(Photo by Xenturion Prime) Out on April 12 is the all new album by the Swedish/Norwegian synthwave/futurepop duo Xenturion Prime (formally the members of Code 64) aka Bjørn Marius Borg and Hasse Mattsson (Hans-Olof Mattsson). The CD version of this album will be limited to just 300 copies.

This limited edition remix album is based upon the “Prisma” album (2022) and all the tracks has been reworked totally by acts such as Valhall, Lights A.M, Vanguard, Midnight Resistance, Karin My and Technomancer just to name a few. Back in 2022 our reviewer said this about the “Prisma” album: “The band still has something apart from the rest which makes their originality and strength. The global production has been improved from album to album but especially the uplifting  effect from the choruses is a noticeable evolution.”

Check out “Embers” in a Midnight Resistance remix.

Tracks:

• Embers (Midnight Resistance Rmx)
• Last Dance (Technomancer Rmx)
• Renegade (Xenturion Prime Radio Edit)
• Moving on (Tianzi Rmx)
• Premonition (Bariuz Rmx)
• Memory Lanes (Mars TV Redux)
• Shades of Light (Valhall Rmx)
• Distant Voices (Karin My Rmx)
• Renegade (Vanguard Rmx)
• Starburst (Lights A.M Version)
• Pathfinder (Cosmoplex Rmx)

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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(Photo by Mothmeister) In a message posted on their Facebook yesterday evening at 7 PM, the Belgian cult EBM act Front 242 have announced that they will hold their last concerts ever.

Here’s the statement which is being announced as a ‘Black Out’: “Today, we reach out to you, our fans, with a heavy yet hopeful heart to share the news of our final concerts. Now, we are preparing to bring down the curtain on our live performances as FRONT 242, we find ourselves navigating a sea of emotions.

For nearly four decades, we’ve journeyed together, creating unforgettable moments and sharing the profound joy of music. You’ve been more than an audience; you’ve been a part of our extended family, witnessing our evolution and sharing in our highs and lows.

The decision to step back from performing live has not been easy, but we believe it’s important to end this chapter on a high note, preserving the essence of Front 242 that you’ve grown to love. We want to leave you with memories of our band at its peak, full of energy and passion.

So, we are extending our invitation to you: join us for one last adventure. Let’s make these final shows a celebration of the incredible journey we’ve shared. We promise to deliver performances that capture the heart and soul of Front 242, a fitting farewell to a story we’ve written together.”

The band has announced a string of concerts, which will serve as the band’s live farewell.

EU24

• 04 Aug LOKEREN – Lokerse Feesten – B
• 10 Aug HILDESHEIM – M’Era Luna – DE

US24

• 06 Sept TAMPA – Jannus Landing – US
• 07 Sept PHILADELPHIA – Union Transfer – US
• 08 Sept CLEVELAND – Agora Theater – US
• 13 Sept LOS ANGELES – Mayan Theater – US
• 14 Sept PORTLAND – Roseland Ballroom – US
• 15 Sept SAN FRANCISCO – Great American Music Hall – US

EU24

• 12 Oct HAMBURG – Markthalle – DE
• 17 Oct UTRECHT – Tivoli Ronda – NL
• 18 Oct BERLIN – Huxley’s Neue Welt – DE
• 19 Oct OBERHAUSEN – Turbinnenhalle – DE
• 25 Oct MÜNCHEN – Backstage Werk – DE
• 26 Oct LANGEN – Neue Stadthalle – DE

US24

• 08 Nov HOUSTON – Rise Rooftop – US
• 09 Nov DALLAS – Granada Theater – US
• 10 Nov DENVER – Reelworks – US
• 15 Nov CHICAGO – Metro – US
• 16 Nov CHICAGO – Metro – US

EU24

• 29 Nov GOTHENBURG – Film Studios – SE (FutureRetro)
• 30 Nov STOCKHOLM – Berns – SE (FutureRetro)
• 06 Dec LILLE – Black Lab – FR
• 07 Dec PARIS – Le Trianon – FR
• 08 Dec LONDON – UK
• 13 Dec BARCELONA – Sala Apolo – SP
• 14 Dec MADRID – Sala La Paqui – SP
• 25 Dec CHEMNITZ – Dark Storm Festival – DE

EU25

• 10 Jan COPENHAGEN – Pumpehuset – DK
• 24 Jan BRUSSELS – Ancienne Belgique – B
• 25 Jan BRUSSELS – Ancienne Belgique – B

About Front 242

Front 242, a vanguard Belgian electronic music group, emerged in the 1980s, pioneering a genre they dubbed “electronic body music” (EBM). Their innovative approach not only defined a new sound but also left a lasting impact on electronic and industrial music genres worldwide.

Founded in 1981 in Aarschot, near Leuven, Belgium, by Daniel Bressanutti and Dirk Bergen, Front 242 set out to explore music and graphic design with emerging electronic tools. Bressanutti’s prior engagement with Prothese laid a foundational stone for what was to become a monumental journey in electronic music. The duo named the project Front 242, embedding a vision of organized popular uprising within their name, which resonates universally across languages.

Their debut single, “Principles”, released in 1981, marked the inception of their distinctive sound. The addition of Patrick Codenys and Jean-Luc De Meyer in 1982, from the group Underviewer, enriched the band’s sonic and creative depth. This formation solidified Front 242’s lineup and set the stage for their groundbreaking work.

Front 242’s first album, “Geography”, released in 1982, showcased their unique blend of sound, which was further developed in their subsequent releases. Their pioneering sound was characterized by the innovative use of synthesizers, samplers, and sequencers, creating a powerful, danceable, and at times, confrontational sound that became synonymous with EBM.

The release of “No Comment” in 1984 was a critical moment, with the album’s liner notes introducing the term electronic body music for the first time. This period also saw the band’s expansion into international markets, signing with American label Wax Trax! and embarking on tours that included supporting Ministry, marking their rising global influence.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Front 242 continued to innovate and evolve. Albums like “Tyranny (For You)” reached new heights, charting in the United States. The band’s willingness to reinvent themselves was evident in their shift towards a more techno-oriented sound with the “Re:Boot” tour, acknowledging influences like The Prodigy.

Side projects and collaborations flourished during this time, with members engaging in diverse musical endeavors that included forming bands like Revolting Cocks, C-Tec, and Cobalt 60.

The band’s last studio album was “Pulse”, released in 2003 and re-released by Alfa Matrix in an extended version. Also check the various extended reissues and Front 242 live releases.

Front 242 studio albums

• Geography (1982)
• No Comment (1984)
• Official Version (1987)
• Front by Front (1988)
• Tyranny (For You) (1991)
• 06:21:03:11 Up Evil (1993)
• 05:22:09:12 Off (1993)
• Pulse (2003)

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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The legendary Belgian label Antler returns. Pioneering in the 80s and 90s and an absolute vanguard in the world of post-punk, cold- and new wave, EBM, electro… a series of albums and compilations from the extensive Antler archives are now being re-released. Following the earlier released remastered version of the double album of the Limburg Cold Wavers Siglo XX, a first compilation of tracks from the early period of the label: “Antler Records – Early Years Vol. 1” is now following.

Roland Beelen: “For almost half a century, Antler has been my life, my love, and my soul. I founded Antler Records more than 40 years ago. In the early days, I was not only chasing my own dreams, but those of many new and groundbreaking bands in Belgium in an exciting new world of music and an emerging music scene. After the collaboration with Maurice Engelen, there was no turning back. Our label has broken barriers in many different genres with our joint forces, from dark electro, EBM, pop, dance and techno, singer-songwriter to even reggae. It’s now 2023 and I’m proud to put parts of this legacy back in the spotlight with a series of releases and reissues. After more than 40 years, Antler will come back to life and bring joy to all fans who have cherished the label over the years.”

The history of Antler

Neue Sachlichkeit and their single “Ice/Painless Rage” was the last release on Roland Beelen’s Kleo Label and came out in 1981. It also became the first release on the Antler label founded after a meeting in café De Knoet in Aarschot with Maurice Engelen. Kleo Records became Antler Records and both gentlemen entered into a collaboration that would last until 2005. Beelen had a serious accident and withdrew from the music biz in 2005, Engelen continued with Praga Khan and Lords of Acid.

In 1995, Antler (by then transformed into Antler-Subway Records) entered into a collaboration with EMI Records. The legendary Belgian alternative-new wave catalog was supplemented with a series of striking and still current and unforgettable Belpop hits in 2023. From 1995 onwards, even more Belgian and international hits were scored and millions of records and CDs were sold, including Black Uhuru, 2 Fabiola, Kate Ryan, Milk Inc, Lasgo, Ian van Dahl, but also Praga Khan, Lords of Acid and in Belgium Leopold 3)

With the disappearance of EMI Records and EMI Music, the label was swept under the rug, archives were lost and Antler eventually ended up at Warner Music via Universal after wanderings.

Starman Records acquired the right from Warner Music in 2022 to use the name Antler and Antler-Subway again to breathe new life into the more than 40-year-old label. Two compilations (vinyl only) with the rarest and long-lost tracks from the early Antler period were compiled by Lieven De Ridder (Walhalla Records) with the greatest care and remastered by Pieter De Wagter. The first of these: “Antler Records – Early Years Vol. 1” will be released on January 5, 2024.

The logo has now a very sustainable green colour.

Siglo XX returns as well, more or less

Also to be re-released on Antler will be the Siglo XX “Double album” which is the last album of the Limburg coldwave band that appeared on the Antler label. The release is the result of the last artistic collaboration between Roland Beelen and Siglo XX in the mid-1980s. The record is considered a masterpiece and numerous renowned artists from the then Belgo-Manchester Scene collaborated on it.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Jonas Olofsson and Patrik Hansson (still involved with Uncreated) last year released the fifth official Vanguard-album. “Spectrum” released by Infacted Recordings became a new accomplished, successful work in the band’s history. Vanguard is much more than simply Electro-Pop but a band band with an own, powerful, sound. “Spectrum” is the perfect illustration of the constant progression in writing and production. This work became one of the best Electro-Pop releases of 2022. I asked a few questions about it to Patrik. 

