HNN* – Pièce Radiophonique

NEW WAVE RÉTRO. Tout juste remis du deuxième album de In Broken English, voici sa version minimaliste. Gregg a composé ces morceaux aux mélodies rétro et n'a pas souhaité dans un premier temps leur adjoindre de guitares. Ce minimalisme renvoie aux belles heures du synthé cold, que ce soit Depeche Mode sur les titres « Life X-Press » et « Mono », ou les dérives de ces années (les plus vieux penseront peut-être aux nappes du dessin animé les "Cites d'or"). Toujours orfèvre, Gregg enrichit les titres de détails travaillés, comme par exemple les habituelles poussées fiévreuses de l'électronica sur le magistral « Iris », appel aux abonnés absents. L'expérimentation prend également sa place une nouvelle fois, avec un classique intermède ambiant en milieu de disque, mais aussi un titre basé sur une mélodie au piano. Entre froideur des machines et emphase d'une voix toujours proche de celle de David Bowie, HNN lance des sentiments contrastés et
diversifiés. Bien plus qu'une simple récréation.

by Sylvain Nocolino / ObsKure Magazine (France)

Das belgisch-französische Vinyl-Label La Forme Lente widmet sich seit 2007 mit bedächtigen Schritten der Veröffentlichung zeitgenössischer Synthesizer-Musik. Mit »Pièce Radiophonique« von HNN gelang dort zuletzt ein erfrischender Rekurs auf geistreichen Synthpop im Experimentalgewand.

Dass das Debüt von HNN (eigentlich »Hsilgne Nekorb Ni« – »In Broken English«) das fünfte offizielle Release innerhalb von vier Jahren auf La Form Lente (LFL) markiert, unterstreicht eine gewisse Gemächlichkeit. Die ergibt sich nicht nur zwangsläufig aus den beschränkten Kapazitäten eines (inzwischen) Ein-Mann-Unternehmens, sondern auch aus dem Qualitätsanspruch, der an die eigene Produktion gestellt wird. Ein kurzer Überblick über den Backkatalog von LFL zeigt, dass die Leidenschaft für den analogen Synthesizer das tragende Prinzip hinter den vier Platten ist.

Während die 2008 erschienene Zusammenstellung »La Forme Lente 1« noch vorrangig die Sprache von Post Punk und Dark Wave spricht, kristallisiert sich mit den beiden Labelcompilations »Circuit D'Actes« und »Circuit D'Actes 2« das elektronische Manifest von LFL schärfer heraus: die Kompositionseinflüsse aus Synthpop, frühem EBM und Space Disco ergeben zusammengerührt die frankophone Melange, die den französischen Cold Wave der 80er weltweit auf die kalt-schimmernden Tanzflächen von heute transponiert. Eine Amerikanisch-Französische Freundschaft führt bei LFL zu inspirierenden und fruchtbaren Sound-Allianzen: der dunkle Disco im »Italians Do It Better«-Gewand von Ssleeping DesiresS aus San Francisco trifft auf den Industrial-affinen Maschinensound der :codes aus Brüssel, die glamourösen Franko-Kanadier Automelodi teilen sich eine Scheibe mit den Minimalisten des franko-belgischen Projekts Dolina. Sie alle eint ihre Liebe zum Vinyl, dem analogen Synthesizer und der Drum-Machine.

Space-Kraut-Klassik am Synthesizer

Neben diesen essentiellen Sammelwerken zeitgenössischer Wave-Musik zeichnet man sich auch für die Longplayer von ADN' Ckrystall und HNN verantwortlich. »Orgasmatron(ic)« ist das aktuelle Album des französischen Elektro-Pioniers Erick Moncollin, der bereits 1982 die Kultplatte »Jazz Mad« in die neonbeleuchtete Nacht hinauskatapultierte. Seit jeher Kraut- und Space-infiziert, nimmt sich auch »Orgasmatron(ic)« wieder wie das weltfremde, rhythmusunterlegte Klangexperiment eines extraterrestrischen Korg-Fanatikers aus. Eine liebenswert verschrobene »Zocial Opera pour machines mentales« samt fantastischer Sci-Fi-Novelle als Inlay.

