Genre/Influences: EBM, minimal-electronics.

Background/Info: This work has been introduced as Spanish EBM and features David Hinojosa aka Dave Inox (who you maybe know from his involvement in Extinction Front). Label owner Pedro Peñas Robles who got involved in numerous bands like Adán & Ilse and A★I joined hands on a few cuts under the HIV+ moniker.

Content: I didn’t know what to expect, but from the very first notes I heard pure vintage and minimal-like EBM, which simply became a trademark of Unknown Pleasures Records. The Spanish spoken vocals might remind you a bit of the legendary “Los Niños Del Parque”-hit from Liaisons Dangereuses while the sound might evoke good-old DAF souvenirs with an extra, contemporary touch on top.

Next to both title songs (with only “MissConceptual” feat. HIV+) you’ll discover 5 remixes by interesting names such as The Horrorist, Adriano Canzian, Delectro, Baroque and Iron Court.

+ + + : Both title tracks are simply brilliant and in my opinion the best part of contemporary EBM. It definitely sounds vintage-like and yet features this touch of modernism. It reminds me of some legendary 80s formation at one side and the contemporary minimalism at the other. I guess it’s not a coincidence if artists like The Horrorist and Adriano Canzian were asked for a remix. There’s something positive to say about each of the remixes, but my favorite one is “Danger Signal” remixed by Iron Court.

– – – : My main regret is that such an exceptional piece of music is only available on digital format. This is the kind of EBM deserving a CD print!

Conclusion: Dave Inox is a name to keep in mind and who definitely gets my full support. This artist has found the key to compose alluring EBM.

Best songs: “MissConceptual feat. HIV+”, “Danger Signal”, “Danger Signal – Remix by Iron Court”.

Rate: (8½).

Band: www.facebook.com/daveinox

Label: www.unknown–pleasures–records.com /  www.facebook.com/Unknown–Pleasures–Records-566180440115465

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-pop.

Background/Info: My first feeling was that this band was the logical new project of Pedro Peñas Robles after the end of Adan & Ilse. The band name clearly appears to be inspired from his previous band he was involved with Usher (Norma Loy).  A★I was set up in 2015 by Pedro (vocals) and Philippe Merry aka Phllox (producer). The band claims to be inspired by dark-pop artists and refers to Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, Laiback and even Lassigue Bendthaus.

Content: The sound is a bit different from the body-pop minimalism of Adan & Ilse although there clearly is a link in the global sound approach. There indeed is a link with some aforementioned bands –and especially Depeche Mode, but still with Kraftwerk and even Vangelis. This work mixes good-old standards with a unique sound production, which clearly experiments with new ideas.

“Le Chant Du Cygne Noir” sounds vintage-like, but still ambient-like. The production reveals phenomenal, deep resonating bass lines and haunting atmospheres. Cold sequences and sterile vocals reactivate the good-old 80s spirit while the surprising cover version of “Ashes To Ashes” featuring Dan Söderqvist on guitar (known from Twice A Man) has been remarkably transposed into the sonic universe of A★I. I know that Pedro Peñas Robles is a fan of David Bowie so in the end this cover version is not totally surprising, but the way the song has been reworked and adapted is really worthy of examination.

+ + + : You really have to listen a few time to this album to fully seize the judicious mix of influences which will remind you of Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk on one side and the personal sound input on the other. It’s an efficient balance resulting in an open-minded work, which clearly appears the start of a new adventure for Unknown Pleasures Records owner Pedro Peñas Robles.

– – – : This album clearly is not the most accessible electro-pop release. It even makes me think to a reaction against familiar electro-pop standards, which are constantly repeating themselves. So in the end I would say that the main strength of this work also is the main point and reason for classical electro-pop lovers to turn their back on this band.

Conclusion: A★I clearly sounds like a challenge when it comes to convince electro-pop lovers, but it more sounds like a nice addition and alternative to electro-pop for all of those who are bored with endless emulations of Depeche Mode and co.

Best songs: “We Are One Nation”, “Sin Of Sin”, “Goodbye Lady Red”, “A Secret”, “Dark Stars”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/havoc2027

Label: www.unknown–pleasures–records.com /  www.facebook.com/Unknown–Pleasures–Records-566180440115465

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com