HIV+ – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com Industrial, electro, EBM, post-punk, darkwave news magazine Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:35:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.side-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-side-line-logo-png-32x32.png HIV+ – SIDE-LINE https://www.side-line.com 32 32 ‘Resurgence’, a massive 7CD post-punk boxset to be released in January 2025 – Pre-order now https://www.side-line.com/massive-7cd-post-punk-boxset-resurgence-to-be-released-in-december-pre-order-now/ Sun, 06 Oct 2024 15:25:46 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=52654 The Brussels-based Spleen+ label (a division of Alfa Matrix) has prepared a deluxe 7CD collector’s...]]>

The Brussels-based Spleen+ label (a division of Alfa Matrix) has prepared a deluxe 7CD collector’s edition – “Resurgence” – which brings together 133 active bands from across the globe, spanning the diverse sub-genres born from post-punk’s iconic roots. You can order it now from the Alfa Matrix webstore and in digital download format from Bandcamp.

The release comes housed in a luxurious vinyl-sized box, and comes accompanied by a 28-page book. The book holds interviews from renowned producers like John Fryer and Jean-Marc Lederman, label managers, journalists, and iconic artists (including Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, William Faith, No More, Skeletal Family, Mona Mur, KaS Product, And Also The Trees, Clan Of Xymox, Attrition, Das Ich, Merciful Nuns, The Names, The Breath Of Life, etc).

Spanning 23 different nationalities, the music included is a genre-spanning mix of post-punk, cold wave, dark synth, ethereal, and minimal EBM with such bands like Boy Harsher, A Cloud Of Ravens, No More, Skeletal Family, Collection D’Arnell Andrea, Underviewer, Attrition, Merciful Nuns, Lederman/De Meyer, Local Suicide & Sekelesys, Star Industry, Ataraxia, Czarina, Helalyn Flowers, Ascii.Disko, Je T’Aime, The Ultimate Dreamers, Lycia, Opera Multi Steel, The Breath Of Life, Auger, The Names, Whispers In The Shadow, Lovelorn Dolls, Astari Nite, Chiasm, Saigon Blue Rain, Omnimar, Still Patient, Creux Lies, Golden Apes, and many more.

You can already check out a few tracks here.

Apart from the 7CD vinyl size deluxe carton box format, “Resurgence” will not be available on mainstream digital platforms, except exclusively via the label’s Bandcamp page.

There is also a special combi pack including the 7CD set plus Darkness On Demand’s “Panic In Reserve” CD and To Avoid’s “All Gods Are Gone” 2CD.

“Resurgence” Tracklist

Cd 1

  1. Bestial Mouths . Hex (The Spell)
  2. A Cloud Of Ravens . Parable
  3. Boy Harsher . Give Me A Reason
  4. Czarina . Wonderland
  5. Collection D’arnell Andrea . Waiting For Meaulnes
  6. Krystal System . La Lame Dans Ta Main
  7. Je T’aime . Out Of Sight
  8. Aeon Rings . Fully Operational
  9. The Ultimate Dreamers . Polarized
  10. Partikul . Nothing Good In Me
  11. Cosmobrigade . Spacepit
  12. Aeon Sable . From Witchcraft To Deviltry
  13. Stereoskop . Deep Down
  14. The Breath Of Life . Slowly Crushing
  15. Faust Project . Rats Lullaby
  16. Al . Mistake
  17. N.E.L. & J.P . Desinteresse
  18. Zeitgeist Zero . Scream
  19. Voyna . Moulding Heart

Cd 2

  1. Blackbook . You Are Strange
  2. Auger . My Heart Is Glass
  3. Dekad . A Deadly Show (Video Edit)
  4. Love In Cage . A Logical Secret Collection
  5. Helalyn Flowers . Halos
  6. Soft Scent . No Wounds
  7. Sweet Ermengarde . Sweet Sacrifice
  8. Martin Dupont . Bent At The Window (2023)
  9. The Names . Far From The Factories
  10. Boxes Of Blow . Melting Faces
  11. Mirror Of Haze Feat. Primitive Heart . Reckless
  12. A Slice Of Life . Seven Days
  13. Then Comes Silence . Pretty Creatures
  14. Nite . Inside Of My Head
  15. Astari Nite . Bowie In Daydreams
  16. Korus . Złote Światło Pierwszego Zachodu
  17. Lovelorn Dolls . A Heart Cries
  18. Whispers In The Shadow . Revenants
  19. Merciful Nuns . Oneironauts

Cd 3

  1. Lederman – De Meyer . Heartbeat
  2. Local Suicide & Skelesys . Surface Of The Sun (Radio Edit)
  3. Punx Soundcheck Feat. Ascii.Disko & Princess Superstar . Gasoline
  4. No More . Sleepers And Trains
  5. Mitra Mitra . Memories For Company
  6. A Copy For Collapse Feat. Simona Pietrucci . Faded
  7. Alien Skin . Depress Me
  8. White Mansion . Cancel The Sky
  9. Apnoie . Splash Your Bile
  10. Celluloide . Compte Les Ombres
  11. Risk Risk . Streetwalk
  12. Total Chroma . Northern Lights
  13. Opera Multi Steel . À Nos Moments Perdus
  14. Lycia . Simpler Times
  15. Noemi Aurora . Blood As Lipstick
  16. Novus . Ess
  17. I Ya Toyah . Death’s Kiss
  18. Katcross . Rest
  19. Winter Severity Index . Speak To Me

Cd 4

  1. Systeme Paradoxe . Comme Le Sable En Hiver
  2. Aiboforcen . Break The Black Ice (Original Mix)
  3. Chiasm . Cut Right Through (Emileigh Rohn Edit)
  4. Saigon Blue Rain . Dolls Dresses
  5. Her Own World . Mistrust
  6. Still Patient Feat. Minu-Schirin Samimi . Blind Vision
  7. Creux Lies . Playtime
  8. Der Klinke . Curtains (Your Life On Hold Remix)
  9. On The Floor . Crying On The Dancefloor
  10. Numa Echos Feat. Red Zebra . Waisted Items
  11. Factheory . The Day (Ok Lion! Mix – Short Version)
  12. Antiflvx . Crystal
  13. Flor Concreta . She’s Closer
  14. Golden Apes . Ash Trees
  15. Glis . Blue Sky Night
  16. Ataraxia . The Source
  17. Hanging Freud . Grooming
  18. Ok Lion! . Get Away
  19. Yuzna . Queen Of The Eels