(Picture credits by Peter Engman / Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: The new album “Spectrum” has been released exactly ten years after your debut full length “Sanctuary”. How do you perceive the evolution of Vanguard from the very first album till “Spectrum”?

Patrik: Since the day we started to work together we have always wanted to evolve and find new ways in our music. We have found our own sound and it has been a challenge not to be too comfortable and just walk the same path. Rob Dust has also influenced us and put his sound into our music the last three albums.

Q: I already experienced your previous album “Manifest” as your most mature work to date but “Spectrum” even moves a step further; what an accomplishment! Is it just a growing experience or also the will to experience with new techniques and put more efforts in sound production? Do you think by the way the last album is always the best one and how do you look back at it a few months after the release?

Patrik: I guess it is us getting better writing and producing music as we gain more experience. Then we always fine tune every part of the production together with Rob. Sometimes it feels like we are not moving forward during the process, but in the end all those small steps matters. When it comes to me, I did not have the feeling that “Spectrum” was the best album so far when we released it. It had to do with some personal issues I have been battling. But ever since the release it has been growing and now I can be proud and say that I really like what we accomplished!

Q: What have been the main sources of inspiration when writing “Spectrum” and what do you try to express by its “lyrical content?

Patrik: Our inspiration has always been life and feelings and how it affects us all in different ways. It is a challenge to put it into words and music in new ways but with new experiences and events in life it seems to come out different each time.

Q: Tell us a bit more about the writing of this album? What have been the main stages and difficulties you’d to go through to accomplish this opus?

Patrik: When we started to pick out songs that would actually be on the album we focused all on those tracks. Most of the time the songs are not ready at all at that stage. The difficult part of the songwriting/production starts and turning good and cool ideas into a complete track is one of the big challenges. On an album you want them to be connected to each other in one way or another, which is also something that makes it a bit hard. We have had tracks that are done, but then we feel like it is not suitable for the album and we cut it out.

Q: When listening to Vanguard I often think to Mesh. What I like with both bands is a very own approach and sound DNA which sounds like an antithesis to all Electro-Pop bands driven by Depeche Mode. What makes this sound DNA and how do you perceive the Electro-Pop scene?

Patrik: I have heard before that we have some ‘common things’ with Mesh and I don´t mind that but I leave that up to the listener to decide. Me and Jonas have different backgrounds when it comes to music, although our taste in music cross ways and we have both listened to bands like Depeche Mode, Erasure etc in the 80s and 90s. Since me and Jonas met I have been listening more and more to the ‘harder’ part of the Electronic genre. It shows in the way we have evolved in writing music. Though we are still making melodic Electronic music the foundation of the tracks are a bit darker and harder. I always try to find new acts that inspire me to make new music. That is a good way of not getting stuck in old habits making the same four beats over and over again.

Q: How does it feel to play back live again and how do you transpose “Spectrum” to the stage? What are the further plans for 2023?

Patrik: We have had the privilege and opportunity to play live at good stages and with good bands. We have Markus Schmidt at Epicentre Booking to thank for that. We are really greatful to be able to play live in front of people, let it be they already know about us and our music or just found out about us coming to the gig. We are looking forward to continue the tour with Solitary Experiments and Mental Exile during this spring. “Spectrum” was well received during the autumn leg of the tour and we hope that people that join us for the spring leg will like it too.

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

It took four years to Solitary Experiments  to release a new studio album. The German formation lead by core members Dennis Schober (vocals) and Michael Thielemann (music) strike back with their most surprising album to date. “Transcendent” released by Out Of Line is featuring songs with famous guest singers like Dirk Ivens, Alice Elena Fossi, Patrik Hansson ao. It’s once again a totally achieved production mixing elements of Future-Pop and Dark-Electro. I asked a few questions to Dennis.

(Picture credits by Chris Ruiz / Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Since your previous studio album “Future Tense” (2018) the world has been affected by Covid-19 which had a serious impact on most artistic activities. How did you experience this drama as citizen and artist?

Dennis: A very specific question. As a citizen, of course, I experienced everything just like everyone else. The only difference is that my day job in retail was not affected, i.e. I worked through the entire pandemic. Logically, I’m vaccinated and yes, I’ve also contracted Covid. As an artist, it was worse because so many events and concerts were canceled and that was really bad. You only realize how important it is when something is missing.

Q: Your new album “Transcendent” must have been written during the pandemic. I noticed you see this album as different from your previous works so how comes and what makes the difference -except the fact you worked with a few guest singers?

Dennis: Sounds strange, but exactly this collaboration was different from all the work before, because it was new for all of us. Of course, “Transcendent” doesn’t sound like “Future Tense” either, but that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the pandemic period. We only had a lot more time to make music because all other dates were cancelled. It’s actually the first time that we’ve gotten so much material together.

Q: How did you get the idea working with guest singers? Did you handle specific criteria to work with them and how did these songs took shape?

Dennis: Since we created so much new and different material, I came up with the idea of simply giving someone else to sing the things that I don’t like vocally. Of course, I deliberately chose my partners based on which voice would go with which song. And of course I reached very high when choosing the artists. It wasn’t easy to get everyone enthusiastic about the project at first, and it took some time to get everyone’s approval and results. In the end, however, there was no rejection and I am very proud of what we have created together.

Q: The song “The Great Unknown” featuring Elena Alice Fossi sounds to me as one of your most surprising songs ever and yet I think it also is one of the best tracks from the album; kind of mix between Delerium and Push. Tell us a bit more about this song, its influences and the way it has been produced?

Dennis: I can’t say much about the production, because I always get the finished songs from Michael without a say, so to speak. But I like it when the songs are not always produced in the Future-Pop sector. He sometimes gives me a real surprise, like with “The Great Unknown”. I love it when the song is dark and has a light Trance note. I had a vocal line in mind from the start and I knew straight away that this number had to be sung by and with Elena Fossi. I wrote the lyrics and presented both to the band Kirlian Camera, which I’ve adored for years. The rest took care of itself…

Q: Next to “Transcendent” you also released a digital album called “La Voix De La Femme” featuring only female artists singing on ‘older’ songs. How did you get the idea of this album and how did the ‘selection’ of the singers happened? Don’t you think there’re not enough female artists active in this scene dominated by men? How comes?

Dennis: One thing led to another and the idea of guest vocals grew in me more and more. Instead of remixing, I imagined what it might sound like if someone else sang our songs. To top it off, I came up with the idea of only asking for female voices to achieve an even greater contrast. This has nothing to do with the current situation within the scene. I even think there are many female voices, you just have to deal with that. I knew some of the ladies personally, others had already sung something for friends of mine and some I discovered through research or we had already played somewhere together. Anyway, everyone made an impression on me. I provided a number of possible songs to choose from and each chose the appropriate one. Later on I came up with the title that fits perfectly with the said bonus EP. Did I already mention that the whole project is also international?

Q: You were touring in November together with Vanguard and Mental Exile. How do you look back at the tour and how did you see Solitary Experiments as live act evolving throughout the years? 

Dennis: Of course, that’s something you’d rather have to ask the viewers. First of all I would like to say that we are extremely satisfied with the shows so far. On the one hand, the audience is visibly grateful that concerts can finally take place as club shows again and the people are really in the mood. On the other hand, I would like to say a big thank you to our special guests. It fits together so well musically and personally that we will continue this year in exactly the same constellation. We grow with our tasks and a two-man band has now become a five-piece live formation with additional drums and a lot of light and show effects. Convince yourself of it!

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

(By Stéphane Froidcoeur for Inferno Sound Diaries/Side-Line Reviews) 2022 has been once again a sad, bloody and terrible year. Living in a mad world music once more remains a true therapy to appease pain and frustration. Concerts and festivals came back; the perfect place to meet friends again. Artists remain prolific releasing great studio work. So I’m once more closing the year by a personal selection of my very own ‘best of’-albums of the year.

Over 700 productions have been selected while 540  reviews have been made all over the year. Some productions have been refused because the style of music didn’t fit, while other reviews will be postponed to 2023. I’m really grateful to all labels, bands and promoters considering my work and efforts and I hope you’ll go on providing me new promos next year.

I one again have to express my deepest gratitude to Rich Bova (NEIKKA RPM) who for years and years now is reading, correcting and improving my reviews. Without Rich there would be no reviews. I also want to thank Bernard Van Isacker – chief redactor Side-Line Music Magazine – for the successful collaboration. 

Up now to 2023. I already reduced my activities this year and will move on reducing it in 2023. I made my first reviews and interviews back in 1991 (!). Some of the readers and artists weren’t even born when I wrote my first review for Side-Line. So after more than 30 years non-stop activities I think it’s not that strange to move on slowly.

I also want to express a big ‘F*** you’ to so-called ‘artists’ and label owners who don’t realise and appreciate the work I’m doing by making reviews and preparing interviews to get them in the spotlights. The attitude and less of respect shown by those people – luckily a very few number – is just unacceptable… but I’m afraid it reflects the world we’re living in… Behind a genius artist is not always hiding a great person… It’s quite strange to realise the ’biggest’- and long-time established artists from this scene often are the most accessible ones.

Writing reviews remains very ‘subjective’ and always a source of discussion, but keep in mind it will be always the perception of the reviewer. I can assure you I’m always trying to argue my reviews the best as possible. A review will be never objective, but has to be honest!

Like every year I’ve made a selection from the best albums of the year. This ‘TOP 25’ covers different styles like EBM, Dark-Electro, IDM, Synth-Pop, Ethereal, Dark-Ambient, Industrial, Cinematographic, Gothic, Post-Punk, Cold/Dark-Wave, Dark-Techno and a few related genres. It remains an exciting but tough exercise.

This ‘TOP 25’ is taken from the promotional material I got while compilations, ‘best of’-productions, EP’s and singles were not considered.

So, here’s my ‘TOP 25’ from 2022 and don’t forget to share it with your friends….