Auch HNN mögen es orchestral, wobei sich »Pièce Radiophonique« um einiges weltlicher gibt. Das Spiegelprojekt-Debüt (HNN steht für »Hsilgne Nekorb Ni«, spiegelverkehrt für In Broken English) des schon lange umtriebigen Musikers und Produzenten Gregg Anthe übernimmt Einflüsse aus der instrumentalen, experimentellen und klassischen Musik und verarbeitet sie in kitschfreien und downtempo-lastigen Synthpop-Nummern. Die instrumentelle Ästhetik von Minimal Wave trifft hier auf unprätentiöses und nahbares Songwriting innerhalb des sonst so elitären »E-Musik«-Zeichensystems. »Pièce Radiophonique« ist ein ausgefeiltes Klangkunstwerk aus den Kreisen weitgehend nicht-etablierter Independent-Produktion, die sich wohl noch lange durch ungebrochenen Idealismus und hohe Qualtität auszeichnen wird. Was langsam wächst bleibt lange gut.

Michael Giebl

http://www.skug.at/article6166.htm

By choice, Vox empyrean webzine dealing purely to review the products contained in the record format sound to it more ideal, ie compact disc. The exception that proves the rule comes from an artist who, for his equally legitimate choice and like many other musicians, affects their creations on vinyl, after long deliberation and a careful listening to the LP in question, I finally decided that the French merely HNN practice to be assessed and reported on my pages. Hsilgne Nekorb Ni, this is the full name belonging to the composer, falls stylistically in the synthpop / wave, debuting with this excellent eight-track limited to only five hundred copies, "Pièce radiophonique", licensed The lens forms the Alps label. It 'a release that welcomes its epicenter in the toning of natural ambient / minimalist electro-indus and sediments, differing from the typical form exhibited during the artistic career of Hsilgne, represented chiefly by individual project called Gregg Anthe with whom he has made four albums from 1997 to 2011 Gender-wave rock / goth / modern classical in the line-up of famous bands In Broken English and Morthem Vlade Art HNN has a pseudonym so parallel, through which the main character explores various hemispheres with passion electronic proving to be very clear ideas on technologies showing a particular attention paid to aspects of the melodic structures that appear devoid of any heavier or excess, leaving nothing but the caregiver as automation that makes the disc sound a product streamlined, accessible and positive under his slightest technicality. Listening to the work also reserves the lyrics cured by Emmanuelle Desmonts-Roudgé and therefore the first, exquisite surprise, "Life X-Press", an harmonious trait-facilitator that connects the slope to the new wave synthpop depechemodiano Cure style, creating a well-paced song with interpreters a snappy programming, synth, guitar arpeggios and a charming old-school song by the irresistible refrain. "Renouveau Ordinaire" is an electro-downtempo-theme of instrumental arrangements by atmospheric and sequenced to reveal a veiled female chorus, while the next "Mono" exposes dictates minimal-80's electropop arising from the hinterland, through the essential products of the programming codes in combination with slight touch of synth and a vocal accompaniment mode retro. Then we come to trial obscure ambient-diffuse from "Propagande" icy track from chrome keyboard publications and inviting, with dark pads, extended, pierced by dry intereferenze electronic, until the Next "Iris", built by a strict and dripping supports mid-time programming, capturing changes in keyboard, childish in vocii sottofonfo HNN and vocals that reflect a mood introverted, unfulfilled. "Exhibition", which was also instrumental, prolongs the pleasure of drawing inspiration from the retrospective electronic analogue-synth and sequencing back to glorious times, allowing the entrance to the amazing musicianship post-Kraftwerk issued by "A Step Outside", electro-generated from mathematical track in the procession robotic scanning drum machine as a basis for supporting cosmic flows keyboard and a form of flawless singing, which reminds of intensity and melody, all in one chapter I personally think that the best of the entire release as well as the most representative listened to me until today. The closure of the work done by the same name "Pièce radiophonique" completely unexpected and poignant piano piece that reveals glimpses neo-classical, romantic and decadent in a track-list built mainly by technological artefazioni sound. Eight tracks honest, inspired, carved with exquisite delicacy for many essential to spend time immersed in synthetic perspective of absolute excellence. The work examined provides an overall yield satisfying beyond the usual standards, without difficulty holding the comparisons with the most accredited representatives of the electronic kind, whether remote or current. If you are true followers of electronic pop, what convinces at first listen, get active as soon as possible in search of "Pièce radiophonique": owning This disc is a source of pride.

Maxymox

http://www.voxempirea.com/en/rece2012en.html

Here’s the debut LP of HNN from France. Limited to 500 copies, it was released on October 1st by La Forme Lente.