Cd 5

  1. The Breath Of Life Feat. Implant . The Last Record
  2. The Halo Trees . Happy Man
  3. Palm Ghosts . Tilt
  4. Your Life On Hold . Imprisoned (Merciless Radio Edit)
  5. Götterdämmerung . Common Existence
  6. Jenni Sex . Sin Chimes
  7. Denner . She Radiates Darkness
  8. Imjudas . I Love You
  9. Black Needle Noise . Dollhouse On Fire
  10. Dead Souls Rising . Dysmorphobia
  11. The Waning Moon . Annabel
  12. Korinthians . Leader Of The Night
  13. Elektrostaub Feat. Stefan Netschio . Mantis (Auger Remix)
  14. Omnimar . The Matrix
  15. Synapsyche Feat. Chris Harms (Lord Of The Lost) . The Last Dying Flame
  16. Dance My Darling . Criminal
  17. First Aid 4 Souls Feat. Emke Of Black Nail Cabaret . Das Messer
  18. Supernova 1006 . Tell Your Name (Mix)
  19. Suicidal Romance . Runaways

Cd 6

  1. Ascii.Disko . Loslassen
  2. Vioflesh . Emotions
  3. Dina Summer . Who Am I (Club Version)
  4. Pleasure Victim . Rascheln
  5. Pink Opake . Pronta
  6. Thewalkingicon . The Trail (Radio Edit)
  7. Psy’aviah Feat. Sorrow Stories . Healing
  8. Seasurfer . Collapsing
  9. Lakeside X . Fire In The Sky (Radio Version)
  10. Darkness On Demand . Hang On (Winterhart Remix)
  11. Star Industry . Selling Icons (The Dreamside Remix)
  12. Alphavox . Dark Satellite
  13. Yama Uba . Shapes
  14. Lifeless Past . Anxiety
  15. Pink Turns Blue . Not Gonna Take It
  16. Social Union . Waiting For Red
  17. Sine . Until (Clan Of Xymox Remix)
  18. Sorry, Heels . She Burns (We Burn) Version
  19. Lights A.M . Clouds

Cd 7

  1. Useless/You . Echo
  2. Attrition . The Great Derailer
  3. Children Of Zeal . Taking Over
  4. Octolab . Friend Or Foe
  5. Vague Phonique . The Last Man
  6. Midnight Poetry . Black Hole
  7. The Overlookers . Undercover (Edit)
  8. La Machine . Vamos A La Playa (Radiomix)
  9. Die Sexual . House Of God
  10. Carrellee . Morning Sun
  11. Underviewer . Was Soll Ich Tun (Aiboforcen Remix)
  12. Night In Athens . Words Unspoken
  13. Neila Invo . Alienation
  14. Skeletal Family . My Own Redemption
  15. The Murder Mystery . A Girl Named Red
  16. Princess Ugly . For A Moment I Forgot The Desolation
  17. Instant Lake . Ivory Dreams
  18. Vision Video . Balaclava Kiss
  19. La Scaltra . Dancing On Debris
]]> Sine presents ‘Trauma Bondage’ video ahead of new album https://www.side-line.com/sine-presents-trauma-bondage-video-ahead-of-new-album/ Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:55:23 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=52524 (Photo by Bobby Talamine) Sine, the brainchild of New York-born drummer/multi-instrumentalist Rona Rougeheart, is back...]]>

(Photo by Bobby Talamine) Sine, the brainchild of New York-born drummer/multi-instrumentalist Rona Rougeheart, is back with an all new video, “Trauma Bondage”. Musically Sine mixes beats with industrial noise, Sub-bass and synthesisers.

Having issued records via the Austin indie media company eMERGENCY heARTS, Rougeheart recently signed to Metropolis Records and has released a brand new single entitled “Trauma Bondage” today. The track is taken from an album to be issued in early 2025. The self-written song was co-produced with US hip-hop producer AwareNess with musical contributions from Curse Mackey and mastering by Jürgen Engler of Die Krupps.

About Sine

2019 saw Rougeheart open for Bauhaus in Orlando, Florida, which led to the ongoing band project Shiva Saves SITE formed by their bassist David J that also features industrial darkwave artist Curse Mackey, plus a revolving cast that includes Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner.

Examples of other artists she has collaborated with are Adrian Sherwood, Meat Beat Manifesto, Clan of Xymox, Chris Connelly, (Pigface, Revolting Cocks), Mark Pistel (Consolidated), Andee Blacksugar (KMFDM, Blondie), Xiu Xiu and the late Mark Stewart (The Pop Group).

As Sine, Rougeheart recently opened for Nitzer Ebb and Clan Of Xymox and will support the latter on an American tour right after her debut appearance at the 2024 edition of the Cold Waves festival in Chicago on 29th September.

]]> Novocibirsk launches brand new video from ‘The Vasarely Project’ https://www.side-line.com/novocibirsk-launches-brand-new-video-from-the-vasarely-project/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:17:51 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=50873 After “Télévision 1945 I” and “Télévision 1945 II”, the French label productionB presents another set...]]>

After “Télévision 1945 I” and “Télévision 1945 II”, the French label productionB presents another set of long-lost analogue treasures from Novocibirsk: “The Vasarely Project”.

Novocibirsk as a project is the product of experiments conducted by Hervé Isar between 1982 and 1993 in his home studio, connecting a network of synthesizers and analog sequencers to test their communications or synchronize their messages and speed multiplication, testing multi-oscillators pads out of mono generators, trying octave distribution, voltage additions and substractions.

Out now is a brand new video for the title track.

This new release holds 10 new analogue experiments also recorded in the late 80s / early 90s, culled from the Novocibirsk’s cassettes archives. The material was carefully restored and remastered for this new release. For this material Hervé Isar experimented with a very unique composition process: He transposed the painter’s color codes into electrical tensions programmed on three interconnected analogue sequencers with no preconceived idea of the outcome. It was subsequently played in front of a live audience in the Vasarely Foundation in Aix-en-Provence in september 1993 and recorded on audio tape, now available on CD, Limited 12″ LP and digital.

]]> Bill Leeb from Front Line Assembly and Delerium fame to release debut solo album on Metropolis Records https://www.side-line.com/bill-leeb-from-front-line-assembly-and-delerium-fame-to-release-debut-solo-album-on-metropolis-records/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:13:20 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=50270 (Photo by Bobby Talamine) Metropolis Records announces the signing of industrial-electronic Vancouver-based music legend Bill...]]>

(Photo by Bobby Talamine) Metropolis Records announces the signing of industrial-electronic Vancouver-based music legend Bill Leeb for his debut solo effort “Model Kollapse”, out September 13.

“The album explores the intricacies of artificial intelligence and the survival of humanity itself,” says Bill Leeb.

The first single “Terror Forms” features Shannon Hemmett of Actors and Leathers and will be out on July 9. This album also involves Front Line Assembly / Delerium cohort Rhys Fulber, mixing engineer Greg Reely, Actors’ frontman Jason Corbett, and LA artist Mimi Page.

“We are proud to announce that Metropolis Records has signed Bill Leeb for his first solo project. Bill Leeb has had a prolific career as a founding member of Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly and Delerium. His music has been highly influential, and we are excited to see what this new chapter in his career will bring for him and his listeners,” says Nina Heckman of Metropolis Records. “I’m honored to fulfill my father’s (Dave Heckman who died in the summer of 2022) lifelong vision and to be doing this project with a lifelong family friend I can honestly call family (Bill Leeb). This project is near and dear to all of our hearts here at Metropolis and I know it would make my father proud.”

