(January 2010) For a man who managed one 7″ and one LP release from 1982 to 1999, ADN’ Ckrystall is a prolifically busy musician these days. The tongue teasingly named ADN’ Ckrystall, aka Erick Moncollin, has surged back into production in recent years, spanning labels such as Minimal Wave, Clogsontronic, Hertz-Schrittmacher and Anna Logue Records. ADN’ Ckrystall returns once more to the stage with his latest album, this time a co-release on the French labels La Forme Lente/Y’Sil Prod.
ADN’ Ckrystall is undeniably an artist who has his own sound. It is arguable that a lot of synth wave is similar but Moncollin does not just flap in the face of what is earmarked as the conventional sound of new wave, he tears it asunder. ADN’ Ckrystall’s sound is a discordant conglomeration of synthesizers, drum machines and vocals that cradle the edge of sanity. This latest work, entitled Orgasmatron(ic) follows in a similar line. The album, of seven tracks, brings the listener on a journey through the eccentric world of ADN’ Ckrystall’s music. The LP opens with the uplifting title of “Merde Merde Merde,” it being obvious from the outrun that ADN’ Ckrystall has more to add to his distinct back catalogue. ADN’ Ckrystall has some of the polish associated with new wave, his chords have that feel to them. It is the vocals that seem to insert this unease into the equation. “Merde Merde Merde” has this quality, a quirky synthline but one accompanied by disheveled vocals of uncertainty bordering on rejection and absolute subjugation. “Flesh” is a likewise worrying work, with erotically profane subject matter being warped by Moncollin’s haunting vocals as a solid synthline drives the track into alleyways of corruption and lonliness. It is a powerful subtracted piece. “Sometimes” holds the eccentric notes of “Merde Merde Merde,” but brings a new juxtaposition to the chords with elevated levels of writing unhappiness in the lyrics. The B-Side follows the in the same Moncollin mode. “Paricule opens with new levels of solitude as synthesizer reduction of vocal desolation mesh together before the sinister undercurrents of “Mr Z.” land on waves of soaring notes. The record ends with “Novice Driver.” The title seems to shield the listener from the true nature of the track. The vocals are those of a lament, with angry tears being held back under twisted lyrics and low lying synthlines.
ADN’ Ckrystall featured as part of the Portraits of the Electro Scene on IntergalacticFM. Encased in a bunker like studio Moncollin sit encircled by equipment. There is a chaotic unity about the composition, one reflected in ADN’ Ckrystall’s sound. It is disparate, uneven and disconnected, but it is the polarities of his music that bring it together; his is a sounds that is unique. Fragmented vocals and chords are unite to give ADN’ Ckrystall an independence rarely seen today.
Orgasmatron(ic) is out now on La Forme Lente/Ysil ‘ Prod.