HNN was Gregg Anthe’s solo project, until it was announced Martin Dupont joined to form a duo. The acronym stands for Hsilgne Nekorb Ni, which makes In Broken English if you read it backwards. This lead me to discover Gregg is also the singer of In Broken English, an interesting rock band with a nice touch of electronics.

Face A opens with Life X-Press, the most upbeat and pop song on the album. The rhythm then slows downs with Renouveau Ordinaire, an instrumental song featuring a female vocalist humming over nice vocal pads and analog sequences, followed up by Mono, driven by an hooking bass line on top of warm strings and beautiful melodies.

Then face B starts with Iris, an instant classic and my favorite title, followed up with Exhibition, another pure instrumental synthpop tune and A Step Outside, that makes a big wink to Kraftwerk, proudly claiming its synthpop influences by borrowing the air of Computerlove.

Even if Piece Radiophonique, as its title stands, would be pretty enough to play on mainstream radios, it think it is rather dedicated for true synthpop lovers. The organic tone of the synthesizers and the elegant arrangements left me very impressed; these throbbing melodies, delightful sounds and the overall emotions are really speaking to me.

After delivering excellent pop songs, each side is nicely ending with ambient and experimental tracks, and I have a feeling the next release with Martin Dupont will be exploring new musical grounds…

mononcx

http://xwaveblog.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/hnn-piece-radiophonique/

HNN is the 'mirror project' of Gregg Anthe (from In Broken English), born around 2005 after the vanishing of Morthem Vlade Art. It displays an electronic music with cinematic qualities without losing anything of the hymnic side of the last MVA productions, like the soundtrack of an imaginary retro-futuristic movie, between Blade Runner & a “(das Himmel über) Berliner” Bowie. Or when John Foxx meets Moroder in the heart of Metropolis...

Mr Papier (LSD La Night)

Ahora que empieza el frío y el cielo a estar gris, La Forme Lente acaba de publicar el disco de debut del artista Hsilgne Nekorb Ni, o lo que es lo mismo, el primer trabajo de HNN. Si el sello francés ya nos sorprendió con un primer recopilatorio y dos ediciones de Circuit d’actes -éstas recogen temas de grupos variopintos de la escena synth y new wave actual-, ahora hacen lo propio con su último hallazgo. La verdad, sentimos una profunda admiración por esos sellos que buscan grupos nuevos constantemente y apuestan por ellos publicando su música exclusivamente en vinilo. ¡Châpeau!

Pièce Radiophonique es de esos discos que, cuando pones la aguja en el surco, es inevitable escucharlo de principio a fin. Con temas que van del new wave al ambient -algunos son industriales e instrumentales-, este álbum te transporta a una atmósfera oscura donde los sintetizadores son los principales protagonistas. El colofón final lo pone una pieza de piano instrumental, lenta y profunda que eleva al disco a otra dimensión.

Si estás interesado en adquirir Pièce Radiophonique, la última joya de La Forme Lente, lo puedes hacer en la tienda especializada en este estilo de música, y una de las mejores que hay en nuestro país, Lostrack Records. Si no eres de Barcelona, puedes hacer la compra a través de su web. Os dejamos 3 temas de HNN, el último es un cover del 24 hours de Joy Division.

The Scrap Mag

http://thescrapmag.com/hnn-piece-radiophonique/

(Traduction // Merci à Alicia)

Maintenant qu'il commence à faire froid et que le ciel devient gris, La Forme Lente vient de sortir le premier disque de l'artiste Hsilgne Nekorb Ni, c'est à dire, le premier travail de HNN. Après nous avoir surpris avec une première compilation et deux productions de Circuit d'Actes, incluant des morceaux de divers groupes de la scène synth et new wave, le label français revient avec la sortie de sa dernière découverte. À vrai dire, on éprouve une profonde admiration pour ces labels qui cherchent constamment de nouveaux groupes et prennent le risque d'éditer leur musique exclusivement en vinyle. Chapeau !

Pièce Radiophonique est un de ces disques dont, dès que l'on pose l'aiguille sur le sillon, on ne peut s’empêcher de l'écouter du début à la fin. Avec des morceaux qui vont de la new wave jusqu'à l'ambient, certains étant industriels et instrumentaux, cet album plonge l'auditeur dans une atmosphère obscure où les synthétiseurs jouent le rôle principal. Une piste instrumentale de piano lente et profonde vient mettre la touche finale et élève le disque vers une autre dimension.