“Model Kollapse” marks Leeb’s very first solo venture since the mid-80s days of Front Line Assembly, when he used to make recordings in his bedroom and released them on limited edition cassette format. Almost four decades on, his new album was recorded and produced in Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles with assistance from Vancouver/Toronto-based production duo Dream Bullet.

The “Terror Forms” single will be unleashed digitally everywhere on July 9. The full “Model Kollapse” album will be released on vinyl and CD, as well as digitally, on September 13.

About Bill Leeb

Bill Leeb, born Wilhelm Anton Leeb on September 21, 1966, in Vienna, Austria, is best known as the founder and lead member of the industrial music group Front Line Assembly (FLA). Leeb moved to Canada in the 1980s, where he began his music career.

Before forming Front Line Assembly in 1986, Leeb was a member of the influential industrial group Skinny Puppy, where he performed under the pseudonym Wilhelm Schroeder. His departure from Skinny Puppy marked the beginning of his prolific career with Front Line Assembly.

In addition to Front Line Assembly, Leeb has been involved in several other music projects, including Delerium, which achieved commercial success with its fusion of ambient and pop music elements. Leeb’s other projects include Noise Unit, Intermix, and Conjure One, each exploring different facets of electronic music.

Bill Leeb discography

Bill Leeb has had a diverse range of musical projects, each with its own unique style and sound. Here’s an easy-to-read breakdown of the differences between his major projects:

Front Line Assembly (FLA) is characterized by a dark and aggressive style, blending industrial, Electronic Body Music (EBM), and electro-industrial sounds. The music features heavy use of synthesizers and electronic beats, often exploring dystopian and sci-fi themes.

Delerium, on the other hand, focuses on ambient, ethereal, and electronic music with a new age twist. Its sound is soothing and atmospheric, emphasizing melodies and textures. Delerium often incorporates world music elements and features various guest vocalists, achieving mainstream success with tracks like “Silence” featuring Sarah McLachlan.

Noise Unit showcases a mix of industrial, EBM, and techno influences. Over time, the project’s sound has varied, combining harsh industrial elements with more danceable EBM and techno beats. Collaborations with artists like Marc Verhaeghen of Klinik add to its diverse range of styles.

Intermix leans more towards techno, ambient, and electronic music. This project focuses on instrumental tracks, blending electronic and ambient music with techno rhythms. It is generally less aggressive than Front Line Assembly.

Conjure One presents a melodic and ethereal sound, incorporating ambient, electronic, world music, and pop influences. It features prominent guest vocalists and offers polished production with a radio-friendly appeal, blending electronic beats with organic instruments.

Cyberaktif, a collaboration with cEvin Key of Skinny Puppy, delivers a dark and experimental sound. Combining the signature styles of Front Line Assembly and Skinny Puppy, Cyberaktif features heavy use of samples and aggressive beats, resulting in a dense, experimental industrial sound.

Equinox focuses on ambient and atmospheric soundscapes, similar to early Delerium works but more abstract and experimental. It emphasizes creating immersive sound environments with a minimalistic approach.

Pro>Tech is a dance-oriented project with techno and trance influences. It features high-energy beats and repetitive, hypnotic structures, offering a clear departure from the darker styles of Leeb’s other projects, aiming for a more mainstream dance music appeal.

Below are the releases.

Front Line Assembly

  • The Initial Command (1987)
  • State of Mind (1988)
  • Gashed Senses & Crossfire (1989)
  • Caustic Grip (1990)
  • Tactical Neural Implant (1992)
  • Millennium (1994)
  • Hard Wired (1995)
  • FLAvour of the Weak (1997)
  • Implode (1999)
  • Epitaph (2001)
  • Civilization (2004)
  • Artificial Soldier (2006)
  • Improvised. Electronic. Device. (2010)
  • Echogenetic (2013)
  • Wake Up the Coma (2019)
  • Mechanical Soul (2021)

Delerium

  • Faces, Forms & Illusions (1989)
  • Morpheus (1989)
  • Syrophenikan (1990)
  • Spiritual Archives (1991)
  • Stone Tower (1991)
  • Spheres (1994)
  • Spheres 2 (1994)
  • Semantic Spaces (1994)
  • Karma (1997)
  • Poem (2000)
  • Chimera (2003)
  • Nuages du Monde (2006)
  • Music Box Opera (2012)
  • Mythologie (2016)

Noise Unit

  • Grinding into Emptiness (1989)
  • Response Frequency (1990)
  • Strategy of Violence (1992)
  • Decoder (1995)
  • Drill (1996)
  • Voyeur (1998)
  • Dead Sector (1999)
  • Deviator (2021)

Intermix

  • Intermix (1992)
  • Phaze Two (1993)
  • Future Primitives (1995)

Conjure One

  • Conjure One (2002)
  • Extraordinary Ways (2005)
  • Exilarch (2010)
  • Holoscenic (2015)
  • Innovation Zero (2023)

Cyberaktif

  • Tenebrae Vision (1991)
  • Temper (EP) (1990)

Equinox

  • Holon (1998)

Pro>Tech

  • Orbiting Cathedrals (1997)
]]> HIV+ & Friends – Spanish Electronic Body Music (Album – Zoharum) https://www.side-line.com/hiv-friends-spanish-electronic-body-music-album-zoharum/ Wed, 20 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=48747 Genre/Influences: Minimal-Electro, EBM. Format: Digital, 2CD. Background/Info: French-Spanish Pedro Peñas Robles is a renowned artist...]]>

Genre/Influences: Minimal-Electro, EBM.

Format: Digital, 2CD.

Background/Info: French-Spanish Pedro Peñas Robles is a renowned artist who has been involved with different sonic projects but he’s also a DJ, performer, author and label owner (Unknown Pleasures Records). This work is getting us back to his most ‘famous’ music project HIV+ featuring a fine selection of twenty nine songs he released all over the years with other artists.

Content: Robles collaborated with very famous artists like The hacker, Millimetric, Chris Shape, Blind Delon, Adriano Canzian, Maman Küsters ao. The album is featuring original songs, cover versions (from Liaisons Dangereuses, DAF and The Normal) and remixes (by bands like Absolute Body Control, Radical G, Equitant, Marc Hurtado, Cruise [CTRL] ao) but also songs from one of his side-projects Adan+Ilse. The work brings us back to Minimal-Electro/EBM on which Pedro added his vocals.

+ + + : I first of all salute the artwork of the CD-edit but next there’s the content. I think it totally stands for the EBM-style the artist has often revealed by different releases on his own label. Solid bass lines, danceable beats, and a few, harsh, Industrial elements, bringing 80s EBM alive. On top of it all there’s the powerful and sexy voice of Robles. The list of ‘friends’ he has worked with is impressive and often resulted in a great symbiosis between music and vocals.

