It takes a certain type of archaeologist to unearth, dust down and display these works of the past. Mannequin is an expert in this field. Not content with releasing contemporary synth wave majesty, the label has once again dived into the archives of Italy. Danza Meccanica Vol. 2 is a treasure trove of minimal music. Rasping machine music, complex pop pieces and enflamed synth sounds are catalogued and contained.
Mannequin Records is a label synonymous with quality. The Italian imprint has served up prime cuts of post punk, minimal synth and electro wave. The flagship of the trailblazing Mannequin is Danza Meccanica. The first foray into Italian Synth Wave was extremely well received—now it’s time for Danza Meccanica Vol. 2.
From the outset the listener is faced with a spread of unsung synth heroes. The brooding begins with Suicide Dada and their slow burning “Acque.” Tracks immediately writhe and weep, emotionally draining chords and vocals gripping the listener. Sons of Science construct a cold cityscape, echoing the sounds of Linear Movement, for “Way of Life.” Waveform serve up the high tempo “Creep.” Milky vocals mix with addictive chords in this racey synth work, similar to some Kernkrach and Plastic Frog sounds. The best known of the compilation are Ruins, of “Fire” and Minimal Wave fame, who offer up a peculiar piece of confused synth rock. Jeunesse Divoire follow with the superb “A Gift of Tears,” a breathy piece of analogue nostalgia. L.A.S.’s Crime dish up a disgruntled piece of electro post punk” Mick Wills recently dropped Musumeci’s “Harry Batasuan” to begin a four hour set in Hamburg. Drum machines rattle in this piece of proto new beat, a future echo of Jak. Deca and “First Frequency” is sublime synth. The track aches with the echoes of the British new wave sound. The chords are emotive, with a hollow quality further diluted by cold lyrics.
The obscurities of the synth wave scene know no bounds. For the explorer there are innumerable paths to investigate. But, many of these hidden secrets dwell on lost tapes and decaying 7”s. It takes a certain type of archaeologist to unearth, dust down and display these works of the past. Mannequin is an expert in this field. Not content with releasing contemporary synth wave majesty, the label has once again dived into the archives of Italy. Danza Meccanica Vol. 2 is a treasure trove of minimal music. Rasping machine music, complex pop pieces and enflamed synth sounds are catalogued and contained. Another amazing feat from an inspiring imprint.
Danza Meccanica Vol. 2 is available on Mannequin. CD | LP | Bandcamp