Si vous êtes intéressé par l'acquisition de Pièce Radiophonique, le dernier bijou de La Forme Lente, vous pouvez vous adresser à une boutique spécialisée dans ce style de musique, Lostrack Records étant une des meilleures d'Espagne. Si vous n'habitez pas à Barcelone, vous pouvez faire une commande sur leur site web.

With the skies of Europe turning grey La Forme Lente return to your local record store with a debut artist, Hsilgne Nekorb Ni aka HNN. The French imprint has an impressive ear for all things synth pop and dark wave. It is under these genre headings that HNN introduce their first LP, Pièce Radiophonique.

The record opens with an unapologetic toe tapping piece of synth-pop, “Life X-Press.” The tempo is lowered for the moody and beautiful analogue feast of “Renouveau Ordinaire.” HNN have echoes of Frank (just Frank); guitars are employed and indie vocals are present, but it is the synth that takes center stage. Yet, these newbies aren’t afraid to plume the depths; the beatless and dark atmospherics of “Propagande” playing out Side A. Analogue energy returns with “Iris,” fast paced synth lines and machine beats over vocals and strings. The sublime build of “Exhibition” follows, an instrumental work of arching chords; a vintage sound with modern currents. The album unfolds anew with ever track, the record producing some absolutely breathtaking sounds. The title piece brings down the curtain on HNN’s admission, a stunning piano piece for the finale. Slow, subtle and aching.

Pièce Radiophonique is one of the most varied, developed and diverse introductory albums I have ever heard. New wave, ambient and instrumental but without laboring any of these points; HNN introduce elements of industrial and indie alongside electronics and drone. Presenting a true gem with credits to both the artist and label.

Robbie Geoghegan

http://igloomag.com/reviews/hnn-piece-radiophonique-la-forme-lente

Non c’è niente da fare: certa musica necessita il formato fisico per non essere snaturata dal suo habitat sonoro. Questa affermazione non ha alcuna relazione con il livello di artisticità, ma semplicemente riflette la tipologia di pensiero che gli amatori di certa musica (sottolineo amatori, non DJs) continuano a portare avanti senza il timore di essere additati come retrogradi. Ve la immaginate una label come La Forme Lente disponibile in mezzo a migliaia di tracce che suonano tutte uguali sul portale digitale di turno? Non se ne abbiano a male i seguaci di Hawtin, ma qui non si scherza, nè tantomeno si scimmiottano mode. Gregg Anthe in arte HNN (acronimo di Hsilgne Nekorb Ni) si dimostra capace di riproporre il suono Minimal Wave con una classe ineccepibile. Ben otto i brani raccolti in una sequenza che farebbe innamorare ogni nostalgico della New Wave di trent’anni fa. Da “Life X-Press”, che fa il vezzo a cose che ci avevano fatto ascoltare anche Le Syndicat Electronique, It & My Computer e il compianto Porn.Darsteller qualche tempo fa, a “Renouveau Ordinaire”, dominata da sequenze di bassi analogici e keyboards emozionali d’annata, ben preservate da denaturalizzazioni dettate dalla pessima idea di far piacere a tutti i costi alle nuove generazioni ciò che invece appartiene irrevocabilmente al passato, da “Mono”, dove un assolo suadente di violino viene troncato da voci robotiche e beats sintetici, ad “Iris”, spassionata Minimal Wave stazionata tra il Dark e l’Electro, con interventi vocali che mi ricordano il più recente The Horrorist. L’indubbia capacità artistica dell’autore si denota bene anche tra le righe (del pentagramma) di “Exhibition”, dalla sensibilità melodica eccellente, un vero tripudio di polifonie analogiche fuoriuscite da qualche esperimento idealmente forgiato nei primi anni Ottanta. Tocco più Synth Pop invece è quello di “A Step Outside”, dove gli snodi armonici sembrano quasi fatati. Grazie a “Propagande” e “Pièce Radiophonique”, infine, ci si cala nelle tenebre dell’Ambient/Darkwave, una caduta libera nei gironi infernali dove un assolo di pianoforte ammicca a qualche scena di A Orange Clockwork. Un suono collocato tra Solvent e Keen K, con esternazioni Pop di Tobias Bernstrup o Roland Sebastian Faber. Siete riusciti ad accaparrarvi una delle 500 copie disponibili?

Giosuè Impellizzeri

http://www.technodisco.it/2011/10/hnn-piece-radiophonique-la-forme-lente/