This latest installment probes the shadows even further. Tracks delve deeper into murky undercurrents, scrutinizing ashen aspects and the pierced psyches of the unseen and, sometimes, unheard.
It’s been a pleasure to have been privy to the development of Tsampikos Fronas’ music, both his own as an artist and his eponymous label’s output. June’s output has certainly changed since the early forays into Chicago house and synth wave, although the Greek man still has a penchant for the latter. Perhaps it’s been the influence of the wider world that has brought about this shift in style, new musicians and sounds being the inspiration. Maybe it’s a change of scenery and city. One definite factor has been the partnership of Fronas with London based Trenton Chase, the duo having just returned from the pressing plants with a new mini album release.
As in their previous encounter, Manie Sans Délire elbow the accepted preconceptions of house, ebm and techno right in the ribs. “Pyre” is a bleary distorted affair. Weak drums are bullied by biting bass and gunshot vocals. A jagged edge courses through the entire record. Raw, tracks are dirtied before being taunted and teased into submission. “Simulacron” electrocutes claps, sending them into a hissing frenzy as chord jump and spark. New wave begins to eclipse into the B. Percussion speeds in the frigid and frenetic “The Visit,” with the brakes being applied for the moody shadows of “Praescitum.” “Threat Generator” is pure paranoid poetry. Playful and catchy the twosome toy with spoken word lyrics for a cracking, confusing and clever piece of experimental 80s pastiche.
The term Manie Sans Délire comes from 19th century attempts to define mental illness, to pin down the darker side of the mind. It also applies to the music of June and Trenton Chase. This latest installment probes the shadows even further. Tracks delve deeper into murky undercurrents, scrutinizing ashen aspects and the pierced psyches of the unseen and, sometimes, unheard.
Untitled is available on June.
