Jason Amm (aka Solvent) has gone one step further and now decided to dedicate a Suction Records sub-label to synth wave. Welcome to the Ice Machine. Analytica perform excellent synth pop. Their tracks simmer with thought-provoking messages and tongue in cheek expressions. At times their choice of content can feel almost too nostalgic, as if the themes of the 1980s were still as pertinent today.
Politically charged analogue pop
Jason Amm (aka Solvent) has often tried to steer his Suction Records imprint towards the lesser heard side of the synthesizer. In recent years that desire has been realised with releases from the likes of June, with his subtle starker sounds, and the rawer machinations of Celldod and last year Beau Wanzer. Amm has gone one step further and now decided to dedicate a sub-label to synth wave. Welcome to the Ice Machine.
In a curious turn up for the books, the debutant of the new imprint is already part of the Suction back catalogue. For another turn up for said books, I’ve already reviewed it: Ceramic Hello’s The Absence of the Canary. That this record is once again being pressed, not to mention it is the first release, is a statement of intent from Ice Machine’s founder—this style of minimal cold wave is what will be pursued. Interestingly, a second album came out in tandem with Ceramic Hello. Rather than a lost 1980s obscurity, Analytica is a contemporary pairing of two Canadian musicians
Analytica, Gabe Knox and David Lush, offer up eleven tracks for their eponymous debut. In true synth style, the record is a collection of short bursts with most tracks bordering around the three minute mark. “Blackwing” is a perfect example of this. Metronomic rhythms race aside spoken word vocals as notes dance on glass and steel in this wonderfully retro-futuristic work. Like their new wave predecessors, Knox and Lush have stocked their debut album with political commentary. “Submission,” with it kick drum and wandering keys, is a of the same canon as Depeche Mode and Heaven 17. Although the lyrics tells a well-known tale, how the political class and capitalism have left behind only losers, the duo do so with such intelligence that their message simply penetrates with a pop-like ease.
Although the lyrics tells a well-known tale, how the political class and capitalism have left behind only losers, the duo do so with such intelligence that their message simply penetrates with a pop-like ease.
“Counterfeit” has a similar message but is less successful in its delivery, on the one hand its vocals are too direct while on the other parts are indecipherable under a vocoder haze. Nevertheless, Analytica are well schooled on politically charged analogue pop and produce their own to a tee. The short and speeding “Reason Man” is distant, fast and steeped in experience cynicism. Tracks flash by, racing on drum patterns before disappearing around the three minute bend like cars taking a slip road. At times this can be frustrating, at other times the pace and delivery a perfectly balanced. “Warships,” with its lowered tempo and sailing notes, is both foreboding and inspiring. As BPMs drop, another side of the group is on display as in the low lament of “Oblivion.” This strangely cheerful closer counters an upbeat tune with downtrodden vocals with powerful effect.
Analytica perform excellent synth pop. Their tracks simmer with thought-provoking messages and tongue in cheek expressions. At times their choice of content can feel almost too nostalgic, as if the themes of the 1980s were still as pertinent today. Nonetheless, the truth is that many of these themes are still major issues and music simply them. The focus of groups such as The Human League, Depeche Mode and Heaven 17 was to highlight the problems of corruption, greed, rampant individualism. The reality is that the last forty years have seen a widening of these trends to a certain degree; for that very reason, why not sing about them?
As for Ice Machine, with a true synth head at the helm you can be guaranteed that this label is in good hands. Expect new music, and old of course, and definitely expect to be challenged by what you hear.
Analytica is available on Ice Machine.
