Synthétique: A French Synthwave Compilation 1982​-​2016

Almost a year in the making, with tracks having been mislaid or buried underneath piles of original demos, then reconstructed and remastered! This compilation aims to highlight the core elements of French Synth-Pop from it’s earliest incarnation to newer acts influenced by the earlier protagonists distinctive sounds and retro imagery. There will be many a familiar name here, and perhaps a few unknowns. It is not an exhaustive list of the acts associated with this particular ‘scene’, but a tribute to the idiosyncrasy and diversity of French analogue music.

Many of the tracks are completely unreleased or are early demos. For the aficionado we hope this fulfils a rediscovery of old classics or to the late-comer a decent collection of tracks that serve as an introduction to the uniqueness of French Synth music and the burgeoning new scene.

CD / Digital Album

Posted on January 30th, 2017 under Releases,

Drab Majesty - The Demonstration

Drab Majesty is an inter-dimensional platform aimed at channeling aural and visual messages founded by a human being from Los Angeles in 2013. The human communes directly with it’s spiritual muse/assumed alter-ego Deb Demure to demonstrate the power in relinquishing ownership to a divine design, thereby handing inspiration over to the spirit world – essentially serving as a contractor in business with the Collective Consciousness.

Relying on those principles, Drab Majesty, from its inception, set out to achieve no specific style, yet over the span of a European tour, several US tours, an LP entitled “Careless” (released and reissued 3 times on DAIS Records), 2 cassette EP’s, and a 7-inch on (Weyrd Son/Brussels), Deb has honed in on a pointed aesthetic.

While inherently guitar-driven music in the vain of The Chameleons or Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Drab Majesty’s sound is often nuanced by ethereal washes of icy keyboards and arpeggiated synthesizers, backed by heavy mechanized percussion and forked pulsing synth bass, all adorned with reverb-laden vocals reminiscent of a hallowed cathedral.

Digital Album

Posted on January 28th, 2017 under Releases, ,

Maoupa Mazzocchetti - Infinite Glance Court

Welcoming back our early label recrute Maoupa Mazzocchetti delivering the follow-up to both his debut releases on Unknown Precept. Emerging back in 2014 to then become an esteemed music maker in the inner-circles of the underground community, the Brussels’ based sound artisan quickly established himself as a complete artist made of a peculiar and inexhaustible surge of inspiration — always making sure to stay off the beaten paths while exploring the nooks and crannies of his disturbed and facetious mindset throughout his latest productions.

‘Infinite Glance Court’ is a condensation of this diverse inventiveness, an intimate and minimalist journey borrowing as much from John Bender as the European dance tradition of the late 1980s. It shows the producer asserting once again the essence of what makes his brazen style thanks to the dancing jokes and corroded ballads which he alone holds the secret of.

12″ / Digital Album

Posted on January 26th, 2017 under Releases, ,

New American Monsters

Here’s a split featuring Dark Gray Houses from Seattle, with Prudence from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

12″ EP

Posted on January 24th, 2017 under Releases,

Ride The Wave

The new label serie RIDE THE WAVE, a compilation of some of the best fresh WAVE music coming from all over the world…

2×12″ EP

Posted on January 22nd, 2017 under Releases,