Top 25 albums 2022

1. IVARDENSPHERE: “Ragemaker” – Metropolis Records
2. DIE ROBO SAPIENS : “Robo Sapien Race” – Alfa Matrix
3. EBE04 : “Inrush – Give/Take
4. CALDON GLOVER: “Labyrintia” – Cyclic Law
5. ROME: “Hegemonikon” – Trisol
6. NEIKKA RPM: “Scorpio In The Hourglass – Alfa Matrix
7. VANGUARD: “Spectrum” – Infacted Recordings
8. SUICIDE COMMANDO: “Goddestructor” – Out Of Line
9. ELM: “Penetrator” – Alfa Matrix
10. OBERER TOTPUNKT: “Totentanz” – Danse Macabre Records
11. THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE: “Fascination” – Metropolis Records
12. BLACKBOOK: “Confessions Of The Innocent” – DarkTunes Music Group
13. BEYOND THE GHOST: “Sundown” – Cryo Chamber
14. THEN COMES SILENCE: “Hunger” – Metropolis Records
15. PRINCIPE VALLIENTE: “Barricades” – Metropolis Records
16. DAWN OF ASHES: “Scars Of The Broken” – Artoffact Records
17. MONSTERGOD: “Ozymandias” – Space Race Records
18. STATIQBLOOM: “Threat” – Sonic Groove Records
19. AXIOME: “Field Guide To Alien Planets And Other Disco Balls – Audiophob
20. REICHSFEIND: “Darken” – Alfa Matrix
21. FIRST AID 4 SOULS: “I Am The Night” – Alfa Matrix
22. ORDO ROSARIUS EQUILIBRIO: “Nihilist Notes And The Perputual Quest 4 Meaning In Nothing” – Out Of Line
23. KILL SHELTER: “Asylum” – Manic Depression Records / Metropolis Records
24. JAGATH: “Svapna” – Cold Spring Records
25. KILL YOUR BOYFRIEND: “Voodoo” – Shyrec

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: Future-Pop, Dark-Electro.

Format: Digital, DCD & 3CD.

Background/Info: “Transcendent” is the eighth studio album by Berliner group Solitary Experiments. The album features an extra disc with remixes and guest singers while there’s also an extra disc available -which is an audio book.

Content: The main disc features 10 songs in the purest and unique tradition of the band. The Electro sound remains always catchy and danceable but still featuring ‘evil’ or call it darker parts. So there’s a song featuring Dirk Ivens (Dive, The Klinik,  Absolute Body Control). But there’s also a totally evasive song featuring Elena Alice fossi (Kirlian Camera, Spectra*Paris) reminding me of an imaginary mix between Delerium and Push.

The bonus disc features a few more guest singers. Among others you’ll discover songs with Patrik Hansson (Vanguard, Uncreated), Gabriella Aström (Me The Tiger) and Nina De Lianin (In Strict Confidence) while remixes have been accomplished by Supreme Court, Rob Dust, Grendel, MC1R, Run Level Zero, Controlled Fusion and Massiv In Mensch.

+ + + : Solitary Experiments remains an established name in Germany and according to me is still recognized enough abroad. The band however remains a great project when it comes to combining danceable vibes, melodies, darkness and Pop singing. The addition of Dirk Ivens and Elena Alice Fossi as guest singers accentuates the diversity of the album. I’ve been impressed by the somewhat Dance/Trance “The Great Unknown” featuring Elena Alice Fossi. Another great piece is “Self-Fulfilling Prophecy” which clearly sounds as a potential hit. Other noticeable cuts are “Wonderland” and “Heart Of Stone” but also the menacing sphere running through “Zeitgeist” featuring Dirk Ivens. The bonus disc brings a nice extra with more guest singers and a great selection of  remixers.

– – – : You can’t really blame Solitary Experiments for holding onto their sound which hasn’t changed throughout the years however the initial magic is a bit gone.

Conclusion: Solitary Experiments stands as an established value; you’ll be never disappointed as they’ve an imaginary qualitative label!

Best songs: “The Great Unknown”, “Self-Fulfilling Prophecy”, “Wonderland”, “Heart Of Stone”, “Zeitgeist”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.solitaryexperiments.de / www.facebook.com/solitaryexperiments 

Label: www.outofline.de  / www.facebook.com/outoflinelabel

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-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Jonas Olofsson and Patrik Hansson (Uncreated) are back on track already unleashing the fifth full length album of their sonic alter-ego Vanguard.

Content: The fans already had the opportunity to discover noticeable singles taken from the album. “Spectrum” remains in the purest style and tradition of the Swedish duo. A solid Electro-Pop composition carried by strong leads and choruses. I’m still convinced this is the kind of sound appealing for Mesh fans but in the end Vanguard has their own sound and approach so any further comparison makes no sense.

+ + + : Vanguard has already accomplished real great things, but “Spectrum” moves above all expectations. This work reveals a succession of brilliant and accomplished songs. It’s a powerful production carried by overwhelming leads and choruses you immediately want to sing along. Patrik Hansson remains a talented singer. “Defeated”, “Move Out”, “Inside” and “Ragnarök” all are great exposures of this outstanding album.

– – – : Only the last song “When I’m gone” is the single piece of “Spectrum” which couldn’t convince me. It’s a soft and poorly inspired ‘outro’ song but let’s make things clear: this album is brilliant!

Conclusion: The year getting close to its end “Spectrum” is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best Electro-Pop albums of 2022!

Best songs: “Defeated”, “Move Out”, “Inside”,  “Ragnarök”, “Open Sky”, “Unreachable”.

Rate: 9.

Artist: www.facebook.com/vanguardofficial

Label: www.infacted-recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted-Recordings/124099254321690

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

Coming up is the third single of the upcoming album “Transcendent” by the future pop act Solitary Experiments. “The Great Unknown” features Elena Alice Fossi, the Italian singer of Kirlian Camera / Spectra*Paris.

Regarding the upcoming album “Transcendent”, for the first time in the almost 30-year band history, frontman Dennis Schober welcomes guest singers for a Solitary Experiments album.

On the band’s 8th album Dennis Schober invited Kirlian Camera singer Elena Alice Fossil and Dirk Ivens. On the bonus disc we find four new songs with four guests (In Strict Confidence’s Nina De Lianin, Vanguard’s Patrik Hansson, Me the Tiger’s Gabriella Åström and Beyond Obsession’s Nils Upahl). It also holds 5 additional remixes of album tracks plus 3 more remixes of earlier tracks.

Also to be released is deluxe set holding and exclusive bonus CD with further collaborations. We checked the tracklist and found the following guys singers: Helix, Julia Beyer, Adam is a Girl, Schmoun, Omnimar, Foretaste and Distorted Reality.

The new album will be out on October 28th.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Out on October 28th is the all new Solitary Experiments album “Transcendent”, their 8th so far. The first print of the album comes as 2CD digibook edition. On the album frontman Dennis Schober invited two guest singers, Kirlian Camera singer Elena Alice Fossil and Dirk Ivens.

On the bonus disc we find four new songs with four guests (In Strict Confidence’s Nina De Lianin, Vanguard’s Patrik Hansson, Me the Tiger’s Gabriella Åström and Beyond Obsession’s Nils Upahl). It also holds 5 additional remixes of album tracks plus 3 more remixes of earlier tracks.

Also to be released is deluxe set holding and exclusive bonus CD with further collaborations. We checked the tracklist and found the following guys singers: Helix, Julia Beyer, Adam is a Girl, Schmoun, Omnimar, Foretaste and Distorted Reality.

Check out the video for the album track “Wonderland”.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Swedish Electro-Pop formation Vanguard became a familiar and recognized name in the Electro-Pop scene. One of the band’s members Patrik Hansson decided to start a side-project called Uncreated. Several EP’s were released revealing a catchy, powerful, sound. This is danceable Electro-Pop getting people happy. The debut album “Eternal” released in 2019 was a successful production. By the end of 2021 Uncreated unleashed its second opus “Symbiosis” featuring an impressive list of guests singers.  Mark Hockings (Mesh), Björn Marius Borg (Xenturion Prime), Louise Marchione (Planet R/Thermostatic), Mikael Engström (Covered In Snow), Richard Flow (Machinsta) and Arielle Andersson (Octolab) contributed to this fascinating album released by Conzoom Records.

(Picture credits Peter Engman / Interview courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: What made you start next to Vanguard a solo-project? How do you differentiate both projects in sound, influences and production? 

Patrik: I have always wanted to work with other singers. That was actually one of the reasons I looked for a companion back when I met Jonas and we started Vanguard, but it turned out that I was the one grabbing the microphone. So, the dream to work with other singers lived on and Uncreated is the result of that.

When it comes to differentiate the projects it has become easier the more I have worked with both Vanguard and Uncreated. One obvious thing is the singers ofc, but also the production differs more and more. Vanguard has a tendency to go towards a darker atmosphere whilst Uncreated feels more optimistic so to speak. I don’t know in what direction it will go from here though.

Q: A solo-project smells like ‘total freedom’; to do what you want without any compromises. But what are the main difficulties and challenges you encounter when being the single member at board? Do you have external critics and/or advisors? 

Patrik: I always try to get input from people I trust when it comes to songwriting and production. Rob Dust has always been kind enough to help me out when it comes to production.

The co-writers/guest-singers have a lot to say as well. It is important that all involved are as satisfied as possible. I know I have some limitations when it comes to production etc, but the more I work with it, the better I become. 

Q: How did this ‘symbiosis’ between you and the singers happen? Did you handle specific criteria to choose the singers to work with? What have been the different stages you’d to go through to get the job done?

Patrik: I simply choose to ask singers whose voices I really like. Not all accepted but I am really happy that so many wanted to join me as well on “Symbiosis” as on all earlier releases. In some cases I had a song ready for the guest to record and in some cases I only had an instrumental track. On most instrumental tracks I had an idea of a melody, but I let the guest decide if they wanted to write something themselves or not, both lyrics and melody.