– – – : I’m less convinced by the different cover versions (cf. “Warm Leatherette”, “Los Niños Del Parque” and “Der Mussolini”). It’s always tricky covering legendary songs which I think are more suited to live performances instead of an album.

Conclusion: This is a great opportunity to re-discover HIV+ (which seems to be no longer active) and his collaboration with great, Electronic, artists.

Best songs: The Hacker & HIV+ “Novö Diskö – Remix by Alek Drive”, Dave Inox & HIV+ “Miss Conceptual – Remix By Raul Parra”, Oliver & HIV+ “Neither Wise Nor”, Radikal Kuss & HIV+ “Ça Suffit!”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/havoc2027

Label: www.zoharum.com / www.facebook.com/zoharum

]]> Angel Attack – Divine Practicalities (Album – House Of Reptile Records) https://www.side-line.com/angel-attack-divine-practicalities-album-house-of-reptile-records/ Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=41185 Genre/Influences: Industrial, Industrial-Techno, Dark-Electro. Format: Digital, Vinyl. Background/Info: Based in Boston (USA) and London (UK)...]]>

Genre/Influences: Industrial, Industrial-Techno, Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, Vinyl.

Background/Info: Based in Boston (USA) and London (UK) “Divine Practicalities” is the official debut album by this solo-project which is released on his own label.

Content: The work is mixing different elements together. The sound can be simply defined as Industrial-Techno although it’s much more than this; featuring broken rhythms, dark sound atmospheres and icy sequences reminding me of the magic of Mortal Constraint. This album also has a very minimal touch. Two songs have been accomplished by guests IV Horsemen and HIV+ while remixes have been done by Univac (a project of Rafael M. Espinosa aka Geistform) and Blind Delon.

+ + + : I discovered a great album coming from an artist with a very own style and approach. The sound isn’t totally new but as I said it moves further than simply Industrial-Techno. This artist brings influences together creating his own dark and danceable approach. The diversity is probably also due to the  guests and I salute the collaboration with HIV+ (for the noticeable, icy, sequences and Spanish samplings) while the remix of “Tightening Tension feat. IV Horsemen” by Univac stands for true sound intelligence. There’s also a great remix of the same track by Blind Delon.

– – – : The complexity of the production makes it maybe accessible for a very limited number of music freaks… but Angel Attack doesn’t sound like being concerned with quantity instead of quality…

Conclusion: This is a brilliant debut album appealing for all lovers of intelligent Electronic underground music.

Best songs: “Tightening Tension – Univac Remix”, “Oblivion War feat. HIV+”, “Forgotten”, “Tightening Tension feat. IV Horsemen”, “Tightening Tension – Blind Delon Remix”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/angelattackangel

Label: www.houseofreptilerecords.com / www.facebook.com/HouseofReptileRecords

]]> Genesis P-Orridge & Dave Ball OST ‘Imagining October’ to be released on vinyl https://www.side-line.com/genesis-p-orridge-dave-ball-ost-imagining-october-to-be-released-on-vinyl/ Sun, 06 Feb 2022 13:31:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=35236 Out on May 6th via Cold Spring is the Genesis P-Orridge & Dave Ball OST...]]>
Genesis P-Orridge & Dave Ball OST 'Imagining October' to be released on vinyl

Out on May 6th via Cold Spring is the Genesis P-Orridge & Dave Ball OST release “Imagining October”.

The official soundtrack to Derek Jarman’s 1984 short film “Imagining October”, with music recorded by Derek’s friend and collaborator Genesis P-Orridge (Psychic TV, Throbbing Gristle), and Dave Ball (Soft Cell, The Grid) will be released on limited edition 12″ vinyl. The material was recorded at the DJM recording studios in Theobalds Road, London.

The vinyl features an etched B-side and includes liner notes by James Mackay (Jarman’s producer, collaborator and archivist).

The track-listing is as follows:

  1. Imagining October I
  2. Imagining October II
  3. Imagining October III
  4. Imagining October IV

Derek Jarman put together a program of films for the London Film Festival, reflecting the cutting edge of the London avant-garde of the time. Recorded at the same time as “The Angelic Conversation”, “Imagining October” was filmed in the Eisenstein Museum in Moscow, Vladimir Mayakovsky’s grave at Novodevichy Cemetery, the GUM department store facing red square, and the fire temples of Baku in Azerbaijan. The painting sequences with a group of soldiers (Angus Cook, Stephen Thrower, Peter Doig and Keir Wahid) was filmed in London. Jarman considered it one of the best, if not the best, of his shorter works. It was intended as an agit-prop work.

About Derek Jarman

Michael Derek Elworthy Jarman (31 January 1942 – 19 February 1994) was an English film director, stage designer, author and gay rights activist. He was outspoken about his personal struggle with AIDS. On 22 December 1986, Jarman was diagnosed as HIV positive and discussed his condition in public. His illness prompted him to move to Prospect Cottage, Dungeness in Kent, near the nuclear power station. In 1994, he died of an AIDS-related illness in London, aged just 52.

Although he made a long list of feature films and short films, you will know him best for the the following videos he also directed:

  • The Sex Pistols – “The Sex Pistols Number One” (1976)
  • Throbbing Gristle – “TG Psychic Rally in Heaven” (1981)
  • Marc Almond – “Tenderness Is a Weakness” (1984)
  • Bryan Ferry – “Windswept” (1985)
  • The Smiths – “The Queen Is Dead”, a short film incorporating the Smiths songs “The Queen Is Dead”, “Panic” and “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” (1986). The “Panic” sequence from The Queen Is Dead was edited to form the video for that single (1986).
  • The Smiths – “Ask” (1986)
  • Pet Shop Boys – “It’s a Sin” (1987)
  • Pet Shop Boys – “Rent” (1987)
  • Pet Shop Boys – several concert projections (released as “Projections” in 1993)
  • Pet Shop Boys – “Violence” (1995)
  • Suede: “The Next Life” (1993)
]]> HIV+ – Theatre Of Cruelty (Album – Unknown Pleasures Records) https://www.side-line.com/hiv-theatre-of-cruelty-album-unknown-pleasures-records/ Mon, 23 Aug 2021 18:30:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=32270 Genre/Influences: Industrial, Industrial-Ambient, Experimental. Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl, Cassette. Background/Info: Pedro Peñas y Robles became...]]>

Genre/Influences: Industrial, Industrial-Ambient, Experimental.

Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl, Cassette.

Background/Info: Pedro Peñas y Robles became a renowned artist throughout the years. We of course know him from multiple music projects, but also as label owner, DJ, performer and author. HIV+ is a music project he set up more than twenty years ago now. During the past few years he mainly released works in collaboration with other artists. This new opus is a conceptual album meant as a tribute to the famous French poet, novelist and actor Antonin Artaud –who belonged to the famous French surrealist movement.

