Genre/Influences: Electro-wave, new-wave, EBM.

Background/Info: Manic Depression Records seems to have something with artists from the Northern part of France. Next to Dead Astropilots they also signed Egorpisme, which is a solo-project driven by Jean-Marc Le Droff. Egoprisme previously released 2 EP’s while we now get the debut album “Among Noise”.

Content: From the very first seconds you can hear the electro-wave/new-wave inspiration of this musician. The songs have been composed with alluring electronic parts, but also with typically 80s guitar playing. The songs have been sung in French and English. A few guest artists contributed to this work, sometimes resulting in noticeable cuts.

I also noticed a few harder electro-driven cuts, which can be now into EBM and then revealing a more modern approach in writing.

+ + + : This album is made for lovers of vintage electronics and 80s new-wave music. The dry snare drums, synth lines and guitar bring us back to the past, awakening in the midst of the glorious new-wave decade. Egoprisme has perfectly recreated this typical atmosphere, but is still revealing a touch of modernism (cf. “Fast Fashion”). I’ve been also impressed by some of the electronic treatments featuring a devastating EBM bass line running through “Among Noise” or the strings on “Call Of Duty”. Another noticeable song is “La Plage” for the male – female duo vocals.

– – – : I can’t really speak about a regret, but all songs remain pretty short (less than 4 minutes). You don’t hear me to complain as it was quite usual for the 80s.

Conclusion: Egoprisme is not innovating, but simply getting us back to the thrilling period of the 80s. This work is perfumed with a delicious flavor of nostalgia and accentuated by wonderful songs.

Best songs: “Among Noise”, “I Am The Sun”, “La Plage”, “Twisting”, “Etandard”, “Le Vertige”, “Fast Fashion”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/egoprisme

Label: www.manicdepressionrecords.com / www.facebook.com/manicdepressionrecords

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: Electro-wave, dark-pop.

Background/Info: We here welcome a duo from the Northern part of France unleashing their debut album. Manic Depression Records clearly seems to be the appropriate label for this band inspired by elements of electro-wave, cold-wave, post-punk and related genres.

Content: “New Control” is a production inspired by the magic of the 80s music. Guitar and electronics create a perfect harmony of darkness joined by the somewhat cold and sterile female vocals of Rachel Biggs. Simon DAK is singing as well, but mainly playing the guitar awakens good-old cold-wave demons, which might remind you of bands such as The Cure, New Order, Poésie Noire ao.

+ + + : Dead Astropilots sounds pure vintage-like although with a little and more contemporary flavor on top of the songs. Even if it sounds old-school like the songs are also refreshing, reminding us the magic of the 80s. There’s this impressive duality between coldness and a kind of sterile sensuality resulting in a depressed, but enjoyable dark-pop music. The guitar parts are great and definitely one of the most essential aspects of the production. The album features 10 songs, but especially the last cuts from the B-side are absolutely brilliant.

– – – : I don’t see real minus points at this work!

Conclusion: “New Control” is a phenomenal debut for Dead Astropilots. It’s a styled and nostalgic piece of music, which I highly recommend for all lovers of 80s new-wave/cold-wave and related genres.

Best songs: “Go Home”, “Wild Fever”, “Gimme Some”, “Libertine Patrol”, “Soulbeats (Live)”,“Giallo”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.deadastropilots.com / www.facebook.com/Dead–Astropilots-118106761577325

Label: www.manicdepressionrecords.com / www.facebook.com/manicdepressionrecords

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