Q: How did the transition happen between your debut album “Eternal” and “Symbiosis”? What aspects of the production did you try to change and/or improve? 

Patrik: With “Eternal” I created a small foundation to grow from so to speak. I only had one guest on the album (Mel Guntzelsson). I wanted to spread the word just a little bit before I invited more guests. I guess it worked out quite well since I have been joined by great singers since then. Each release has helped me to spread the word about Uncreated to a bigger audience. After every release I let the songs ‘rest’ for a while before I listen to them again. In that way I have managed to take small steps in the right direction after every release.

Q: “Hand Grenade” featuring Mark Hockings rapidly became one of Uncreated’s most successful songs. Tell us a bit more about this song and the collaboration with Mark properly speaking? How did you know it was a song for him?

Patrik: Mark did a remix of “Break Free” (feat. Dennis Schober from Solitary Experiments) and that is how I got in contact with him. It was during that process that I told him I had a free spot for the upcoming album. I was really surprised that he accepted to join. I sent him an instrumental track and gave him time to work with lyrics and melody. The result was beyond my expectations. He also added a few elements to the production which really improved the impact of the song.

Q: What are your further plans with Uncreated? How do you expect the project evolving and what are you actually working on? 

Patrik: At the moment I’m gathering inspiration to do more tracks. I still have a list of singers I want to work with. Actually Magnus Dahlberg from the Swedish band More is currently working on lyrics for a track. Let’s see where that ends! But I have no release with Uncreated planned in the near future.

Vanguard will release “Spectrum” this spring and then we have some gigs coming up too. I want to focus on that. But if I know myself, I will probably get in one of my ‘zones’ when I least expect it. In that case things can go fast.

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-Pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Patrik Hansson (Vanguard singer) released the second album of his solo-project Uncreated in November 2021. The opus was released right after a few singles featuring guest singers.

Content: Patrik Hansson got some good company to achieve this work. He asked guest singers to join in. Mark Hockings (Mesh) and Björn Marius Borg (Xenturion Prime) were already featured on the previously released singles while Louise Marchione (Planet R/Thermostatic), Mikael Engström (Covered In Snow), Richard Flow (Machinista) and Arielle Andersson (Octolab) completed the list. Patrik is singing on a few songs as well. The music remains pure Electro-Pop -and still more poppy than Vanguard, driven by hopping sequences, retro sound treatments and danceable beats.

Nite did a remix of “Hand Grenade” featuring Mark Hockings. The CD version features 2 bonus songs which are extended versions.

+ + + : The concept of working with guest singers is not new but rather surprising for Patrik Hansson who’s a talented singer himself. It however resulted in extra diversity while the artist could probably focus more on songwriting and production. “Hand Grenade” remains an outstanding song, but I also have to mention the other single “Rebuild The Future” featuring Marius Borg and the more aggressive “Alive” featuring Richard Flow. I also enjoyed “One Night In Blue” featuring Louise Marchione’s delicate timbre of voice. Nite also accomplished a cool remix of “Hand Grenade”.

– – – : I only noticed a few ‘softer’ songs which couldn’t convince me but which injected a break to the work.

Conclusion: Uncreated only confirms its immense potential, being next to Vanguard, another great Electro-Pop project of Patrik Hansson.

Best songs: “Hand Grenade”, “Rebuild The Future”, “Alive”, “One Night In Blue”, “Hand Grenade – Nite Remix”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.facebook.com/uncreatedofficial

Label: www.conzoomrecords.de / www.facebook.com/conzoomofficial

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

Patrick Knoch set up Elektrostaub in 2007. Elektrostaub  can be defined as Electro/Future-Pop and is a solo-project with guest singers. After the first official album “Birthday And Death” released in 2017 on Echozone, the German project joined hands together with Alfa-Matrix. The new album “Reliance” features guest singers Patrik Hansson (Vanguard, Uncreated), Henrik Iversen (Namnambulu), !DISTAIN, René Anke (Logic & Olivia), Stefan Netschio (Beborn Beton), Jan Dieckmann (Norderney), Alex Rush (Unity One), Claudia Uhle (X-Perience), Damasius Venys (Mondträume, Mental Exile), Alex Nórdika (Nórdika) and Darrin Huss (Psyche). The work is a diversified, danceable and ambitious piece. I asked a few questions to Patrick Knoch.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Patrick, tell us a bit more about your music background and how did you come to set up Elektrostaub? 

Patrick: I received musical education in my childhood at a Yamaha music school, mainly on the electronic organ and keyboards. In the early 2000s I founded a band and later decided to start a solo project to better implement my own ideas and ideas.

Q: Elektrostaub is clearly driven and inspired by different forms of Electronic music, but ‘Pop’ definitely appears to be the main source of inspiration.  What are your examples and references in music and how would you analyze your own composition? 

Patrick: I’ve always been a fan of Electronic music and I liked the music of Depeche Mode, Camouflage, Erasure to name a few. Later, Silke Bischoff, Vnv Nation, Solar Fake, for example. So it was relatively obvious that I should try to make music in this direction myself.

Are you looking for powerful beats, flying, melodic and dreamy surfaces as well as modern sounds and catchy Electro-Pop songs? Then you’ve come to the right place with Elektrostaub. Due to the large number of singers involved, the styles of the respective bands also flow into the project and increase the spectrum of versatility.

Q: You mentioned the large number of singers so why do you prefer working with guest singers instead of a real band singer? And what’s your connection with the guys of !Distain? 

Patrick: In the beginning, the main idea was to do remixes and write instrumentals. Later on the idea came up that I could have guest singers set it to music. 

On this album all lyrics come exclusively from the guest singers. I think it’s important that my guests can get involved in the project themselves.

I have known Manfred and Alex from !Distain since the beginning of Elektrostaub and they have become very good friends of mine. Producing songs together is similar to do house music with your family… lol.

Q: How did the writing- and production process of “Reliance” happened? And how did the collaboration with the different singers happened?  

Patrick: First I write the arrangements and instrumentals. When that happens I think carefully about which singer could sing the song best. In most cases I choose artists whose music I also like and whether I personally like the voices or would simply go very well with the song.

When the process is finished I write to the respective artist and ask if they are interested.

After receiving the vocal tracks, I embedded them into the arrangements and then created the final mixes.

Q: There’s an impressive evolution in sound and production from your debut album “Birthday And Death” (2017) towards “Reliance”. How do you look back at your debut work and the transition to “Reliance”? 

Patrick: Thanks so much. I would think it’s just a constant development and advancement. Perhaps the experience gained plays a role. I don’t really like to look back, I love to look forward 😉

Q: How do you expect Elektrostaub evolving and what are the further plans regarding aspects like live shows, remixes, singles and clips? 

Patrick: I will start work on the third album soon. I will write several arrangements and instrumentals again and then proceed as always. I still have some remixes to do in the near future. I’ve been doing a few lately and they’ll all be out soon. Live shows are not planned or very feasible due to the fact that I don’t have a permanent singer.

In which direction will Elektrostaub evolve? I can’t say that today. I’ll just try to develop myself musically and hope to take the next steps.

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-Pop, Future-Pop.  

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Four years after the debut-album “Birthday And Death” released on Echozone, Patrick Knoch unleashes his second full length featuring an impressive list of guest singers. “Reliance” was preceded by two singles/EP’s, which especially in Germany became pretty successful.

Content: Patrick Knock had some good company with Patrik Hansson (Vanguard, Uncreated), Henrik Iversen (Namnambulu), !Distain duo, René Anke (Logic & Olivia), Stefan Netschio (Beborn Beton), Jan Dieckmann (Norderney), Alex Rush (Unity One), Claudia Uhle (X-Perience), Damasius Venys (Mondträume, Mental Exile), Alex Nórdika (Nórdika) and Darrin Huss (Psyche). Sound-wise Elektrostaub brings a perfect mix of electro-Pop driven and somewhat harder Future-Pop inspired songs. The different singers inject some extra diversity to the work.

The album features previously released singles “Wake Up” and “We Are Dreamers”. There’s only one single song featuring female vocals. !Distain –being good-old friends of Patrick Knock, contributed to 3 songs, one of them featuring French sung lyrics.

+ + + : First of all we have to salute the contribution of some real great and talented singers like Darren Huss, Henrik Iversen and Stefan Netschio, but also brilliant singers from the ‘latest’  generation like Damasius Venys, Patrik Hansson and Claudia Uhle. The single female vocalist injects a heavenly touch to the album. Several songs sound like they were conceived to make people dance and get happy. I also enjoyed the somewhat harder Future-Pop driven cuts and I especially recommend “Futurism” featuring Norderney, which will appeal to VNV Nation fans. “We Are Dreamers” featuring Patrik Hansson remains a great piece of music for its boosting Electro-Pop. There’s also a cool ‘female’ version featuring Claudia Uhle who’s definitely a great singer. Last, but not least I also recommend listening to “Dust” featuring Damasius Venys who’s according to me one of the most charismatic and sexy voices of the scene.

– – – : I expected a bit more from the songs featuring !Distain –an established Electro-Pop formation I’ve always liked. It’s also a pity there’s only one single female singer featured.

Conclusion: Elektrostaub has achieved an ambitious, but accomplished album, which sounds like the perfect crossover between Electro- and Future-Pop.

Best songs: “Futurism feat. Norderney”, “We Are Dreamers featuring Patrik Vanguard”, “We Are Dreamers featuring Claudia Uhle”, “Dust featuring Damasius Venys”, “Save Me featuring René Anke”, “Loneliness featuring !Distain”.

Rate: 8.

Artist: www.elektrostaub.de / www.facebook.com/Elektrostaub

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

(Photo by Chris Carter) Out on 28 January 2022 via The Grey Area (Mute) is the reissue of the 1979 album “The Bridge” by Thomas Leer And Robert Rental. This new reissue will be available on limited edition white vinyl and CD, both featuring new sleevenotes.

The reissue of Leer and Rental’s sole collaboration will coincide with “From The Port To The Bridge”, an exhibition detailing the duo’s work and legacy, due to run at The Horse Hospital in London from 21 January through to 10 February 2022.