Content: The album features multiple guests and contributions from artists like Marc Hurtado (Etant Donnés), Barkosina Hanusova (Years Of Denial), Phil Von (Von Magnet), Marc Caro, Alice Botté and Emmanuel Hubaut. I’ve always connected HIV+ with Industrial music and this influence is clearly coming through although transposed into a more Minimal and Ambient approach. I get the sensation listening to an Industrial soundtrack featuring dark and even horror-like passages. Most of the vocals are spoken-like and reveal  a true ghost-like effect.

+ + + : First we have to salute the great concept behind this work; an ode to genius Antonin Artaud by HIV+ and a fine list of contributors. Next there’s the sound approach revealing a somewhat Experimental, but fascinating exploration of Industrial sound treatments transposed into an imaginary soundtrack devoted to the work of Artaud. I like the minimalism of the Electro-Industrial sounds mixed with French samplings and mainly ghost-like vocals. “Extase” featuring Phil Von is pure drama, which is a quite recognizable approach in the theatrical universe of Von Magnet. Two tracks are featuring Marc Hurtado and especially the opening piece (cf. “Amour”) is a brilliant and tenebrous-sounding song. Two other cuts are featuring Marc Caro and I especially recommend listening to “Injection”, which sounds a bit heavier. “Limbes” is the other track with Marc Caro, which is another attention grabber for its global progression.

– – – : Some passages are a little bit too Experimental to my taste, this way missing an apotheosis.

Conclusion: A great concept adapted in a fascinating Industrial Soundtrack approach.

Best songs: “Extase”, “Amour”, “Injection”, “Limbes”, “Amour Sans Trêves”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/havoc2027

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

]]> ‘Click Interview’ with Chris Shape: ‘Living In Lockdown Is Essentially My Way Of Life’ https://www.side-line.com/click-interview-with-chris-shape-living-in-lockdown-is-essentially-my-way-of-life/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=30237 Cristian Camporesi is an Italian musician/producer/live performer/sound designer who has been involved with an endless...]]>

Cristian Camporesi is an Italian musician/producer/live performer/sound designer who has been involved with an endless list of projects. His latest solo-project CHRIS SHAPE is driven by old-school EBM, Minimal-Electro and Techno vibes. He last year released the debut album “Shaped To Deform” on Unknown Pleasures Records, which sounds a true masterpiece. Thirteen songs driven by power and danceable vibes featuring guest singers  HIV+, ALBERTO FRIGNANI, IV HORSEMEN, DAVE INOX, BLACK ASTEROID, RAFFAELLE VENTURELLI, VELVET KILLS and BLIND DELON. It for sure is one of the best EBM productions from 2020.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: You’ve been involved with an impressive number of projects/bands dealing with very different music styles. What do you consider as your main accomplishments and how did you finally come to set up CHRIS SHAPE?

Chris: This is simple: I’m an old man with a long career: this is why I was involved in lots of projects. My roots are in the 80’s New-Wave, Electronic and Punk music. I started my career in some local New-Wave bands in late 80’s, but in the early 90’s I was hit by Techno music and started to work with the historic Cocorico Club resident DJ in lots of projects from Techno to Psy-Trance to Hardcore to Eurodance. I was involved in lots of projects ‘cause my goal was to raise money, lots of money’.

In the early 2000’s I was very disappointed by the Techno scene and my accomplishment. When I met DJ Franz I realized that my New-Wave origins could mix with Techno giving life to a project without any pretension. A new project made for the pleasure of writing music and not to earn money: FRANZ & SHAPE became one of my greatest success. We started a tour that lasted 10 years and that took us to play all over the world. After the split in 2011 it took me years to start again; I had to understand who I was and what I wanted to convey with my music. In 2017 I decided to start again on my own, continuing what I had done with FRANZ & SHAPE, but also emphasizing leaving messages to try to sensitize people on introspective ‘difficult’ issues and denounce a capitalism that has made us unaware slaves. The first message was ‘Eat the bankers’!

Q: What does this project brings you in comparison with all others you’ve been involved with? Did you’d a specific idea and sound in mind how CHRIS SHAPE had to sound?

Chris: Now I’m naked! I’m myself, without shame, no masks. I understood that art ends where the money goes and I do simply what I feel. Nothing is left to chance, from music production and the use of sounds from vintage analog gear to the production of contents, images, videos everything must follow a logical thread. It took me a long time to find my way, but now I see it well!

Q: You last year released the debut album “Shaped to Deform”, which is featuring an impressive number of guests/friends. Tell us a bit more about how this work took shape and how did the collaborations with the other artists happened? What have been their input?

Chris: During the years in which I was looking for my own way I produced a lot of music, but I left all these songs unreleased because I had to find a wire that could connect all or at least a lot of them. Once I ‘had enlightenment’ it was easy to adapt everything to fit into an album. I have always enjoyed working with singers despite having produced Techno music without vocals for years. I had lots of demos written on purpose to be sung so I started sending them to several friends put together with a long work on social media and it was easy to target the right demo to the right singer. Usually my collaborators send me a vocal part which I then readapted on the song. Except for the song “Mind” where BLIND DELON besides singing have also brought a notable sound contribution.

I have to thank very much Pedro Penas Robles who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to print my album on Unknown Pleasures Records helping me in all aspects of production and endure all my mistakes!

Q: Like you’ve said, the songs are clearly driven by 80s elements like EBM, but still by some Minimal-Electro approach and Techno influences. What does it say about your personal sources of inspiration, the love for analogue equipment and the connection with the 80s vs. the cover version of DEATH IN JUNE’s “Heaven Street”?

Chris: DEATH IN JUNE together with THE SISTERS OF MERCY, THE CURE, BAUHAUS, CHRISTIAN DEATH, DEPECHE MODE and many more… were one of my favorite bands during my New-Wave period. Then during the Techno years I put all these records of mine in a closet. Only recently I discovered that all these records have continued to play in my head and have always influenced my productions. There is no escape from the rule: black is forever! I often found in my productions parts of ideas that I unconsciously ‘stole’ from DEATH IN JUNE or those 80s New-Wave records. When Pedro from Unknown Pleasures Records asked to do a cover for a DEATH IN JUNE-tribute I was very happy because I was finally able to pay homage to one of the groups that influenced me the most. In 2 days I had the instrumental version ready, everything magically built itself.

About my love for vintage analog gear there isn’t much to say: I’ve worked years with digital synths, but when I went back turning on my old synths I discovered the warmth they give off that I wasn’t ready to perceive before. What I love is what drove so many musicians to digital: imperfection. For about 10 years I have forced myself not to use the computer anymore and I have begun to travel to the studios of friends who have mythical synths that I can’t afford or incredible self-built modular systems. I have recorded hours of sessions, a lot of my past and future music comes from these sessions.

