nov 24, 2009
Not much to get terribly excited about this time from I:gor and, though I hate to say it, it seems like his productions have been getting a little lazy as of late. A prime example of this is the cheesy sample in the opening track repeatedly declaring "I chose the underground." Well, yes, thats kind of a given and the sort of thing that eventually made Rotterdam gabber a laughing stock (Neophyte, etc.). This shit pounds, for sure, but there is a definite formula emerging here and the tracks sound very similar to each other with not much changed but the voice samples. If I had to pick one track that Id probably play, it would be "God Left This Place" because it has more of a fist pumping peak time vibe to it. More aggression, I guess, which is ultimately what this style of music aims for.

The verdict? Definitely not essential and, to me, a real letdown after the first Nekrolog1k release, which was significantly better.

Hellfish / Bryan Fury / DJ Hidden / Somatic Responses - The Unsensored E.P. - somebedroomdj - Nov 24, 2009
One look at the artists featured on this EP will tell you that this is a rather ambitious undertaking. Unfortunately, the A side is not something I can recommend. Its pretty much standard gabber, with the Hellfish track repeatedly dropping a sample of some guy saying something about pissing on you. The Bryan Fury track is a little better, with a swatch of disjointed melody and slightly more imaginative drum programming, but still, in my opinion, a dud.

But the B side is where things really pick up. The DJ Hidden track is very heavy and on the more fractured side of things. Dark, creepy samples, good progression and, overall, yet another mark in the win column for him.

The Somatics track is the black sheep on this record. When played on 33, as I believe is intended, it is like some kind of dark safari through a landscape of twisted electronics. Dubstep tempo, but its surely not dubstep. Hard to explain, really, but suffice to say that its Somatics in experimental mode, which is generally a very good thing.

Overall, the Hidden and Somatics cuts make this worth purchasing and the gabber stuff is pretty much in the same vein as the stuff that turned me off from Deathchant about five years ago.

Outside Agency, The - Reality Collapse / Hell's Basement - somebedroomdj - Nov 24, 2009
"Reality Collapse" is THE track of 2009, full stop. This is DJ Hidden at his very best, in my opinion, as he combines gabber, hardcore drum and bass and, last but not least, a sublime acid line. Mark N has been caning this one for a long time now and the first time I heard it was when I saw him play. In a set full of amazing moments, the breakdown in this track flat out sucked the air out of the room with the creeping acid line and then the drop blew everything to pieces. Maybe it was the time and place (a sweaty room packed full of heads raised on Midwest acid), but this track has burned itself a cozy little place in my brain. Over a year later and some kind of flashbulb memory takes me back to that room every time I hear it. But my personal experience aside, this track is the real deal and needs to be in your crate. In a word, amazing.

Djavan - Bird Of Paradise - food2prep - Nov 24, 2009
Talented singer/songwriter from Brazil. This release is one of the best in my collection. Good songwriting, great rhythms, original. Not the usual bossanova Jobim stuff.
The album start with "Carnaval In Rio", a beautiful melody with an unusual beat combined together with beautiful strings textures and powerful vocals from Djavan. This song is already transported you in a different world. Djavan world.
We continue with "Bird Of Paradise" that evokes a far away island. Great songwriting again and beatiful use of DX7 all around with some soft percussions. The most romantic song on this album.
With "Apple (Maçã)" we return to Rio. A beautiful Bossa Nova/Samba style song but more original, because of his use of synth and rhyhm. Great chord changes and beautiful vocals. Just amazing and we are only at number 3 song of the album.
"Rio" is a rock jazz blend. Fusion mix very well with Rock.
Now Im thinking that this album has been thought very well.
"Madness" continue where "Bird Of Paradise" left off. A ballad with a beautiful melody and the appearance of a guitar and string and soft synth sounds. I need to order a Capirinha.
It seems like that every song on this album is great.
"Stephens Kingdom" again so original. A song about Africa and war. A soldier story described by Djavan in Rock/Fusion style.
An acoustic track "Bouquet" Vocals, Piano, Guitar. A beautiful Brazilian lullaby where strings become dominant. Great lyrics on this one too.
"Take Me" with a almost Disco Beat evokes me of Shakatak best moments. Amazing Djavan.
"I Will, I Wont" with a reggae feel. Saudade song. Beautiful textures. Sad lyrics but beautiful.
"Miss Susanna" ends this amazing CD in a sweet way. The changes of chords again wonderful. Djavan lyrics and voice give a sense to the whole CD. A nice way to say goodbye.
This CD will itransport you in the Djavan world. An amazing beautiful world where the music is well thought and excuted, not just for commercial reason.
If anyone wants to get to know Djavan and his music this is the album to get.
Five star

DJ Hidden / Throttler - Grim Noire / Digital ID - somebedroomdj - Nov 24, 2009
Going into this one, I expected the DJ Hidden track to be the standout, as many of the Throttlers tracks that Ive heard have been a little on the repetitious side and often have an odd bit of off timing in the track that makes them awkward on the DJ side of things.

