Now PlayingClock DVA - The HackerTune In     Song History
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At a time when so much around us seems to be over-thought and over-prossessed, it can come as a relief to encounter the sound of Nova Guardia, whose pure analogue synth acts as a antidote to the self-conscious and the manufactured. With its raw energy and unfiltered modular directness, uncompromising vocals and dirty edged aesthetic, Nova Guardia gives us a sound that never fails to affect.
The second compilation in the DKA Tape Programme series features twenty artists making waves in the industrial, goth, acid/house, techno, and minimal synth underground, with artists from all over the world creating death disco dirges, acid bangers, and forlorn post-punk anthems. Vol. 2 sees the return of DKA stalwarts Tannhäuser Gate, Autumns, Xander Harris, Karger Traum, and Passing, joined by several new (and new to DKA!) acts that have quickly become a part of the always expanding DKA family. Several of these artists have played in Atlanta and blown away the people behind DKA and we wanted to introduce them to you, our faithful listeners! Some of the musicians on this compilation have to date only self-released tapes while others have releases on the extended network of underground techno/industrial labels like Ascetic House, Pop Nihil, New Body, Tram Planet, and more. There is something for everyone looking to jack into the electronic body movement on this monster tape comp that clocks in at over an hour!
Linda Records offers its 2nd special edition 12″ of 2018. Following on from Ancient Methods remixes of Luster ft. Beta Evers – Eternal, this next record is a spectacular collaboration EP from two friends SARIN & Xarah Dion. On the Collision EP both provide an original track and also rework/ cover of one of their fellow talents song pieces. It makes an interesting rare collection of Electro infused EBM, and when we say songs we mean it, infectious journey tracks. SARIN remains more on the apocalyptic side with his cuts of devastating impact on the vinyl. Whilst Xarah carries a momentous stance with her vocals over nostalgic synthesis.
HøRD is the solo project of Bordeaux-based synthwave producer Sebastien Carl. Started in 2014, Sebastien has proven himself to be able to gather a cult fan-base around his creation in a short time, collaborating with artists as Hante, Winter Severity Index and Black Bug and performing live in most European countries. After a first album on Antoni Maiovvi and Vercetti Technicolor’s Giallo Disco and an EP on SNTS’ own label Sacred Court, his second full-length record came out on September 14 on Avant! Records. Parallels features eight new compositions that further focus HøRD’s distinguishing features: abstract almost liquid synth passages, deep analogue beats, veiled vocals. Uptempo or slow, instrumental or sung, danceable or rarefied it doesn’t really matter as the album as a whole ends up resulting in a strong cinematic appeal. A soundtrack for a journey away from the present time and into an intimate, maybe even nostalgic dimension.
8 years after the first album, two 7″ from Kernkrach and a CDr self-released in 2016 with singles and tracks previously featured on compilations, Moonlandings is the latest long awaited album from Gertrud Stein, a solo act from London who’s striking again with a self-released 4 tracks EP. It kicks off with 2m2, a killer track rhythmed by synthetized percussions evoking whiplash sounds over a gritty bassline and a pulse that could drive people berserk on the dance floors. Monotonie carries on with the drive of tight analogue drums and a raw bass that is typical of her sound. On the B side, Sad Song is a throbbing slow track with more robotic rhythms and melancholic lyrics with spacey effects reminiscent of laments from beyond. Then Wires and Lights ends in beauty with another generous dose of lovely synth tunes and dissonant percussions. In its whole, the minimal groove and trippy synths that were assembled here should satisfy the cravings of any minimal electronics junkie. The dark energy emerging from Moonlandings definitely seems to come from outer space. I was glad to find back the trademark sound of Gertrud Stein, but more importantly, I was very excited to find the same drive and madness that was pushed even further. |