Q: Can you give us an idea about your way of working? Do you follow a precise pattern and do you need to be in a specific mood to compose music? And when do you know a song/album is finished?

Chris: The first rule is: there are no rules. The second is: there are never rules. The third rule is: error is human, perfection is for robots. ‘Mr. Mistake’ and I have finally become good friends and have a great time in our studio.

HAHAH Inspiration is not something linear, it is a large sine wave with a variable wavelength. I write music only when it reaches its highest peaks, I have also spent dark years in which I did not see it return, then I realized that if you call it sooner or later it arrives. I have developed a quite effective recall system and now I can get it to arrive with a few days’ notice: I am a sponge and absorb everything I like until the moment when I am full and everything is downloaded in one or more songs.

Knowing when a song is over is like looking at a painting, seeing that every brushstroke and every nuance are put at the right place and the whole vibrates something inside you. It is something absolutely individual, but when someone who has listened to one of my songs writes to me telling me that he has felt the vibration, I have reached my goal and that pays for every effort of mine, much more than money.

Q: In which way have you been affected as artist and simple citizen by the ongoing pandemic? How did you try to keep yourself busy during the lockdown and what are your further artistic plans?

Chris: I have been living with my daughter and my wife in the countryside for almost 20 years, surrounded by nature between river and hills, I have no neighbors, I have no television, I have not been ill for decades, I cut wood in the woods for heating, I cultivate my vegetable garden. The only information that reaches me is what I decide to come from books or the internet. Living in lockdown is essentially my way of life. Only on weekends I go out to work in clubs. Thanks to all of this I can see this pandemic situation for what it is: a huge propaganda work to promote the globalist agenda. The virus exists, but it is only an excuse, it is not strong enough to justify what they are imposing on us. Democracy is dead; we are in full dictatorship, big pharma is more powerful than any state and can afford to corrupt everyone. I am very sad to see so many people plagiarized by propaganda, but also very pissed off: they have destroyed the art world and left millions of people unemployed. I had to look for a new job out of the club world and now I have a lot less time to devote to my music than before. We will never go back; we are in a new Middle Ages: social networks have replaced our constitutions and allow themselves to censor what they do not like. In any case, history teaches: truth always finds a way to come out and whoever seeks it will find it. I can’t live without music so I’m always working for new stuff, new album, new collaborations, new remix 😉

]]> Chris Shape – Shaped To Deform (Album – Unknown Pleasures Records) https://www.side-line.com/chris-shape-shaped-to-deform-album-unknown-pleasures-records/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:30:00 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=29205 Genre/Influences: EBM, Minimal-Electro, Techno-Body. Format: Digital, CD. Background/Info: Chris Shape is an Italian solo-project driven...]]>

Genre/Influences: EBM, Minimal-Electro, Techno-Body.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Chris Shape is an Italian solo-project driven by Cristian Camporesi. This artist has already been active for numerous years and has been involved with different projects till he decided a few years ago now to release his work under Chris Shape moniker. In 2019 he released a phenomenal EP “Faked Truths” together with Dave Inox. “Shaped To Deform” is the artist’s debut album featuring thirteen songs.

Content: Chris Shape stands for pure Minimal-Electro music inspired by the power of 80s EBM and with a Techno touch on top. This guy composes his music with the magic of analogue machines. The solid bass lines and multiple effects are carried by danceable kicks while manipulated, fragmented vocals are emerging at the top. Nine songs from the tracklist have been achieved with the help of guests. HIV+, Alberto Frignani, IV Horsemen, Dave Inox, Black Asteroid, Raffaelle Venturelli, Velvet Kills and Blind Delon (2 songs) contributed to this work.

+ + + : It’s simply amazing to see how music inspired by retro influences and vintage equipment can create a futuristic sound. Chris Shape brings us back to the essence of good-old EBM; power and energy! But there’s this passion and love to compose intelligent music; a sound that has been composed with knowledge and not in a hurry. Songs driven by heavy, dry bass lines (sometimes reminding me of Front 242) and accomplished with great sound effects. I also like some passages creating a transcendental sensation, “Holy Ron”being an absolute masterpiece! The different featurings are simply outstanding.

– – – : There’s not one single song from this work to throw away!

Conclusion: “Shaped To Deform” sounds as a phenomenal production and definitely one of the best EBM productions from the past year! Respect!

Best songs: “Holy Ron”, “Near To Silence”, “Diss Out feat. Dave Inox”, “Mind feat. Blind Delon”, “Eat The Bankers feat. Black Asteroid”.

Rate: (9).

Artist: www.facebook.com/chrisshapeofficial

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

]]> French label Unknown Pleasures Records (HIV+, Adan & Ilse, Melanoboy, Alek Drive, …) calls it quits after 7 years https://www.side-line.com/french-label-unknown-pleasures-records-hiv-adan-ilse-melanoboy-alek-drive-calls-it-quits-after-7-years/ Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:53:53 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=25610 The French label Unknown Pleasures Records, run by Pedro Peñas y Roble aka HIV+, stops...]]>
French label Unknown Pleasures Records (HIV+, Adan & Ilse, Melanoboy, Alek Drive, ...) calls it quits after 7 years

The French label Unknown Pleasures Records, run by Pedro Peñas y Roble aka HIV+, stops its activities this summer. They are currently emptying their last stocks before closing for good. The label which started in 2013 was based in the south of France was dedicated to the production of material from the post-punk, minimal wave and EBM scene. Their final release is a Tribute to Death In June.

In the past the label has released albums of bands like Norma Loy, David Carretta, Blind Delon, Adan & Ilse, Hausfrau, Black Egg, European Ghost, Ono Scream, Antipole, Kill Shelter, Vogue Noir, Ohota, Wendy Bevan, Alek Drive, Art Kinder Industrie, Baroque, Maman Küsters, Japan Suicide, Follow Me Not, Der Himmel über Berlin, Dave Inox, Mr Nô, None, Velvet Kills, Selfishadows, Container 47, The Shyness Of Strangers, Secret Sight, La Main, Fluxus, Grand((Ø))Signal, Neon Electronics, Hardlab, Judith Juillerat, Monolog and Love In Prague.

The label has also worked and collaborated with several musicians such as Alan Vega, Gabi Delgado, Dirk Da Davo, Eric Van Wonterghem, Jurgen Engler, Richard 23, Patrick Codenys, Marc Hurtado, Arturo Lanz, The Hacker, Dirk Ivens, The Horrorist, Haujobb, Position Parallèle, John Lord Fonda, Dominique Nicolas, Marc Collin, Michaël Theis, Radical G, Növö, Millimetric, In Death It Ends, In Aeternam Vale, Sonic Area, Adriano Canzian, Alice Botte, Versari and many more.