But I think the Hidden cut falls flat here. The production quality is excellent as always, but this one just sounds like a "Later After" outtake. Too slow for my tastes and, though fairly pounding in some spots, it just doesnt hit the spot that many of his other productions hit for me. Might be alright as a transitional bit in the mix, but just too samey if you play it too long. But to be fair, with as many tracks as he gets pressed, you cant expect all of them to be bangers, nor should they be.

Now the Throttler cut on the other hand is a slick, pounding, morphing track that kind of epitomizes this hardcore drum and bass thing thats been going on for a while now. Deep bass, stuttered repetition and slowly building into gabber flourishes. Dancefloor damage. Ill definitely be playing this one quite a bit.

Pendulum (3) - In Silico - elspectro29 - Nov 24, 2009
Pendulum have a unique sound that people either love or hate, judging by the reviews of this album. Count me in as one of the people who love it. I find most of the D scene to be boring, and I mean really boring. Just the same minimal crap over and over, every single release. So for me, this was a refreshing change. So what if its not the norm. Id rather be different.

Damián Schwartz - Ruidos Y Frecuencias Retocadas - lennardlobrij - Nov 24, 2009
Great release, especially the AA side with the monstrous rework by Frivolous!
Thats really a track which will freak your audience out and make them jump around like dogs, dislocating there arms and legs..

Arms Of Someone New, The - Love, Power & Justice - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
The second Projekt:Archive release of THE ARMS OF SOMEONE NEW material brings together previously unreleased tracks and demos, alternative versions and rare compilation tracks from around 1985 to 1987. Since the release of their first album they had acquired a new drum machine (Roland TR-707) as well as some new synths (Casio CZ-101, Yamaha DX-100) which gave their sound an even softer tone. With some contributions by The Moon Seven Times members Brendan Gamble (also in !Ack-Ack!), Henry Frayne (also in Lanterna) and Lynn Canfield (also in Area together with Steve), “Love, Power & Justice” was meant to become an album on its own in 1986, and marks in Anna’s opinion in this CD format the groups’ best release, with some of their most wonderful tracks, eg. “Next Year in Jerusalem”, “Your Evening at Home”, “The Sense of an Ending”, “Everything at once”, etc… Has been getting regular rotation at Anna’s place since years, so truly recommended!

Arms Of Someone New, The - Susan Sleepwalking - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
THE ARMS OF SOMEONE NEW was Mel Eberle and Steve Jones originally from Champaign, USA, with a little support from Nick Rudd. They formed in 1983 and with a limited amount of gear and recording equipment they composed some beautiful music in a genre of its own at that time, giving ways of what Projekt Records soon was about to release, like a sort of atmospheric, ethereal sound combining beautiful soft vocals, sparse simple bass and guitars with synthesiser/keyboard/organ and drum machine (Boss DR-110) accompaniment. This CD release in the Projekt:Archive series compiles the groups first three and nowadays very rare vinyl releases on the groups on label Office Records: “Susan Sleepwalking” LP (1985), “Burying the Carnival” MLP, 1984” and the “Holy Dance” 7” (1984). This compilation might appeal to those into minimal wave as well as those into sort of Alex Fergusson/Psychic TV/Current 93 style.

Strange Devotion - Again The New Formation / Danger Line - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
STRANGE DEVOTION is Dominic Butler from the UK who recorded a single demo cassette in April 1982. “Again the new Formation” sounds perfectly like a mixture of VICE VERSA and TRANSPARENT ILLUSION using Korg MS10 and Sound Master Memory Rhythm SR-88. “Danger Line” sounds like the perfect mixture of HUMAN LEAGUE’s “Being boiled” and VICE VERSA, pure minimal analogue electronics heaven!!! Can’t wait to see VOICE PATROL being released, oh boy … TIPP!!