Discovered by Throbbing Gristle

Thomas Leer and Robert Rental, both from Port Glasgow in Scotland, were at the vanguard of a DIY electronic scene that went on to influence and inform the 80s synth-pop movement. After self-releasing two solo 7” singles, they came to the attention of Throbbing Gristle and signed to their label, Industrial Records. Their one and only collaboration, “The Bridge”, was originally released in 1979, the first non-TG / associated release for the label.

Recorded at Rental’s home over two intense weeks using equipment provided by Throbbing Gristle (with only rudimentary explanation of how to use it), their album was cited by a number of electronic musicians at the time, including John Foxx, Matt Johnson (The The) and ABC.

Listen to “Monochrome Days”.

The late Robert Rental retired from the music industry

Robert Rental (who sadly died in 2000), went on to collaborate with The Normal – Daniel Miller and Rental’s live album, “Live at West Runton Pavilion, 6-3-79”, was released in 1980 by Rough Trade. Rental also released a single on Mute, “Double Heart” / “On Location” in 1980 and produced music for the Comic Strip’s “A Fistful of Traveller’s Cheques”, before retiring from the industry.

Thomas Leer continued to release music

Thomas Leer went on to release albums on Cherry Red and Arista, formed Act with Claudia Brücken (formerly of Propaganda) in the late 80s who released on Trevor Horn’s ZTT label. After a hiatus, he re-emerged with a series of releases from 2001, and currently lives in Greenock.

About The Grey Area

The Grey Area was founded in 1990 to restore and reissue albums by important and influential artists, initiated by catalogue deals between Mute and Throbbing Gristle, Can and Cabaret Voltaire.

The label went on to be the home for the catalogues of DAF, Virgin Prunes, SPK, Swell Maps, Dome, The Radiophonic Workshop and The Hafler Trio as well as key early works by Wire, Buzzcocks and Einstürzende Neubauten.

Dormant for a few years during the 2000s, The Grey Area emerged again quietly in 2013 with the re-release of Cabaret Voltaire’s Virgin period work, Richard H. Kirk’s solo work, the Sandoz catalogue and a new agreement with Throbbing Gristle.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

After the two chart-hitting singles “We Are Dreamers“ (#1) and “Wake Up“ (#4), German synth pop act Elektrostaub is about to release the 14-track album “Reliance” featuring quite and impressive list of artists who surround him on future pop / synthpop album.

On this record Patrick Knoch works with Henrik Iversen (Namnambulu), Nórdika and his good old friends from !Distain. But he also invited a sort of “who is who” from the indie synth pop scene on this release, with special additional guest singers in the likes of Stefan Netschio (Beborn Beton), Darrin Huss (Psyche), Damasius Venys (Mondträume, Mental Exile), Patrik Hansson (Vanguard), Claudia Uhle (X-Perience), René Anke (Logic & Olivia), Alex Rush (Unity One) and Jan Dieckmann (Norderney).

Impressive to say the least!

You can expect a mix of melancholic synth pop and dancefloor future pop with a harder EBM edge. The release is available now in pre-order on CD and as download via Bandcamp where you get 2 tracks already.

Check out the album trailer below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: After the successful debut album “Ride The Madness” (2019) Mondträume singer Damasius Venys got back to his solo-project Mental exile to unleash new songs. “Inferno Hotline” reveals three new songs plus three remixes.

Content: Mental Exile’s main source of inspiration can be found in the 80s Electro-Wave and related music genres. It’s still rapidly recognizable on the new songs and especially some good-old effects bring us back in time. The title song is a pretty danceable piece of old-school inspired Electro-Pop with some extra, personal elements on top. We next get a more dreamy cut and an instrumental piece. Remixes have been accomplished by N-Frequency, Vanguard and Beyond Border.

+ + + : Mental Exile strikes back with a solid title track, which reveals the artist’s sources of inspiration and the charismatic voice of Damasius Venys. I like the way the song evolves; taking off with cool samplings and resulting in a danceable retro-driven song. There’s also something to say about “Run Away”, which is more dreamy-like. Among the remixes I especially recommend the remix of “Renegades” (originally edited at the EP “Exile Nights”) by N-Frequency.

– – – : I was personally more convinced by previous album and EP, which were more into the 80s sound. 

Conclusion: An intriguing  title song, which could be a perfect teaser for a next album by the Spanish solo-project.

Best songs: “Inferno Hotline”, “Renegades – N-Frequency Remix”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: www.facebook.com/mentalexileproject

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

(Photo by Daniele Jaeger) The last 15 months have been difficult and pretty challenging for most of us with the Corona pandemic raging across the world. Spanish electropop musician Damasius Venys (Mondträume) decided to avoid the toxic private exile and started recording new material for his solo project Mental Exile.

Out now, first exclusively via Bandcamp, is the new Mental Exile EP “Inferno Hotline”. The EP includes 3 brand new songs and 3 bonus remixes by Vanguard, N-Frequency and Beyond Border.

Expect melancholic dark electro pop with a melodic retro-wave touch.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Torben Schmidt gained some experience about label activities working as A&R manager for the legendary Zoth Ommog and Bloodline. He set up Infacted Recordings in 2001 and signed bands like Orange Sector, Namnambulu, Frozen Plasma, Reaper, X Marks The Pedwalk, Prager Handgriff, Heimataerde, Grendel, ES23, Ruined Conflict, Xotox, NZ, Aircrash Bureau, PreEmptive Strike 0.1, Shiv-R, Torul, IC434, Vanguard… but still the own bands he’s involved with Lights Of Euphoria and Binary Park. Twenty years later Infacted Recordings became a reference when it comes to EBM, Electro-Pop and Dark-Electro artists.

(Stéphane Froidcoeur / Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: Was there a kind of ‘philosophy’ when you set up your label and did it evolve over the years? How would you define your label activities today?

Torben: My main aim and intention when I started Infacted Recordings back in 2001 was to get independent and release/support the music I love, whenever possible detached from the economical side (which of course is not always possible). I was working for other people/companies before I started my own record company and experienced many good, but  also quite some things, which were to be improved. I  think the big advantage I had from the start was that I knew both sides, working in a record company and being an artist, producer myself.

Q: I can imagine you must have specific and explicit criteria to sign an artist/band. Can you give us more details about this aspect and how important is it for you to know the person(s) hiding behind the ‘artist(s)’?

Torben: Well, to be honest, for me it is basically a matter of personal taste. One rule I  had from the start was to get to know the human behind every band/artist whenever possible to make up my mind about the individuals. If there is a good chemistry in between label and band/artist, that’s the most solid base you can get for a strong work together.

Q: You are already active for numerous years now so you must have seen a lot of things changing and evolving; think about social media, streaming platforms, Youtube channels… but also economic crisis etc. What are the pros and cons of these changes/evolutions and in, which way did you had to adapt/change your strategy and activities?

Torben: I think you already hit the point with the question. Time changes and we, as the motors and creators of this scene had the task to step up with the changes. We are innovators to a certain point, always at the pulse with being DJs, musicians, producers, people who initiate ideas and start projects. For me personal it was always a moving experience to be part of creating something. I think you really have to be where the heart of the scene is, at clubs, at festivals at concerts, meeting fans and supporters and have a good communication.

Q: The ongoing pandemic has affected all artistic life and activities so what’s the true impact on your label activities and do you think it will also affect your long term objectives?

Torben: The main problem we all seek is that one big part of our scene is missing, that’s the live/club thing we have with our bands and our supporting DJs. Many plans we had with touring and release events for 2020 and 2021 had to be shifted. There are fresh ideas with streaming events, but this rarely compensates the feeling most  of  our scene loves and lives. So well, we honestly hope that there will be perspectives again soon. On the other side I am very happy to have so many supporters out there who continuously aid me/us as a label and the bands and DJs directly.

Q: Do you think media (magazines, online platforms etc…) still have an impact and a role to play today? What’s your relationship with ‘journalists’ and how important is their work?

Torben: I can only speak for me personally here, but  I think that print media is losing more and more of its impact due to various factors. Time is running fast and news are spread way more easily digital then in print media. It’s not really blaming, but print magazines concentrate too much on the same bands over and over again (of course often due to demand).

There are exceptions of course and I truly appreciate the support we get and a lot of still really enthusiastic journalists, but I experienced so many people stop buying magazines in the last years and change to digital media to get there information. For me as a label, social media and online media in general is an important key for my promotional work.

Q: What do you consider as your biggest accomplishment(s)? Do you have specific goals/dreams you want to achieve and how do you prepare and see the future of the label(s)? And what are your biggest regret(s)?

Torben: During the years I had the opportunity to work with so many talented artists, known/not so knows, small/big, which is/was truly an honor. So many relationships were started, collaborations occurred and friendships actually did result. My dream to live & work with music did already happen, so I am pretty thankful for this. I have to say that I do not really regret anything. Being in the music scene was great in almost  all time periods and every phase had it great moments. Even on bad experiences you grow and make internal progress.

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-Pop, Future-Pop.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: One year after the EP “Wake Up” featuring Henrik Iversen (NamNamBulu), German Electro-Pop project Elektrostaub strikes back with a new EP featuring Patrik Hansson (Vanguard, Uncreated). This new EP is an appetizer to Patrick Knoch’s announced album “Reliance”.

Content: The EP features 12 tracks; “We Are Dreamers” is the title song featuring guest vocals by Patrik Hansson. The song sounds as a pure fusion between classical Electro-Pop and heavier Future-Pop influences. The chorus has something powerful and catchy. Remixes have been made by People Theatre, Spektralized, We The North, Excubitors and Uncreated (solo-project of Patrik Hansson). One song features female vocals by Claudia Uhle (X-Perience).

The other song left “Loneliness” has been accomplished together with !Distain resulting in pure Electro-Pop; catchy and somewhat melancholic. Remixes have been accomplished by Technoir, Digital Factor and also People Theatre while there also is a wafting version without drums as the last cut.