]]> Chemical Waves – Even When We Fall Apart (Album – Unknown Pleasures Records) https://www.side-line.com/chemical-waves-even-when-we-fall-apart-album-unknown-pleasures-records/ Fri, 15 May 2020 18:30:06 +0000 https://www.side-line.com/?p=24902 Genre/Influences: Cold-wave, dark-wave, gothic.  Format: Digital, CD. Background/Info: Chemical Waves is a project driven by...]]>

Genre/Influences: Cold-wave, dark-wave, gothic. 

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Chemical Waves is a project driven by Marco Cattani (Halo Effect, The Mark). This project has already been active for numerous years now and has self-released a lot of stuff in between 2012 and 2015. Chemical Waves is now back on track unleashing its official debut album on the French label Unknown Pleasures Records.  

Content: Marco Cattani invited several guest singers to accomplish his work. Bedless Bones, Closed Mouth, HIV+, Virgin Tears, L’Avenir, Antiflvx, Egoprisme and RjVj have been featured. It resulted in a rather diverse album, which is mainly driven by the good-old dark/cold-wave demons from the 80s. The different singers each inject a very personal touch to the work moving from sensual passages to pure cavernous vocals. The guitar playing brings the 80s spirit to life. Some songs remind me of The Virgin Prunes, but globally speaking you get a nice pastiche from the cold/dark-wave era.

+ + + : The diversity of the tracklist makes it interesting. I was mainly convinced by the perfect symbiosis between Marco Cattani and Kadri Sammel from Bedless Bones. I like this girl’s work and especially her somewhat sterile, sensual timbre of voice creates a great match with the music. Another noticeable cut is the one featuring Jason Sloan (L’Avenir), which has something mysterious, and is even a bit ritual-like. On top of the composition I especially like the cool guitar playing injecting a truly retro-spirit into the work.

– – – : One of the very few cuts that couldn’t totally convince me is the one featuring Egoprisme. I’m not convinced by the possible match between the singer and the song, which also sounds a bit more electro-driven.

Conclusion: “Even When We Fall Apart” is an interesting album; the concept of working with different vocalists is nothing new although not always successful. I think it however works for this album!

Best songs: “Denied”, “Hymn”, “The Sphinx”, “Void And Light”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/chemicalwaves

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

]]> ‘Click Interview’ with Ah-Cama Sotz: ‘Believing In Yourself Is A Must’ https://www.side-line.com/click-interview-with-ah-cama-sotz-believing-in-yourself-is-a-must/ Wed, 13 Feb 2019 18:00:02 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=18192 Belgian Herman Klapholz is mainly known and recognized for his involvement with Ah Cama-Sotz. He...]]>

Belgian Herman Klapholz is mainly known and recognized for his involvement with Ah Cama-Sotz. He released an impressive number of productions and the less we can say is that Ah Cama-Sotz is constantly innovating and experimenting with new ideas. From dark-ambient and pure soundscapes to explicit industrial music to dub to techno, nothing seems impossible to Herman Klapholz. His newest opus “I Believe – “Allerheiligenvloed – Het Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe” (released on Hands) is the perfect exposure of this eclecticism. The first album is mixing industrial-, tribal- and techno music while the second one reveals an ambient/soundscape creation. Both albums are worthy of examination and simply confirming the endless creativity of this visionary artist.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: What can you tell us about the writing of your new album “I Believe”, its influences –which feel a bit like Ah Cama-Sotz mixed with Gatto Nero, and what are you believing in?

Herman: “I Believe” and “Allerheiligenvloed”  has been written in nearly 2 years, a time where my life was not easy. There were weeks I was busy with lots of thinking and thoughts, and it was quite difficult to produce new Ah Cama-Sotz music and themes. There must be a constant flow when composing, but I had gaps when it came to thinking in a rational way. In 2 years I had lots of material, but when working 25 years onto the same project, (now in February 26 years) you become harder for yourself. Believing in yourself is a must. Most of the material was good enough for this project “I Believe”, BUT I wanted to transpose my Ah Cama-Sotz 2018 project to a higher level. In the end I had so much good material that it all came together: one CD with dark-ambient soundscape moods and one CD nearly full of danceable beats. My label HANDS agreed with this project, as it should be a 25 years Ah Cama-Sotz celebration. The beat tracks on “I BELIEVE” have some ritual-tribal feeling, be it not so hard as you can find  these on GATTO NERO, my techno project.

Q: You already mentioned the new album has been also featured as a double album featuring the extra disc/album “Allerheiligenvloed – Het Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe”, revealing a meaningful and conceptual work about history. Tell us a bit more about the concept and the way you try to transpose it into sounds and songs?

Herman: “Allerheiligenvloed” was an idea I had since longer time, but I needed the time to think about it. This project fitted perfectly in a DCD project. I was looking on the web for more music around “Allerheiligenvloed”, but couldn’t find any. Strange as a lot of people are walking in this region of The Netherlands, near Belgium.

With the history about the “All Saints’ Flood” I imagined a soundtrack coming to life. Just imagine the movie.

Q: “Allerheiligenvloed – Het Verdronken Land Van Saeftinghe” features multiple classical music passages –and I especially refer to the transcendental acapella choirs. It’s an essential element from the work while I think it also reveals some sensibility for classical- and liturgical music, right? Tell us a bit more about this aspect and do you see possible links between classical music and contemporary underground formats such as industrial, ambient etc?

Herman: Well I’ve always been interested in Gothic and Middle-Age acapella choirs and chanting.  It has some darkness all around. It fits so well with dark-ambient music and soundscapes. It’s just a question of feeling. I agree than classical contemporary audience don’t understand the mix and the moods. We’re still talking about the underground as we know, why bother? Lol. It’s our underground ….

Q: I noticed you last year self-released the album “In Underground We Trust. Ah Cama-Sotz Compilation. Volume 01”, which is a selection of ‘old’ songs you have remastered. Remastering is a pure technical procedure, but definitely one of the most important aspects from a release. What importance does it have for you and what do you try to improve/change in the remastered versions?

Herman: Yes, BandCamp is the way to go, so it seems, a good promotional musical platform. It doesn’t cost a penny and the idea is uploading tracks, newer and older ones. It’s a pity that less people are buying full length cd’s as today’s society is changing so quickly. Youth of today doesn’t bother about buying physical music and  starting a collection! From all different point of views, I’m taking my own perspective.

It’s quite interesting talking about the technical side of master/remastering as an artist wants the best for its music; how the get the biggest and best possible sound, but at the other hand not all people are listening to their music on hi-fidelity !

Q: Back to “I Believe” and the clip from “Lords Of Evil”. The images of the clip are clearly reinforcing the title of the song, but what does it say about your vision about the world –and its political/social situation of today? And do you think music and arts generally speaking has the power to change things?

Herman: We are living in a complex world, needless to say that since many centuries and millennia it has always been the same situation with humans and civilizations. A fact is that the world is crowded, even more than before. They are still wars and sicknesses… Well today f.i. HIV is under control, and diseases like the black plague have been nearly eradicated.  In a certain way we have a problem. When coping with billions of people on this planet we will have to build our houses in a vertical way. I’ve seen that in Hong Kong, N.Y… Quite interesting, people live quite small, but this will be the impact for all of us.

