The second part of Shifted’s The Cold Light series maintains a frozen and mechanical approach.
Author: hipodrome
X501 – X501 EP [KRL004]
Fierce techno and acid on this 4 Tracker EP by X-501 for Krill Music. The EP comes with a Bleak rework.
Belaboris – Once Upon A Time LP [DE041]
Belaboris was born in 1982 as the brainchild of Finnish producer Kimmo Miettinen. He would put together an all-girl band that looked great in photographs but were backed by professional musicians. The first line-up was Vilma Vainikainen on main vocals, Sisko Vainikainen and Rita on back-up plus Jake and Mari who did not sing at all. The backing band behind Belaboris was a local New Wave group called Tyhjät Patterit ( which translates to Empty Batteries). The main songwriter was Esa Ijäs (guitar, synthesizer) along with his bandmates Ari Ijäs (bass) and Martti Jalonen (drums). Belaboris’ debut 12″ single “Kuolleet Peilit” was released in November 1982. “Once Upon A Time” collects songs from all three EP releases and the “Olipa Kerran” mini-LP as well as two unreleased demos never before on vinyl. In Finland the synthetic Futurist/New Romantic pop was simply called “Futu”. Belaboris were in their own peculiar, undefinable no-woman’s-land, in between the Finnish Futu and Gothic scenes. Between 1982 and 1984 Belaboris crafted catchy, melodic synthpop with the occasional guitar. Their lyrics were stylistically “kitchen sink melodramas” with occasional Gothic elements inspired by movies. The name Belaboris, is a combination of the horror actors Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff.
Medio Mutante – Eadem Mutata Resurgo [MR019]
Medical Records present it’s first “modern” release showcasing a full LP compilation of material by American minimal synth band Medio Mutante. The band’s sound is also a mutation of their 1980’s influences, using vintage analog synthesizers and drum machines in creative and unexpected ways. Drawing influence from such acts as El Aviador Dro, Absolute Body Control, Front 242, Duotronic Synterror, Oviformia SCI, Yukihiro Takahashi, Medio Mutante integrated it’s childhood love of late 80s/early 90s Hip Hop, Latin Freestyle, and New Wave into a hybrid concoction that is truly unique. This full LP is composed of the band’s long out of print 6 song limited EP from 2007, their limited 7″ from 2009, and 4 previously unreleased tracks.
Ancien Régime – The Position LP [MNQ032]
The Italian band Ancien Régime with theoir first album on Mannequin Records. “The Position” evokes new wave and synth-pop memories, delivering epic vintage sounds and wrapping them all with catchy riffs and melodies. Still, despite this fascination with the past, the band’s work stands out as a distinctive, highly personal take on the genre. The album is opened by the single “Negative”, with its dark gloomy vocals and war-like drumming. “Negative” is, in fact, the quintessential Ancien Régime composition: wave, biting snare, interweaving synths and guitars, reverbs, delays.
Streetwalker – Future Fusion [CITI007]
Chicago duo Streetwalker, comprised of molecular biologist Beau Wanzer and electronic music aesthete Elon Katz, wrote their debut album ‘Future Fusion’ over the course of two years. Through endless experimentation and analog improvisation, they have constructed an entirely new sound showcasing vibrant hand-played synthesizer, vulnerable vocals, and serpentine drum lines. Streetwalker’s distinct song structures are characterized as much by restraint, timing, and subtle shift as by the cyclic abandon of the loop.
NCW & Piss – Golden Lands EP [VIVOD002]
Second 12″ from Ali Renault’s limited boutique imprint, Vivod. Featuring the talents of NCW, this is moody, downbeat synth music.
R-Zone – R-Zone 01 [RZONE001]
R-Zone is a new label launched by Global Darkness. The sounds exhibited across each track are unique creations that combine brightly coloured synths, swirling pads and non-standard beats into captivating and kaleidoscopic soundscapes that constantly evolve from start to finish. A cosmic, intergalactical energy pervades each release, transporting you to a world far away from here.
Son Of Sound – Jacknifed [NJ004]
Son Of Sound is the current project of Henry Maldonado, a NYC house music legend. You can definitely hear hints and influences of his old work in these songs, but Maldonado adds layers of modern style and production values to keep it sounding fresh and not “retro” or played out. Its soulful and dancefloor driven, just how we like it.
Hard Ton – Food Of Love [TOYT007]
Hard Ton are back with their 2nd EP on German House label Toy Tonics, super effective 90ies House. Made with the classic sounds of Juno, 808, 909. And and even more effective remix by DJ Sprinkles.
South West Seven – If You Want / Move Back [OTP016]
Northern Irish garage/house duo South West Seven (Ric McClelland and Sean Grieve) make a guest appearance for NYC’s On The Prowl, with remixes by Giorgio Luceri and Club Silencio. “If You Want” gets things moving with a deep house style layered with a big upfront bassline and super lush pads that are straight outta Detroit! Built to please big rooms in the early morning. A2 has Club Silencio showing his remix finesse by adding some organ key stabs in the “Gypsey Women” territory. Proper early 90’s house vibes but still maintaining a modern edge. “Move Back” shifts the mood toward a more disco feel with balaeric style guitars and laid back and groovey bassline. On the remix Luceri adds his music touch while keeping things driving with steady snare fills and old school drums.
Chris Burns – IYE / E-Mo Systems [NJ003]
This emotional two-track 12”on New Jersey Records showcases Chris Burns’ varied influences and strong songwriting abilities. I.Y.E., co-written and sung by Denise Henderson, is a peak-hour track that draws upon Burns’ passion for powerful, NY-inspired vocal house. Burns has created a tough, grooving backdrop that highlights Henderson’s incredible ability to juxtapose subdued and expressive vocal deliveries. “E-Mo Systems” takes a more melancholic approac. Swollen bass textures and ambient melodies are punctuated by a minor key chord progression that resolves into a sublime climax.
