Medical Records: Kline Coma Xero- Self-titled

Kline Coma Xero

Medical Records presents the debut full length release of Kline Coma Xero. A self-titled LP influenced largely by the sterile and isolated iconography of authors such as Philip K. Dick, William Gibson and JG Ballard (from whence the bands name is derived).

Formed in 2012, Kline Coma Xero is a group whose work embraces elements of early minimal synth wave with distinctively thoughtful lyrics and evocative melodies. Kline Coma Xero’s Tony Williams has had his roots planted in various projects in the past, spanning a realm of styles from experimental noise, tape loops and early industrial. Using a writing style that employs the use of hardware sequencers driving analog instruments rather than computers, Kline Coma Xero produces a uniquely oblique interpretation of past-meets-present in modern electronic music. Previously Kline Coma Xero debuted in 2013 with the track “Left Behind” which was included on the Circuit D’Actes 3 – La Forme Lente label compilation which is the opening track on this LP. The 2nd track “Rewind” is amazingly catchy and reminiscent of the best hybrid of analog synth pop overlaid with Front 242 style vocals. Other standout tracks are the 2nd side opener “Mannequins” with it’s razor sharp lead synths as well as the dark and brooding “Casualty Ward”. Kline Coma Xero will certainly appeal to fans of analog minimal synth, EBM, and the more melodic side of industrial as well as specific acts such as Fad Gadget, Suicide, John Foxx, or Martial Canterel.

Presented on high-quality 180gram heavyweight colored splatter on opaque white vinyl and features a bonus LP insert. Mastered by Martin Bowes at the Cage, UK. Limited Edition.

Listen and order here.

Posted on July 30th, 2014 under Releases, ,

Medical Records: Roladex- Anthems For The Micro​-Age

Roladex

Medical Records presents it’s second contemporary artist release with Roladex. Imagine Kraftwerk playing Steven Merritt songs.

Roladex was formed in Texas by Tyler Jacobsen and Elyssa Dianne. Producer/Member, Tyler Jacobsen holds an MFA in Electronic Art and this becomes apparent as they find lyrical and musical inspiration through the films of David Cronenberg and John Carpenter, the works of authors such as J.G Ballard as well as video artists such as Vito Acconci and Nam June Paik. Jacobsen has been on a hiatus from his work as college art professor since the formation of the group. Using an arsenal of analog instruments, Roladex nostalgically borrows ideas from music of the past to carefully craft a unique brand of futuristic-mechanized pop, with an emphasis on songwriting and layered production. Weaving sparse, sequenced arpeggios into fuzzy bass and bubbly melodies to create a bed of sound where they layout a somehow bright melancholia. Part minimal synth-wave, part dream pop, Roladex fits nicely with other non-traditional pop acts such as Ariel Pink as well as Synth contemporaries like Police Des Moeurs and Black Marble. With previous singles on Night-People Records, AMDISCs, and Beko, Medical is proud to present their debut LP.

At times their music cold and moody, at others it is bright and dimly warm. Themes such as nuclear war, cosmology, false memories and technology as the “opiate of the masses” become apparent as the listener plays through the LP. The opening track “Anthem For The Micro-Age” sets the tone with dreamy atmospheric synth textures and interwoven male and female vocals. “Love Surgery” is chock full of pop hooks and synth leads interspersed with angular guitar accents. “Empty Streets” has an almost minimal John Bender bedroom aesthetic. The Last track, “Nuke Em’ Out” is an apocalyptic disco track for the end of the world, and the electro-mechanical new wave Cathode Rays (for the the group produced a video) is one of the catches tunes on the record. Fans of early Wire (esp 154), Drinking Electricity, Fad Gadget and even noisy 90s shoegaze are sure to enjoy.

Presented on high-quality 180gram heavyweight electric blue transparent vinyl and features a bonus LP insert with lyrics. All tracks and versions recorded exclusively for this Medical release. Mastered by Martin Bowes at the Cage, UK. Limited Edition.

Listen and order here.

Posted on March 22nd, 2014 under Releases,

Medical Records: llustration Sonore- Undisciplined Strips Of Emotions

Medical Records presents the release of its first contemporary artist with the Paris-based Illustration Sonore (I/S). The duo, consisting of Dasz (also in Dolina and Ame De Boue) and Christina (aka Froe Char), expertly craft dark and atmospheric songs laced with unbridled passion in the context of synth-laden melodies, dominant percussion and pensive vocals.

I/S started in 2010 and have played many concerts in Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy. I/S uses variations of electricity to control oscillators and frequency modulations. Best described as synth-gaze, dark-wave, or no-future pop, I/S recorded this full length LP in 2013. The opening track “Ulysses,” sets the mood with uncompromising intensity and passion with serious low frequency tones and catchy synth drenched hooks. The dreamy and brooding “Our Bodies” starts the B side and is a definite standout tracks. The wonderful and melancholy pop track “Flying Lights” is also included on the LP and was previously featured on the lovely compilation “Circuit D’Actes 3” on the French La Forme Lente imprint earlier this year. The relentlessly apocalyptic “Cannibals” is yet another magnificent track worth mentioning here.

For fans of EBM/synth-heavy industrial crossover, lovers of Cabaret Voltaire, Chris and Cosey, modern synth-wave and the like, these tracks will not disappoint. I/S has no fetishism for the old nor obsessions for the new, and they draw their inspiration in synth pop and surrealism.

Presented on high-quality 180gram ultra-clear heavyweight vinyl. Features bonus LP insert with lyrics. Front cover design by Temple Vengeance. Limited edition.

Listen and order here.

Posted on December 14th, 2013 under Releases, ,