Q: Industrial artists are more and more mixing ‘techno’-related influences in their music, which I think is great, but I’m often missing the truly industrial spirit from the 80s where artists were crafting their own gear/instruments with all kinds of metal objects etc… It makes me say that industrial music probably is one of the underground genres that has evolved the most radical way! What do you think?

Herman: All music has mostly been influenced by diverse underground artists/genres and looking for external accents and moods, experimenting with sounds, scapes, and beats. Techno as evolved since mid-80s, and techno has taken over lots of influences. It’s not strange that nowadays techno has strong industrial accents (f.i. Drumcode label, etc….); society is much more brutal, and lots of underground DJ’s like our stuff, our mixes, our way of producing, etc …. . It’s a pity that today you encounter less vibes like Detroit-techno and acid as we knew it in the 90s. It’s quite simple to play always the same vibe during 1 or 2 hours. Well that is my opinion. Come and see me on stage, it’s better than putting this into words; lol.

Thank you for the interview.

]]> Dave Inox – The Computer And The Brain (CD Album – Unknown Pleasures Records) https://www.side-line.com/dave-inox-the-computer-and-the-brain-cd-album-unknown-pleasures-records/ Fri, 28 Sep 2018 19:30:01 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=16411 Genre/Influences: Minimal-electronics, EBM. Background/Info: Operating from Barcelona, David Hinojosa aka Dave Inox, has launched his...]]>

Genre/Influences: Minimal-electronics, EBM.

Background/Info: Operating from Barcelona, David Hinojosa aka Dave Inox, has launched his debut full length album. After the promising EP “Danger Signal/MissConceptual” I was eagerly awaiting this first opus.

Content: The main sources of inspiration running through this work bring us back to the magic of early EBM with a more contemporary, dark and minimal touch on top. The songs are carried by solid and dry bass lines. This is the basis of each song, which has been next accomplished with different elements such as cold bleeps, loops and even acid passages.

The album gets back to the previously released EP featuring vocals by HIV+ on one of the cuts. But other artists such as Dirk Da Davo (The Neon Judgement, Neon Electronics) and Vogue Noir are each singing on one song.

+ + + : Dave Inox belongs to this new generation of EBM-wizards, transposing the original body-sound into something minimal and refreshing. I however like the vintage sound treatments running through this work while the bass lines are simply sensational. The familiar “MissConceptual” feat. HIV+ remains the absolute attention grabber. The half spoken half sung Spanish vocals by Pedro Peñas y Robles inject something extra to the song. There also is a great remix of this song by Raul Parra b(another promising Spanish producer). Another essential song is “Quiet Room”.

– – – : I expected a bit more power on a few songs, but globally speaking this is an interesting discovery. I also expected a bit more out of the songs with Dirk Da Davo and Vogue Noir.

Conclusion: Dave Inox is not reinventing EBM, but definitely appears to be a talented artist in the newest generation of minimal-electronics.

Best songs: “MissConceptual feat. HIV+”, “MissConceptual feat. HIV+ – Raul Parra Remix”, “Quiet Room”, “Retro Machine”, “Danger Signal”, “No Vision”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/daveinox

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

 

]]> Adriano Canzian – Seeking Bad Boys (Digital EP – Icon Series Records) https://www.side-line.com/adriano-canzian-seeking-bad-boys-digital-ep-icon-series-records/ Sun, 25 Feb 2018 20:30:53 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=14231 Genre/Influences: Techno, techno-body, industrial-techno. Background/Info: Italian producer Adriano Canzian doesn’t need introduction. He became an...]]>

Genre/Influences: Techno, techno-body, industrial-techno.

Background/Info: Italian producer Adriano Canzian doesn’t need introduction. He became an established and recognized artist in the fields of techno- and body music. “Seeking Bad Boys” is an interesting title for this EP as it features 3 tracks featuring a different guest artist on each cut. Adriano Canzian joined hands with HIV+, Ethan Fawkes and Hard Ton. Notice by the way that the label this EP (still available as limited CD format) has been released by is owned by the guys from Punx Soundcheck.

Content: This is an interesting collaboration featuring the minimal techno-industrial & EBM driven sound of Adriano Canzian joined by the dark and spooky vocals of the guest artists. Deep bass lines mixed with industrial techno arrangements and a danceable kick are the essence of this work.

+ + + : Adriano Canzian remains an expert in minimal electronics based on techno and EBM. The artist took care to accomplish his work with great sound treatments, which is the result of truly research process. It also remains a danceable work while the contribution of the guest artists (singers) is efficient. The Spanish lyrics sung –or half spoken, by Pedro Peñas Robles are pretty cool, and all the tracks are worthy of examination.

– – – : My only regret is that there’ are only 3 tracks featured on this EP. It’s a great and efficient collaboration so it would be interesting getting more from this.

Conclusion: Adriano Canzian probably belongs to the most talented artists dealing with a mix of minimal-EBM and techno music. This EP will make you move!

Best songs: “Bass In your Face feat. Hard Ton”, “Mas Y Mas feat. HIV+”, “Last Night feat. Ethan Fawkes”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.facebook.com/adrianocanzianofficial

Label: www.facebook.com/iconseriesrecords

]]> Dave Inox feat. HIV+ – Danger Signal/MissConceptual (Digital EP – Unknown Pleasures Records) https://www.side-line.com/dave-inox-feat-hiv-danger-signalmissconceptual-digital-ep-unknown-pleasures-records/ Fri, 07 Apr 2017 18:30:17 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=10608 Genre/Influences: EBM, minimal-electronics. Background/Info: This work has been introduced as Spanish EBM and features David...]]>

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

]]> Today is World AIDS Day: let’s remember René Klijn’s splendid version of Yazoo’s Mr. Blue https://www.side-line.com/today-is-world-aids-day-lets-remember-rene-klijns-splendid-version-of-yazoos-mr-blue/ Thu, 01 Dec 2016 19:00:36 +0000 http://www.side-line.com/?p=8957 Today is World AIDS Day, it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in...]]>

Today is World AIDS Day: let's remember René Klijn's splendid version of Yazoo's Mr. Blue

Today is World AIDS Day, it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.

Today is the perfect day to remember a special live version of Yazoo’s “Mr. Blue” by René Klijn. Klijn was a member of the boyband Bam-to-Bam-Bam. He died September 5, 1993 in Amsterdam from AIDS-related complications. In 1992 he performed the Yazoo cover “Mr Blue” on Dutch Television, clearly suffering from the ravage AIDS had caused. This was his first performance at dutch television, after this show Rene entered the charts with this song. But within 1 year after this show he died because of aids.

Here’s René Klijn (1962-1993) in the TV-show ‘de Schreeuw van de Leeuw’ on 28 november 1992.

https://youtu.be/fuWGzpkyurY

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