+ + + : The more you listen to “We Are Dreamers” the more you gone like it. It’s a cool Electro-Pop driven song with a great vocalist on top. It sounds catchy and danceable while we also get a few cool remixes like the one by People Theatre, but also the boosted edit by Uncreated (a project which is maybe better than Vanguard) and more Future-Pop driven remix by Excubitors. The B-side “Loneliness” is another potential title track. It sounds more ‘classical’, but still totally accomplished. 

– – – : I expected a bit more from the remixes of “Loneliness”.

Conclusion: Without setting the Electro-Pop scene alight, Elektrostaub has achieved a new EP, which is definitely more convincing than its predecessor.

Best songs: “We Are Dreamers – Radio Edit”, “We Are Dreamers – Excubitors Mix”, “We Are Dreamers – Uncreated Mix”, “Loneliness – Club Edit”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.elektrostaub.de / www.facebook.com/Elektrostaub

Label: www.alfa-matrix.com / www.facebook.com/Alfa.Matrix

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

Although Elektrostaub’s previous “Wake Up” EP featuring Henrik Iversen is only out since December, the project already kicks back with yet another new collaborative EP: “We Are Dreamers” (available now via Bandcamp). “We Are Dreamers'” is the second EP taken from Elektrostaub’s forthcoming new album “Reliance”.

This time, he joined hands with Patrik Hansson of Swedish Electropop band Vanguard for an upbeat club synth pop song. Alternate remixes of the songs were created by People Theatre, Spektralized, We The North and Uncreated. Elektrostaub on top recorded a totally different version featuring the female voice of Claudia Uhle from X-Perience fame.

For the B-side song “Loneliness”, Elektrostaub aka Patrick Knoch worked again with his good old partners in crime from !Distain. Besides the club mix and the ‘no drum’ edit of this song, we also get more laidback and introspective interpretations of this catchy song by People Theatre as well as from label mates Technoir and Digital Factor.

In total you get 12 tracks which you can check out below on Bandcamp (and other platforms in the next weeks).

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Patrik Hansson who’s known as Vanguard member unleashed the debut-album “Eternal” of his electro-pop solo-project Uncreated last year . The album plus several EP’s were all real good surprises. With “Leaving Now” Hansson serves us an appetizer for his next album “Symbiosis”. Robert Enforsen (Elegant Machinery) and Helena Wigeborn (Train To Spain) contributed as guest singers to this EP. 

Content: Next to the title song -featuring Robert Enforsen plus 4 remixes, this EP also features another song featuring Enforsen, one song featuring Helena Wigeborn and 3 more songs.

The title track is a catchy electro-pop track with a cool melody line. “Fast Forward” featuring Helena Wigeborn sounds even more catchy. Among the other new songs I heard a mix between melancholia on “Ta Över Nu”, sung in Swedish and the harder, but still melodic side “I Was Wrong”. “Pushing Borders” featuring Robert Enforsen is a soft cut.

Remixes have been made by Vanguard, Electro Spectre and Caisaron while there also is a cool “Extended Remix” of “Leaving Now”. The last song is a kind of outro with the matching title “The Last Goodbye”.

+ + + : Patrik Hansson has created next to Vanguard a real promising electro-pop project. This new EP only features new stuff and the contribution from guest singer of Robert Enforsen for sure is a noticeable element. But there’s also something to say about Helena Wigeborn who’s an interesting vocalist as well. The title song is cool, but I definitely prefer the somewhat more elaborated “Extended Remix”. Another cool cut is the harder beating “I Was Wrong”. Among the remixes I want to mention the punchy edit of Vanguard. Uncreated sounds more electro-pop driven than Vanguard revealing Hansson as a talented melody maker.

– – – : I expected a bit more from the other song featuring Robert Enforsen while the remixes by Electro Spectre and Caisaron don’t really add a bonus.

Conclusion: Uncreated confirms its strong potential revealed at “Eternal” so this is possibly a new Swedish electro-pop sensation.

Best songs: “Leaving Now – Extended Remix”, “Leaving Now”, “I Was Wrong”, “Fast Forward”, “Leaving Now – Vanguard Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/uncreatedofficial

Label: www.conzoomrecords.de / www.facebook.com/conzoomofficial

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

On June 5th Conzoom Records will be the newest Uncreated EP “Leaving Now”. For the occasion Swedish electro artist Patrik Hansson (also known as the Vanguard frontman) invited guest singers for many of his new songs. Included on the EP for instance are Elegant Machinery frontman Robert Enforsen and Train To Spain singer Helena Wigeborn.

In addition to the original version of the title track there is also a “Leaving Now (Extended Version)” and remixes by Vanguard, Electro Spectre and Caisaron. The EP is rounded off by 4 more tracks. Robert Enforsen sings on “Pushing Borders” and on the other songs, one of which is sung in Swedish for the first time with Uncreated mastermind Patrik Hansson doing the vocals himself.

This is the track listing of the EP:

• Leaving Now (feat. Robert Enforsen) 3:34
• Fast Forward (feat. Helena Wigeborn) 4:28
• Pushing Borders (feat. Robert Enforsen) 3:41
• I was wrong 3:49
• Ta över nu 4:45
• Leaving Now (feat. Robert Enforsen) (Vanguard Remix) 3:52
• Leaving Now (feat. Robert Enforsen) (Electro Spectre Remix) 3:38
• Leaving Now (feat. Robert Enforsen) (Caisaron Remix) 3:26
• Leaving Now (feat. Robert Enforsen) (Extended Remix) 4:45
• The Last Goodbye 4:21

You can preview the EP below.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Dark-electro.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “A Vampire Tale” is the second EP taken from the last year released album “Midget Vampire Porn”. The sixth full length by the German masters of (h)el(l)-electro is probably their best and most punching work to date. “A Vampire Tale” also was one of the best cuts from the opus so it’s a quite logical choice to release it as title song. Next to the revisited title song, the EP also features three exclusive cuts, three remixes and a very special cover version.

Content: “A Vampire Tale” perfectly symbolizes the album the song is taken from; a hard-hitting song in the purest dark-electro style of Agonoize. Power, melody and harsh vocals are the major aspects to understand this winning sound formula. Next comes a cover version of Prodigy’s mega-hit “Breath”. The song is meant as an ode to Keith Flint who passed away in 2019.

The two new songs are more heavy cuts in the truest tradition of the band. “I Just Want To Live” sounds pretty Suicide Commando-like while “Requiem” reveals the band at its best. The last song left is a calm piece, sort of break.

Remixes have been accomplished by Intent: Outtake, Vanguard and Diverje, which each took a song from the album.

+ + + : This is the kind of EP I totally support. Next to the title song and a few remixes by well-chosen artists you also get 3 exclusive songs and a little extra, which is a Prodigy cover. Agonoize no longer has to confirm they belong to the top of dark-electro standards! Their music is not only powerful, but worked-out and always danceable. Two from the three exclusive cuts could have found their place at the album as well. Among the remixes I especially like the pop touch on the remix of the title song by Vanguard while Diverje did a great job as well remixing “Weltenschmerz”.

– – – : The cover version of “Breath” is cool, but I think this song will get more reaction in front of a live audience. The new song “The Fall” is the only ‘filler’ from this EP although a way to bring some rest in this heavy production.

Conclusion: This EP is an absolute must have, a pretty cool addition to the album and a production the dark-electro lovers are going to like! Agonoize rules!

Best songs: “I Just Want To Live”, “Requiem”, “A Vampire Tale – Blutdurst”, “A Vampire Tale – Vanguard Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/AgonoizeOfficial

Label: www.reporecords.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Repo–Records/119590774857404

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-pop.

Background/Info: After a few noticeable EP’s it’s not time to Patrik Hansson (Vanguard) to unleash his debut solo-album.

Content: “Eternal” takes off with familiar cuts. “Evolve” and “Not Your Soldier” both are the title tracks from the previous EP’s introducing us into the electro-pop universe of the Swedish project. It’s a classical electro-pop driven sound, which is carried by solid dance beats and the charismatic, powerful vocals of Hansson. A few other cuts have been previously released at the aforementioned EP’s, but you’ll also discover interesting new cuts, which simply confirm the potential of Uncreated. This is catchy, but powerful electro-pop like Swedes can make!

+ + + : “Evolve” remains an absolute masterpiece, but I also have to mention “Is That What You Want” and “Suffocated”, which both could be released as EP-title songs as well. The secret sound formula of Patrik Hansson is quite easy: carrying melody lines, danceable kicks injecting some power and great vocal lines. The sound feels more like ‘classical’ electro-pop and different than his main project Vanguard. The songs are well-crafted and elaborated.

– – – : I’m not convinced by the last song, which is more a kind of emotional try-out. Among the 10 songs left, those who have already discovered the previously released EP’s will re-discover 5 songs so in the end the album only features 3 previously unknown songs. But there’s no reason to complain!

Conclusion: The main comparison between both projects Patrik Hansson is involved with is the passion for electro-music, but more important the great potential Vanguard and now Uncreated showed at their debut work! Uncreated is not just a side-project, that’s for sure!

Best songs: “Evolve”, Is That What You Want”,  “Suffocated”, “Not Your Soldier”, “You Know Nothing”, “A Greater Plan”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.facebook.com/uncreatedofficial

Label: www.conzoomrecords.de / www.facebook.com/conzoomofficial

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-pop.

Background/Info: This is the next EP/single released by Patrik Hansson (Vanguard) and another song that will get featured on Uncreated’s debut album “Eternal”.

Content: The title song is totally devoted to electro-pop music. It sounds catchy and just like on the “Evolve”-EP driven by dance beats. “Not Your Soldier” has been remixed by Machinista, Rotersand, DNTR and Random Starlight. The B-side track “At The Front” will not be featured on the full length and is another danceable and melodic song.

+ + + : “Not Your Soldier” features the requested elements to speak about a successful electro-pop song; it’s catchy, melodic, dance and featuring a talented vocalist. I like the remix made by Machinista while the one by Rotersand will for sure catch wider attention. The B-side track sounds definitely more than simple filler.

