Spatial Relation – Toughtcrime (Album – Minimalkombinat)

Genre/Influences: Electro-Wave, Minimal-Electro.
Format: Digital, Vinyl.
Background/Info: Jacob- and Lissette Schoenly previously released a few productions on Peripheral Minimal. But their debut EP “Toughtcrime” got released by Infravox Records (2014). This re-issue features the five original songs plus two extra tracks.
Content: “Toughtcrime” stands for pure Minimal-Electro/Wave. It sounds retro-like in its global sound approach and vocals production. Lissette Schoenly sings without true emotions accentuating the cold Electro sound.
+ + + : This work is an absolute must have for lovers of Minimal-Electro/Wave. The analogue-like sound treatments have this icy, magic touch which totally matches with the vocals’ production. One of the extra songs (cf. “Black Device”) is a damned great bonus.
– – – : A cool production without a true hit.
Conclusion: This re-issue is a perfect opportunity to get back to Spatial Relation.
Best songs: “Escape Your Backmen”, “Black Devise”, “Dissociative Females”.
Rate: 7.
Artist: www.facebook.com/spatialrelation
Label: www.facebook.com/groups/2208128859484635
About Spatial Relation
Spatial Relation is the American electronic duo of Jacob and Lissette Schoenly. Bandcamp tags the project as minimal synth, new wave, experimental, synthpunk and electro.
The “Thoughtcrime” EP first appeared on 30 November 2014 through Infravox Records with five tracks: “Dangerous Modulations”, “Stoic Plays”, “Dissociative Females”, “Escape Your Backmen” and “Necessary Components”. Minimalkombinat issued the extended edition on 21 March 2022, adding “Functional Fenestration” and “Black Device”. The seven-track version runs about 24 minutes.
Alden Tyrell handled mastering on the extended edition, with track 4 mastered by Audible Oddities. The review above spells the title “Toughtcrime”; the release itself is titled “Thoughtcrime”.
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