Sometimes releases come out under the radar. The latest lot from Attractive! have fallen into this category. Over the year this minimal synth imprint has doubled its back catalogue, from three to six. For the latest lot a trio of groups find themselves on 7” vinyl.
Treeline are the duo of label boss Steve Lippert and Clive Weston. Based on Treeline’s previous track release it seemed likely a synth pop excursion was on the cards. This is not the case. “Too Hollow” is a peculiar piece of experimental electronics. Samples form the backbone of this unsettling piece, chords jarring with fractured beats. On the flip “The Phone,” from previous Attractive! outings, is drafted in on remix duty. A warped and unnerving take on a disturbing original is the result.
Poeme Electronique have all the attributes of classic synth pop, being resurrected by Anna Logue a few years back. For this EP one of the gems of The Echoes Fade LP, “She’s an Image,” is brought back to vinyl. The 7” version mirrors the platinum electro pop sound of the original, the melody being toyed with to a certain degree. The flip introduces “Rubber Dollies,” a pleasure echo of Kraftwerk’s “Showroom Dummies.” A more modern slant enters the analogue sound, but the peppery tinge of Poeme Electronique continues.
Another favourite of Anna Logue (Stranger Station) are getting the 7” treatment with Attractive! Cynthia is a three tracker of aching minimalism. The title track is a teary work, synth chords mixing with a vivid depiction of a lost character. “Casey” follows a similar lament. Another beatless elegy with a wonderful vintage analogue line propping up the heartbreak. The EP comes to a close with more sombre synth ache, lyrics and grey solemnity mixing for “Magic Carpet.”
Attractive!’s first trio of releases were excellent. The latest triumvirate have built on them. Treeline explore new realms for the label, as do The Stranger Station with their melancholic minimalism. Poeme Electronique offer up an interesting take on an analogue pop classic, adding new fuel on the B-Side. Excellent underground analogue wave from a burgeoning UK label. Keep it coming.
All release are available on Attractive!