– – – : Compared to the “Evolve”-EP this one is less ‘sexy’ and convincing although it remains an honest EP. I also expected a bit more from the remixes.

Conclusion: “Not Your Soldier” is a cool song, but it’s not that evident to release a new potential ‘master hit’ after the phenomenal “Evolve”!

Best songs: “Not Your Soldier – Machinista Remix”, “Not Your Soldier”, “Not Your Soldier – Rotersand Remake”. 

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/uncreatedofficial

Label: www.conzoomrecords.de / www.facebook.com/conzoomofficial

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-pop.

Background/Info: Uncreated is a new Swedish solo-project set up by the singer of Vanguard Patrik Hansson. He released a few EP’s to announce the debut album “Eternal”.

Content: You for sure will rapidly recognize Hansson’s typical timbre of voice so comparisons with Vanguard will be unavoidable, but sound-wise Uncreated reveals a different approach. “Evolve” sounds closer to ‘typical’ electro-pop music although driven by a hard, danceable kick. The title song is melodic, danceable and featuring a chorus you’ll rapidly start to sing along. There also is an “Extended Remix” and a remix by People Theatre.

Other songs are “You Know Nothing”, which is also remixed by Rob Dust plus a remix of the song “In this World”. 

+ + + : Honestly, “Evolve” is a great and accomplished song! This is the kind of track you’ll spontaneously start to listen to again and again. It’s well-crafted, carried by a solid bass lines and an efficient melodic tune plus featuring great vocal lines. The “Extended Remix” is a welcome last track while the People Theatre remix is also a noticeable edit. And if “You Know Nothing” is a B-side cut I can assure you it’s a real great one as well. The remix of Rob Dust is also a highlight.

– – – : I don’t see any minus point here!

Conclusion: I can only say that I’m deeply impressed by this EP and especially its title track! This is great, danceable electro-pop!

Best songs: “Evolve”, “Evolve – Extended Remix”, “You Know Nothing – Rob Dust Remix”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: www.facebook.com/uncreatedofficial

Label: www.conzoomrecords.de / www.facebook.com/conzoomofficial

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-pop.

Background/Info: Jonas Olofsson & Patrik Hansson set up Vanguard in 2008. Eleven years later they’re unleashing their fourth studio album, which also is the second one on Infacted Recordings. The album got preceded by the “Save Me”-single.

Content: These Swedes remain faithful to their basic influences, which are clearly electro-pop like. Some songs are a bit indie-like while the harder cuts are driven by EBM-orientated bass lines. The music is well-crafted and accomplished with carrying melody lines and great choruses. Most of the songs are power-pop like, but I also noticed a few, softer, but beautiful songs as well. Vanguard has always reminded me a bit of Mesh and I still consider this as a real reference; great music and a talented singer.

+ + + : “Manifest” moves on there where previous albums left off. The influences remain the same-old ones, but the global production reflects a mature and intelligent composition. The songs are characterized by alluring bass lines (pay attention for “Riot”), excellent melodies and transcendental choruses (I especially recommend listening to “Save Me”). The production of the vocals became also better than before. “Manifest” is without a shadow of a doubt the best work from Vanguard!

– – – : It’s maybe something very personal, but I always got the impression they’re too much inspired by Mesh, but is that really a point?

Conclusion: “Manifest” stands for powerful- and mature electro-pop music. This is one of the best electro-pop albums from the past few months!

Best songs: “Riot”, “Hate”, “Save Me”, “Don’t Forsake Me”, “Grit”, “Higher Ground”.

Rate: (8½).

Artist: www.vanguardofficial.com /  www.facebook.com/vanguardofficial

Label: www.infacted–recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted–Recordings/124099254321690

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

Jonas Rasmusson and Helena Wigeborn are Train To Spain. The name of their band is inspired by a song from the Human League. That brings us directly to 80s electro-pop and new-wave music, which is one of the band’s main sources of inspiration. The Swedish duo this year released their second album entitled “The Journey” on Sub Culture Records. It’s without a shadow of a doubt their most  accomplished and successful work. The songs are driven by catchy sequences, great melodies and danceable vibes. I’d a chat with Jonas and Helena.

(Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: The band name is inspired from a Human League song “The Things That Dreams Are Made Of”. What did really inspired you in this lyrical extract from the song and how do you recognize yourself in this band name?

Jonas: I used to live and work in Spain and I love the country and I’ve always liked and been fascinated by trains. Growing up close to railroad tracks I trainspotted a lot. When listening to Human League the sentence ‘train to Spain’ just hit me in my face! Human league is a nice band, but not one of my favorites. So to name our band ’Like A Halo In Reverse’ would be too obvious. From a band that I like more.

Q: You both met a few years ago and found certain chemistry between the music written by Jonas and vocals sung by Helena. What makes this chemistry and how do you transpose it into songs and lyrics?

Helena: The chemistry mainly goes down to the fact that we both have a love for electronic music from the 80’s and 90’s. Jonas grow up in the 80’s and got into the music then and I was born in the late 80’s and got my influences from the 90’s. With a lot of creativity and different experiences in life we manage to merge the best of us, and that is what we think makes that specific sound of Train To Spain.

Jonas: In the beginning and during the first album I felt like it was just my instrumental songs that Helena liked and put lyrics on. Nowadays we try to work a different way. I now know what Helena likes in songs and I adapt to that. When making our second album we’ve started to make songs that Helena arranges on an acoustic guitar. I then make them electronic.

Q: So you clearly went through an evolution in the song writing, but can you give us more details and especially about the new album “A Journey”?

Helena:  After our first album was released we started working with a new producer, Patrik Hansson, best known as the vocalist from the band Vanguard. We agreed on wanting a ‘heavier’ sound and Patrik helped us out with that. Also, what is new with “A Journey” compared to our first album is that I’ve written four songs of the album, which I think brings a modern pop sound and gives the album a good mix of that and Jonas classic 80’s production.

Jonas: I feel it’s a very big different. Helena is much more confident when she sings and on this album our producer really liked the songs from the start and has put his touch on it. I also changed the gear from 80% software gear to 99% hardware gear. I think we still have our ‘Train To Spain-sound’; the sound that makes us special. Since we released the first album we have been playing in both England (London) and Germany, which have made us more confident and featuring a stronger stage act.

Q: Your music is catchy, melodic and has something ‘happy-sounding’ while the lyrics reflect darker and more serious themes. That’s an interesting contradiction, don’t you think?

Helena & Jonas: A contradiction for sure, but also something that makes the music more interesting to listen to. Life isn’t just happy or sad, it’s a mix of both and the lyrics that come out from Helena are what she experiences or a theme she has in mind at that specific time.

Q: “A Journey” is clearly inspired by 80s electro/wave-pop and that’s a source of inspiration you don’t hide at all. Why are all these bands still going back to the 80s and the origin of electro-pop and what personal touch did you add to your sound?

Helena: What we listen to in our teens really influence us for the rest of our lives. I mean, do you know people discovering new favorite genres when they are in their 30’s or 40’s? That’s why I think people can’t let go the music they listened to in their teens because that is what developed and characterized their identity, and we are not different. What we added is what comes from inside of us, our own creativity and experiences, and that’s something I think you can’t copy from other people.

Jonas: Well I think the 80’s is a very important era in the music history. The technology made a huge leap and that made the experimental/electronic music much easier to make! And there also is the mix between old and new technology; it’s a foundation! I can’t deny that my inspiration comes from the 80’s and 90’s music, but when I compose the music I just chose sounds that I like at the moment for that specific song. I guess that’s what makes our sound.

Q: Artists and labels often complain about decreasing CD-sales while more and more people are using streaming platforms and/or Youtube. You for sure feel concerned about this evolution, but is there any strategy to make things change? What’s the importance of promotion, live performances, getting reviews and interviews etc…?  

Helena: As you describe in your question it is very important to be part of various and different platforms. What we are trying to do is developing good networks with radio presenters, club organizers and be as active as we can on social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, our own website etc. We are very happy and thankful for all the attention and good feedback that we get all around the world. It makes us want to do what we do even more.

Jonas: If we didn’t have all the platforms I don’t think that anyone would know about Train To Spain. So I think all the platforms are just great. I don’t think there are any ways to increase the CD/vinyl sales, unfortunately. The few people in the world (I call them enthusiasts) will still be buying CD’s and vinyl, but streaming is there to stay.

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-pop, body-pop.

Background/Info: Russian electro-pop formation WANT/ed returns with their fourth full length album. The band actually consisting of Yury Aryasov and Sergey Surkov unleashed an album featuring 10 songs plus 2 remixes. Some of the cuts have been already released on previous EP’s.

Content: The band invited numerous guest singers to achieve this work. Tomas Gustafsson (known from Erotic Elk) is not only singing, but also playing guitar on a few cuts. I also have to mention Patrik Hansson (Vanguard) and Miranda Cartel while names like Catrine Christensen, Holger Muller, Evgenly Rodionov and Teemu Salo (Fadeout)       are maybe less familiar names.

Because of the different vocalists this album also sounds pretty diversified. The tracks however moves in between electro-pop and harder body-pop cuts. Some of the female singers cover the work with a breeze of sensuality while the male singers mainly sing on the ‘harder’ cuts. From danceable tracks to melancholic passages, WANT/ed clearly sounds clearly inspired by Depeche Mode.

The bonus remixes have been done by Uncarnate and Erotic Elk.

+ + + : I’m often a skeptical about a band working with multiple singers, but I’ve to admit WANT/ed did a real great selection. The diversity of the work is interesting as you might be seduced by the sensuality of the songs featuring Miranda Cartel and Catrine Christensen at one side and Patrik Hansson (often linked to Mesh) at the other side. The songs are sometimes evoking Depeche Mode, but the most important thing is that they’re well-crafted and revealing all the experience of this Russian duo. Among the harder cuts I’ve to mention the pretty cool “Future Rhythm 2017” with guitar playing by Tomas Gustafsson.

– – – : This is album sounds cool, diversified and enjoyable from start till finish, but I’m just missing a potential hit!

