Paradox Obscur – Audio Reverse (EP – Warriorecords)
Genre/Influences: Minimal-Electro, Electro/Wave-Pop.
Format: Digital, CDR.
Background/Info: Greek duo Kriistal Ann – Toxic Razor strike back with five new songs. “Audio reverse” also is their first work released by Parisian (France) label Warriorecords.
Content: Paradox Obscur strike back with their familiar Electro/Wave-Pop which remains pretty minimal and driven by Kriistal Ann’s cold timbre of voice. She sings in English but there’s one piece she also experiments with French language. One of the songs has been sung by Toxic Razor. The main evolution -which might be coincidental and/or the result of simple evolution, is the more explicit ‘danceable’ side of the work -which mainly comes through at both debut tracks. Both songs are driven by big kicks accentuating the danceable power of the songs.
+ + + : Paradox Obscur remains extremely prolific but it never affect the quality of the work. This new work even reveals some of their best cuts in history. “Hot Test” and “Desire” both are impressive, cold cuts with a strong dancefloor potential. The vintage sound treatments create the magic of the production while Kriistal Ann’s voice injects a touch of mystery. This band is never repeating itself but remains in constant progress while holding on the main ingredients of their success formula.
– – – : The song sung by Toxic Razor is the single one that couldn’t completely convince me. No reason to complain as the work features 5 new cuts.
Conclusion: Paradox Obscur remains a warrant for simple but intelligent Minimal-Electro.
Best songs: “Desire”, “Hot Test”, “Présage”.
Rate: 8.
Artist: www.facebook.com/paradoxobscur
Label: www.warriorecords.com / www.facebook.com/WARRIORECORDS
About Paradox Obscur
Paradox Obscur is the Greek duo of Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor, formed in Athens in early 2014. The project records in real time using vintage hardware synthesizers and drum machines, without sequencing or editing software, a method the duo has kept throughout its catalog. Its first two albums and an EP were released via the UK label Peripheral Minimal, including the 2016 album “Anacrusis”.
By 2021 Paradox Obscur had released four full-length albums and five EPs before signing to Metropolis Records, which issued the compilation “Singles & Rarities” on 12 March 2021. Metropolis also released the duo’s “Morphogenesis” album on 6 May 2022, a nine-song set on CD, vinyl, VHS, and digital formats. The duo’s sixth album, “IKONA”, followed via Metropolis in September 2025. “Audio Reverse” marks Paradox Obscur’s first release for the Paris-based label Warriorecords.
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