Solvent - Elevators And Oscillators - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
A half a year after the release of “Apples & Synthesizers”, Ghostly International put another log in the fire by releasing this compilation with six new compositions plus seven remixes of SOLVENT tracks. It is almost embarrassing how often the words “wonderful” and “beautiful” have been used recently to describe SOLVENT’s (or Lowfish’s) music, but how would you do it ?!? The first track “Wish” is simply nothing but ……ful, and “Devices and Strategies”, too... Then, to Anna’s big surprise, all the remixes/remakes (but one) are very good as well: THE MITGANG AUDIO’s easy chilling “My Radio”, LOWFISH’s standard brilliance in “For You”, LEGOWELT’s anarcho remake of “My Radio”, ISAN’s typical warm and organic interpretation of “For You”, or SCHNEIDER TM MUSTANG’s cool version of “My Radio”. Anna just thinks you need this one, too, so go fot it!

Solitairen Effekten - Solitairen Effekten - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
SOLITAIREN EFFEKTEN is the German language alter ego of SOLITUDE FX releasing exclusively on Enfant Terrible. Due to the limited equipment and experience in recording back then you will want to expect a very rough and very early 80’s sounding minimalistic uptempo Electropop with considerable influences from the Neue Deutsche Welle, maybe basically due to the use of the German language. The artwork or the whole release package is just awesome: white 10” vinyl, gold imprinting, double-sided lyricsheet and an oh-so-matching-the-concept sleeve design.

Shemale (2) - Supreme Beings - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
Falco Invernale Records say it “focus on the exploration of various faces and interpretations of contemporary electronic music with artists displaying their own personal world” and with this second release they prove themselves right. After the rather italo-influenced electropop of the first FIR release (Tobias Bernstrup 12”, see below), SHEMALE is much more dark, with great reminiscence to Sleep Museum, using analog synths and drum machines (Roland TR-606). The tracks one here range from dark minimal to industrial soundscapes (“Evil Winds”) and psycho killer movie soundtracks à la John Carpenter (“North Sea Funeral”). SHEMALE has already released three 12”s on the well known Dutch label Bunker Records, and its story is that “a failed laboratory experiment in the Bio-weapons division of the military-industrial complex known as ManCorp, mysteriously transformed mild-mannered lab technician Pete Plus+ into the SHEMALE a hybrid humanoid robot … SHEMALE retreated from the world into a parallel universe to create dark, dystopian machine-music, influenced by a synthetic dream of Hyperborea the land beyond the North Wind.” Alrighty then…

Rational Youth - To The Goddess Electricity - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
While RATIONAL YOUTH ceased to exist already within the 80’s their classic album “Cold War Night Life” left an ongoing interest in the group, mainly in Europe and especially in Sweden where they still have had many fans. In the late 90’s this led to the decision to play a few gigs there and also to record some new music. Bill Vorn was unfortunately too busy with his work on robotics to further play in RATIONAL YOUTH, so he was needed to be replaced by Jean-Claude Cutz (Digital Poodle, Din) and Dave Rout (Datafreq). It is clear that a mastermind like Bill Vorn could not be replaced and that the new material shouldn’t be a plagiarism of the early 80’s RATIONAL YOUTH. Anyway, they tried to retain the spirit while transporting RATIONAL YOUTH into the here and now. So “To the Goddess Electricity” turned out to be a great electro-/synthpop album with a modern awareness still with lots of references to old RATIONAL YOUTH and, of course, Kraftwerk. And Tracy’s unique and warm vocals contribute to the fact that this is a justified RATIONAL YOUTH record and worthy follow-up album. Unfortunately, again after this album RATIONAL YOUTH was put to rest, hopefully ready for the next resurrection.

Rational Youth - Cold War Night Life - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
RATIONAL YOUTH … well, actually no other group has so deeply inspired Anna and reinforced her love for synthesisers (and especially the Roland TR-808 drum machine) and electropop than Bill Vorn and Tracy Howe did with their 1982 album “Cold War Night Life”. Anna has no doubt that it is THE BEST EVER RELEASED ELECTROPOP ALBUM OF ALL TIMES, simply pure and incredible synthesiser pop perfection with the most amazing synth sounds and pop compositions full of wonderful harmonies and ideas. RATIONAL YOUTH was formed in 1981 in Montreal, Canada, when Bill and Tracy found out they had the same fascination for synthesisers and the German electropop pioneers Kraftwerk. It is guessed they didn’t think they could do even much better than their idols, but they did! In 1981 they released a first 12” on YUL records featuring the classic tracks “I want to see the Light” and “Coboloid Race”, soon to be followed by “Cold War Night Life”, recorded with a maximum efficiency gear of Moog Source, Logan String Melody, Roland SH-5, MC-4 MicroComposer, TR-808, System-100, System-700, Vocoder SVC-350, Space Echo 201 and Casio VL-1.

