The latest compilation has wandered into the realms of industrial and post punk, but has again focused on exciting new synthesizer acts.
La Forme Lente‘s Circuit D’Actes was not only one of the stand out synth wave compilations of 2010, it was one of the most prophetic. The French imprint chose four artists for this 12” ensemble, two of which (Automelodi and Frank (just Frank) have since been picked up by New York’s excellent Wierd Records and another (Dolina) has just released on Germany’s Treue Um Treue. La Forme Lente has stuck to the same formula for Circuit D’Acts 2, but doubled the output with two tracks per contributor. So, what has this label managed to find this time?
:Codes open the LP. :Codes are no stranger to the compilation business, it appears to be their bread and butter with appearances on Kommando6 and Enfant Terrible. For La Forme Lente :Codes give up the parred back minimal “Shadow Coat.” The track is a measured and cold piece of modern wave music, aching for abandonment. Next we’re off to the US for Ssleeping DesiresS and their catchy synth pop style. “Of Lovers” has a balance of warm analogue tones and disinterested and removed lyrics. The track stems from the Wierd sound, dejected in one breath and accepting in the next. Nilhiltronix introduces the billowing chimney stacks and stained metal of post punk industrialism, angst ridden and harsh. The best known, for me anyway, is up next; Makina Girgir with “Vie Absurde.” The track is full of the goodness previously served up by this French synth zealot and boss of Falco Invernale Records. Now across to the UK for Former Airline and “Oktober.” The group, with a handful of appearances and a self released cassette under their belts, offer up a melt of traditional sound dripping with alienation and some electronic abstractions. By the B-Side it’s become apparent that LFL are displaying some of their favourite genres, retrospective synth pop and disenfranchised strings. The flip opens with “This Age” by Ssleeping DesiresS which blends a modern electro disco synthline with lumbering and sorrow-filled vocals. :Codes return with “Nekra Fylla” and a real stomper of an industrial piece. Slow and cumbersome with female vocals adding ballast to the dense sounds, wonderful piece.
Nilhiltronix brings the cheerful “Emptiness” to the the B-Side. The track is drenched in a dismal industrial drear, with tortured strings stretched and wrenched before distant vocals enter. A very dark piece of minimalism indeed. Synths take centre stage once more with Makina Girgir and “Chimère.” A tempered and dark piece of electro pop with rich and textured analogue tones. The fuselage clatter and engine distortion of Former Airline lead the LP to a close with twisted strings and muffled vocals.
Circuits D’Actes was a succinct and balanced compilation of upcoming artists with an ear for electro pop and synth wave. Circuits D’Actes 2 has followed on from where its older brother left off. The cast is new, but nonetheless just as ground-breaking. The latest compilation has wandered into the realms of industrial and post punk, but has again focused on exciting new synthesizer acts. LFL’s latest has build on the last. A modern snapshot of what is happening across the globe in the synth wave scene. Time will tell whether this follow up compilation will be as prophetic as its predecessor; either way it’s hit the right notes.
Circuit D’Actes 2 is out now on La Forme Lente.
