Archive for the ‘Robot Rock’ Category
Robot Rock du Jour: Palais Schaumburg – Telephon (1981)
RAMPAGE! I’m in love with this stuff… Thick guitar basslines, tweaked synths, angsty vocals, drums, real germans…
End of line…
Real Genius: Informatics – Dance to a Dangerous Beat (1980 – 1985)
Previously unreleased, masterfully minimal work from Australia’s cutting edge art-school synth-pop outfit Informatics. This material dates from 1980 – 1985 and is finally seeing the light of day thanks to Josh at Dark Entries in SF. Not sure what the hell is going on this video, but who cares?!
SCHEMATIC: Quirky, poppy, punky synth track “What A World” after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »
Robot Rock du Jour: Neon Indian (2009)
Although still a bit self-conscious and borderline radio friendly, the combination of 8-bit feel and vintage synths with some 21st century compression is post-worthy. A little grooming, a bit more suffering and these kids could really develop a sound. It is synth meets indie meets navel-gazing pop. Straight outta…Texas? Love it. Peep the analog video synth work as well!
SCHEMATIC: A curated selection of video goodies!
Robot Rock du Jour: Liaisons Dangereuses – Los Niños Del Parque (1981)
German EBM (Electronic Body Music) pioneers, Liaisons Dangereuses are goin’ for it full throttle on this track. This particular live version was filmed in Manchester in 1982. Acid synthlines abound, making this track a landmark Chicago/Detroit precursor. iSpy my favorite synth duo the Korg MS-20 and MS-50.
SCHEMATIC: Live in Düsseldorf, synths, famous female band member…
Robot Rock du Jour: Factory Floor – Two Different Ways (2011)
Industrial + Acid = Factory Floor
This gem dropped on DFA two short months after I posted Factory Floor’s amazing Real Love.
“Too far gone… Ain’t No Way Back!”
SCHEMATIC: Oh my god, a real B-side DUB! (“Second Way”)… Read the rest of this entry »
Robot Rock du Jour: Bernard Fevre aka Black Devil – Dali(1975)
Then the French said, “Let there be dark disco.” And it was really, really good.
Right?! 1975. Whoa.
As a music genealogist, moments where new musical (sub)genres are born are pretty much the stuff of dreams.
Within this span of 84 seconds, from an offbeat library (ie music snippets) album “The Strange World of Bernard Fevre,” foundations are laid for the deepest, darkest, most esoteric disco album ever made, Black Devil’s”Disco Club” in 1978.
SCHEMATIC: The entire legendary “Disco Club” LP and a live performance! Read the rest of this entry »
Robot Rock du Jour: Experimental Products – Glowing In The Dark (1984)
I want to radiate as soon as I can, so I, too, can glow in the dark.
What is it about this city that makes me crave analog synthiness?
Glowing in the dark again…
End of line…
Icons: Leon Theramin
Leon Theramin, electronic music pioneer and russian spy. Awesome.
Great article in the BBC yesterday.
End of line…
Icons: Veronica Vasicka (2010)
Founder of NY-based revivalist label Minimal Wave talks about her work.
Herself a diamond in the rough, Veronica’s pirate radio station-turned-label has fittingly refocused attention on some spectacular, mostly unknown or forgotten artists. Beyond reissues, Veronica’s bringing to light new talent with a penchant for stripped down, analog sounds, like Medio Mutante.
SCHEMATIC: An interview with Ford Models and a link to the Minimal Wave Facebook group… Read the rest of this entry »
Robot Rock du Jour: Hooray For Earth – True Loves (Cereal Spiller Remix) (2011)
While this song is uncomfortably close to mainstream for my circuit boards, this deconstructed remix by NYC incognitos Cereal Spiller is just off the beaten path enough to ensure safety. The real winner here, tho, is the animation created by UK-based artist Cyriak Harris.
SCHEMATIC: True Loves (Album Version) with another great video… Read the rest of this entry »