Q4U - Q2 1980 - 1983 - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
Q4U was founded in Reykjavík, Iceland, in April 1981 by Steinþór Stefánsson, Gunnþór, Helgi and singer Ellý. In perfect accordance with the punk attitude the group´s policy was not to rehearse, so that the group played 12 gigs before rehearsing for the first time. Starting as a rather typical punk combo (with drums, bass, guitar) in varying line-ups their music was changing to a more electronic sound when synthesiser player Árni Daníel was joining the line-up and the Roland TR-808 drum machine was replacing the drummer. This resulted in a rather unique electro-punk-wave sound with female vocals, maybe reminiscent of X-Mal Deutschland, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Malaria, Ti-Tho or especially the Swedish group Cortex, sound-wise. In 1982 they released the ultra rare MLP “Q1” on Gramm Records, a classic in the field of minimal electro-wave with far too less known hits like “Breiðabόlsstaður” and “Why”. The complete MLP is featured on this retrospective CD compilation adding a total of 28 additional songs to the track list, ranging from pure punk tracks (with electronic or real drums) to dark wave, from further electronic wave mayhems (“Sigurinn”, “Miracle Man”) to pure synthesizer pop (“Snjóhvít“). Of great interest for Kraftwerk fans, the songs “Creeps” has kinda ‘borrowed’ some music of a song of theirs about some good-looking girl, but the lyrics are truly … different! Truly Icelandic music history on here!

Psychic Youth - Step In Time - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
This top notch cult 7” from 1982 starts with a Korg KR-55 drum roll intro, so what else can you ask for ? You mean: brilliant synth sounds and sequencing, synth percussions, cool vocals and futuristic lyrics ? OK, you’ll get it all on here! “Step in Time” sounds perfectly like an early hit from EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTS (Prototype era), even the male vocals are so very similar. “The Future is now” is even better and comes along with female vocals and oh-what-fantastic synths! Pure analogue synthesiser bliss! Maybe this is the best Minimal-Electropop 7”s from the United States ever?! And most probably this is your very last chance to grab an unplayed copy (that also does not have a water damaged sleeve). Now or never, killer record!

Nina Belief - System Of Belief - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
NINA BELIEF is Tushna from Miami, USA, and already known from being the female half of RONIN, but here recording solo. She has already appeared with “Android Emotions” on the “We’re Punch addicted” compilation CD (Punch Records) and is now delighting the world with five more fantastic songs from the realms of the analog synth underground. Like the other usual suspects (the analog synth freaks from the US: Martial Canterel, Sleep Museum, Staccato Du Mal, etc.) she appears to only play original early 80’s analog synthesizers and drum machines (Roland CR-78, TR-808, Boss DR-110), which gives this music much heart and soul, and authenticity – for Anna it makes the difference! The music is cold and dark, due to the vocals some similarities to The Vyllies (“Exile Queen”), November Növelet, and also Anne Clark (“Ice in Air”). This is the first release on newly founded German label No Emb Blanc Records, actually a side label of Genetic Music. Well done, Tushna.

Newclear Waves / Opus Finis - Ruins / Trying Times - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
NEWCLEAR WAVES is Alessandro Adriani from Rome, Italy, and OPUS FINIS is Ramiro Jeancarlo (synths, composition) and Carlos E. Oni (lyrics, vocals) from Miami, USA, joining forces on Mannequin’s third but first vinyl release. Both projects work with analog machines only, with a Korg KR-55 drum machine triggering directly the bass synth. The NEWCLEAR WAVES track “Ruins” is pretty monotone with no change at all in the bass note, but as Ale once put it, he’s making minimal electronic music, hehe, alrighty then! Anyway, there is a cold voice as from some industrial/hard electro bands and some brighter tones here and there, too. The KR-55 pattern lets memories to Snowy Red arise, but Ale is a bit more dark and nihilistic. OPUS FINIS present “Trying Times” which is a bit more versatile and playful. Pretty cool track similar to way Martial Canterel works. Nice release from Italian’s latest and soon leading label for minimal electronic and dark wave sounds!

