No Visible Means maps a number of styles, exploring some of the aggression of the post-punk scene and the social insecurities at the birth of synth wave.
[Release page] In the recent lean towards nostalgia obscurity has become the mainstream. Across a spread of labels dusty and rare records are being dug out of sealed vaults and being resurrected to vinyl. The stock of that strange record shop of 1984 is finally getting the attention deserved, a quarter of a decade later. Medical Records latest outing has been to Canada to hook up with Lou Champagne System.
Lou Champagne was part of the Ontario music scene, combining guitars, synths and machine drums. His unique style culminated in the self released LP, No Visible Means. Nearly thirty years later Medical Records bring Mr. Champagne back into the hands of its fans.
The strange world of Lou Champagne System is entered through “Don’t Say I’m Here.” The track rages with an industrial energy, strings and powerful vocals scratch over machinery and pedals. “Broken Hearts” is much more rock centered, LCS puling off some noteworthy solos in the process. The synth wave taps are opened for “Propaganda Frustration.” A warbling backdrop judders with a strong melody tying the track together nicely. The album is a D.I.Y. affair, tracks having a rough and cobbled feel. “Another Dimension” is a grainy piece of punk, guitars and guttural vocals coming from Mr. Champagne. The variety of styles Lou Champagne explores is impressive. The B-Side opens with the punk petrol of “Do Something,” further charged by “Invisible Prison.” “Machine Muzik” brings together strings, synths and a sense of experimentation. The vocals are coarse with a raw and primal edge surging through the track. Arguably the best is saved for last. The energy and rawness of previous tracks is consumed in an ultimate piece of melancholic minimalism. “Walking Silently,” which I first came across on an aratkiLo mix, is a work of absolute isolation. A vulnerable piece of electronics steeped in the self absorbed and self pitying sound of synth wave estrangement.
No Visible Means maps a number of styles, exploring some of the aggression of the post-punk scene and the social insecurities at the birth of synth wave. There are moments of Somnambulist in LCS’s sound, also echoes of Throbbing Gristle and Neon Judgement come through. No Visible Means has two sides, gritty punk tones alongside some sleeker synth sounds. Another pioneering piece of New Wave coming from the West Coast based Medical Records.
No Visible Means is out now on Medical. [Release page]
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