Conclusion: WANT/ed simply confirms great electro-pop is not only and most of the times made in Germany or Sweden, but also in Russia. ScentAir has a nose for national talents and WANT/ed definitely is a band to discover and keep an eye on.

Best songs: “Future Rhythm 2017”, “Fall”, “Nothing To Fear”, “My Pride”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/wantedelectronicsounds

Label: www.scent–air.com / www.facebook.com/ScentairRecords

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-pop.

Background/Info: Italian electro-pop formation Stars Crusaders last year released the successful album “Welcome To Hydra”. “Gemini” is the second EP taken from this album.

Content: “Gemini” remains a great song in the familiar style of this band. It’s danceable electro-pop music carried by a solid kick, great vocals and a perfect chorus.

The title song has been remixed by Decoded Feedback, Vanguard and the to me unknown Desorden Perfecto. Last, but not least we also get another remix, but this time from the song “The Runner”, which originally appeared on the band’s debut album “New Horizons” and which has been remixed by another less familiar name (cf. Hydrian).

+ + + : “Gemini” was not my absolute favorite song from the album although a right choice as EP-title track. It’s a well-crafted and efficient, powerful electro-pop cut. The charismatic vocals perfectly fit this cool cut. There also is an interesting selection of remixes and I especially like the idea this song has been remixed by Decoded Feedback. It’s not my favorite remix, but I especially like because it’s a band dealing with a harder- and darker music style. I personally prefer the remix of Vanguard. It’s also interesting to see rather unknown bands remixing Stars Crusaders.

– – – : “Gemini” is the kind of EP that will mainly appeal to the die-hard fans of the band and also for some DJ’s. But if you want to discover Stars Crusaders you better listen to both albums instead of an EP.

Conclusion: “Gemini” is the kind of EP reminding us the great “Welcome To Hydra”-album although featuring an interesting selection of remixes.

Best songs: “Gemini”, “Gemini – Vanguard ColdEdit Mix”.

Rate: (7½).

Artist: www.starscrusaders.com / www.facebook.com/StarsCrusaders

Label: www.wtiirecords.com / www.facebook.com/WTIIRecords

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

Faber & Faber have announced the publication (later on in April) of 2 books, “All Gates Open” and “Can Kiosk”. The 2 books are being described as the ‘definitive story of the most influential and revered avant-garde band of the late twentieth century’. It consists of two books and previously unseen art and photos.

In book one, “All Gates Open”, Rob Young gives the full biography of the band that emerged at the vanguard of the Krautrock scene in late sixties Cologne. Rob Young’s account draws on interviews with all the founding members of Can, their vocalists, friends and music industry associates.

Book two, “Can Kiosk”, has been assembled by Irmin Schmidt, founding member and guiding spirit of the band, as a “collage” – a technique long associated with Can’s approach to recording. There is an oral history of the band, collated by former Electronic Beats and Spex editor Max Dax, and Robert Defcon, drawing on interviews Irmin conducted with musicians who see Can as an influence. These musicians include the likes of Bobby Gillespie, Geoff Barrow, Mark E. Smith, Daniel Miller and many others, but also with artists and film-makers like Wim Wenders and John Malkovich, where Irmin reflects on more personal matters and his work with film.

Extracts from Irmin’s notebooks and diaries from 2013–14 are also reproduced as a reflection on the creative process, and the memories, dreams and epiphanies it entails. Can Kiosk offers further perspectives on a band that has inspired several generations of musicians and film-makers.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

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Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, body-pop.

Background/Info: Vanguard is back on track with their 3^rd full length album to date. Jonas Olofsson and Patrik Hansson are a Swedish duo I’ve been keeping an eye on since their early debut. They got signed to Conzoom Records on, which they released great work. They last year moved to Infacted Recordings unleashing the EP “I Want To Live” which got enthusiastic reactions.

Content: Vanguard didn’t spare any effort to bring their sound to a higher level. They asked Rob Dust to produce the new work and the least I can say is that the addition of an experienced and talented producer can only improve your work.

The sound remains pretty faithful to the original sound of Vanguard. It’s a kind of powerful electro-pop style, which reminds me –once again, of Mesh. There’s this similar nose to create carrying choruses driven by lyrics you’ll rapidly keep in mind to sing along with Jonas Olofsson. The songs are elaborated and characterized by bouncing kicks. I however discovered a few calmer and more moody cuts. There definitely is some variation in the songs and this diversity makes the album more accessible. You sometimes need a kind of ‘intermezzo’ before getting back to the powerful cuts.

+ + + : I had to listen a few times to this work before I really caught the essence made of little sound details, hopping rhythms and some subtle arrangements. The global structure of progression of the songwriting is admirable and fully accomplished. The elaboration of some songs is even leading towards a kind of climax. The song “I Want To Live” is a real hit! A last, but essential aspect of Vanguard remains the great singing skills of Jonas Olofsson.

– – – : Vanguard will maybe get bored with all the possible comparisons with Mesh, but I simply experience their sound as the ‘Swedish Mesh’. The only point that makes the difference between both formations is that they still have to go a long way before reaching the same level.

Conclusion: After having released 3 albums and an impressive number of EP’s we definitely might affirm that Vanguard is one of the hottest electro-pop bands from the past years while “Veritas” can be easily considered as their opus-magnum.

Best songs: “I Want To Live”, “A Different Story”, “Friends”, “Move On”.

Rate: (8).

Band: www.vanguardofficial.com / www.facebook.com/vanguardofficial

Label: www.infacted–recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted–Recordings/124099254321690

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.

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Out in June is the newest Vanguard album “Never surrender”. The album is the follow-up of the teaser single “I want to live” which was released in late 2015. For their 3rd studio album, Jonas Olovsson and Patrik Hansson asked the help of producer Rob Dust who is probably known to some for his remix and production work for Camouflage, NamNamBulu, Chrom, Frozen Plasma, Visage, Torul, Joachim Witt and so on.

Because of delays the band’s new album “Never surrender” has taken more time than expected so the band told a while back. Not that the band didn’t tease their fans in the meantime as you can see/hear below. The album is now up for pre-order right here!

Pre listening the new album in the car. Soon.. ? #vanguard #synth #synthpop #electropop #neversurrender

A photo posted by VANGUARD (@vanguardofficial) on Feb 18, 2016 at 9:58am PST

The new album will have 12 tracks and you can view a preview below.

And here’s a video for “I Want To Live” in a KC Killjoy Vs ExoSun Starsign Mix.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff

Chief editor of Side-Line – which basically means I spend my days wading through a relentless flood of press releases from labels, artists, DJs, and zealous correspondents. My job? Strip out the promo nonsense, verify what’s actually real, and decide which stories make the cut and which get tossed into the digital void. Outside the news filter bubble, I’m all in for quality sushi and helping raise funds for Ukraine’s ongoing fight against the modern-day axis of evil. Besides music I’m also an SEO and AI content flow specialist and have an interest in everything finance from stocks to crypto. There is music in everything!

side-line.com

(By our Norwegian correspondent Jan Ronald Stange) The new album from the Russian electro-pop band WANT/ed  includes collaborations with various musicians such as Holger Muller, Patrik Hansson (Vanguard), Tomas Gustafsson (Erotik Elk), Dania Morales (Anything Box), Vlada Haruhi, Julie Newman-Sanders (One Vista), Alexander Brown and Manfred Tomaser (!distain).

The album, named “Fringe”, opens a new page in the band’s history. This time the members adds different methods to the already recognizable sound. As a result is 14 diversified tracks: pure melancholy, serene harmony and full of optimism at the same time. 14 different chapters in a book named Fringe.

Jan Ronald Stange

Sometimes – when I’m not cooking, biking, listening to music or attending concerts, I write stuff for Side-Line.com. Mostly about Norwegian bands, but it’s been some Swedish, English, American, Danish, German and others too… 😉

www.facebook.com/jrstange

Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, body-pop.

Content: The Swedish Vanguard duo is a band I’ve kept an eye on since their earlier work. They next got signed to Conzoom Records, which was the right label for their electro-pop inspired music. It all resulted in a few EP’s and 2 full length albums. The band has now joined the more famous Infacted Recordings to give a new ramp-up to their career.

“I Want To Live” is the first official EP released by their new label and it’s a perfect opportunity to rediscover the mature production of this band. The title song is a rather typical Vanguard song featuring this extra little moody touch, which during their early years often reminded me of Mesh. The song is a well-crafted mix between danceable vibes and elaborated electro-pop music.

We next get 2 other new songs, which are much more than simple B-side cuts. Vanguard now reveals a more explicit EBM inspiration, which has been mixed with the pop basis. The EBM aspect is mainly hidden in the solid bass lines and especially “Rising Phoenix” is a cool song in the genre. They’ve found a perfect balance between both influences, which also comes through at “Alive Inside”.

The least I can say is that the ‘new’ Vanguard stands for a cohesive and power-pop like composition with alluring vocals on top.
This EP also brings its usual number of remixes. All I can say is that the choice of the bands is absolutely essential and Vanguard picked the right ones. The title song has been remixed by 4 artists, but the one you really have to keep in mind is the so-called “KC Killjoy Vs ExoSun Starsign Mix”. This remix is pure power and will make you dance for more than 8 minutes. There’s a great mixture of sounds and effects on this version.

I also have to mention a devastating and pumping remix by Interface and another one by FGFC820. Torul is the only band to bring a sweeter touch to the EP and some diversity in the remixes.

Conclusion: “I Want To Live” is a cool new song, which has also been very inspiring for most of the remixers. Both other new songs are pretty cool as well so I’m really looking forward to welcome the new album of this band.

Best songs: “I Want To Live – KC Killjoy Vs ExoSun Starsign Mix”, “I Want To Live”, “Rising Phoenix, “I Want To Live – Interface Remix”.

Rate: (DP:8)DP.

Band: www.vanguardofficial.com / www.facebook.com/vanguardofficial

Label: www.infacted-recordings.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Infacted-Recordings/124099254321690

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