Neural Circus - Untitled - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
After releasing the great Strange Devotion 7” Mauerstadtmusik comes up with another masterpiece of early 80’s UK minimal electronics. NEURAL CIRCUS were from Harrogate, UK, and they released only one 7”EP in 1980 on the Luggage label, not even with a sleeve, ultra rare piece of vinyl! Not only the rareness, but, of course, its amazing raw and pure analogue electronics made this a so sought-after record, therefore great that Mauerstadtmusik rereleased this great EP in remastered sound plus adding the originally intended artwork to the package. The whole EP will cause orgasmic states in those who love Transparent Illusion (“Exit” sounds like off the “Still human” LP), Bern Balders or Dark Day. So, no discussion: a true classic, definitely a must-have!

Monster Apparat - Moster Dajm / Rymdmotstånd - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
MONSTER APPARAT is Johan Sturesson from Älmhult, Sweden, also known from his label Råsynth i blekinge, Wobbler (with Matias Brattberg and Henrik Hellgren), Frak (with Zwarre and Birre), and here joining forces with Daniel Svraka from Adolf Filter. They say they formed only for a ‘suddenly happening’ and forgotten gig, but after blowing away the audience with their minimal analog synth pop attacks and cheesy robot dress performance, they simply had to go on... “Moster Dajm” is a lovely and very simple instrumental minimal electro pop tune with the drum machine triggering the arpeggio of the Korg Poly-61 (my guess) and adding a simple melody and spacey sounds on top. “Rymdmotstånd” adds some vocoder to the synth soup, sounds like a little more Adolf Filter influence on here. So, there’s two pretty cool tracks on here with a massive do-it-yourself feel, directness, spontaneity and fun. And for those not being into German: MONSTER APPARAT … hmm, okay dudes, look down inside your panties, and if you have one, feel happy!

Kord (2) - I Play My Flute - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
KORD is the solo project of Johan Sturesson from Älmhult, Sweden, also known from the his label Råsynth i blekinge, Wobbler (with Matias Brattberg and Henrik Hellgren), Frak (with Zwarre and Birre) and now also Monster Apparat (with Daniel Persson from Adolf Filter, who have just released their first 7” on Hertzschrittmacher as well). “I play my Flute” is a little weird record, with the track title coming close to some ADN’ Ckrystall madness, yet more cheesy and psychedelic. If there wasn’t a TR-606 in there one might think this is some mid-late 70’s stoned hippies on minimalistic psychedelic synth spree. Cool stuff for sure! The flipside is a track called “KGB” and is a very simple minimal electro pop tune, not so far away from and with vocals very much reminiscent to Bakterielle Infektion. Definitely another cool analog synth record from Börft’s label Djuring Phonogram.

Iron Curtain - Desertion 1982-1988 - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
This CD compiles IRON CURTAIN’s complete vinyl output from 1983 to 1998 and adds Steven Fields solo 7” plus “The Condos” in a 1982 live version to it. Again, in Anna’s opinion there is just no bad IRON CURTAIN song to find, they are all fantastic. Also quite unique Steve’s motivation for writing such sociocritical lyrics. Includes the “Terror Story/Anorexia” 7” (1983), “Tarantula Scream” 12”EP (1984), “Like a Family/Telephone” 7” (1985), “Shadow/The Burning” 12” (1987), “Legalize Heroin” 7” (1988). Nothing left to say but must-buy for any lover of dark minimal electronic/wave!

Iron Curtain - Artifact - AnnaLogue - Nov 24, 2009
IRON CURTAIN was mainly Steven Fields from Santa Barbara, USA, with some support from Doug Norton, Bruce Cooper and a few other guests. For Anna simply one the best acts ever coming from the States with some four vinyls output in between 1983 to 1988. The mood IRON CURTAIN did create is just enthralling, the unique monotony of drums and bass lines are like a “trademark” and are simply never boring. There is a darkness and a melancholy in those songs in which Anna can completely drown and find comfort. On “Artifact” early previously unreleased demos and live tracks are compiled, and there is just not a single drop out. While the songs are mostly electronic they do remind more of Joy Division or early Fra Lippo Lippi maybe. Oh Anna just loves this record or do you think you can elude tracks like “Acting out” ? Also there’s early versions of “First Punk Wars” and their probably most well-known track “Condos”. Strong advice: get it while you can! 350 copies are quite few for this release.

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