A real marriage of style. Most interestingly there isn’t a single sound that dominates, rather this is an alignment of both that has created something new.
Mannequin‘s first 7” for some time is enough to make any self respecting synth wave nut sit up in their seat. For this 45 RPM treat a formidable collaboration has been formed, NY based Martial Canterel (Wierd artist, synth zealot and half of Xeno & Oaklander) alongside Stockholm centred Tobias Bernstrup (of F.I.R. and Enfant Terrible fame.) Both have been architects of the synth wave resurgence, each having a different style. So what have they accomplished as a duo?
The 7” boasts two tracks, first up is “Strange Land.” The track combines the two artist’s styles. Both offer up vocals, Martial Canterel backing. Aspects of Bernstrup’s cold electronic disco mood comes together with Canterel’s minimal synth tones. The track exudes an addictive wave quality, simple synthesizer coming together with a sharp beat to produce an excellent piece. The flipside holds “Shadow Rider” and again both artists are contributing chords and chorus. The machine beats are tidy, the melody disaffected and icy with lyrics responding to a tepid marginalization.
Based on the results, collaborations seem to be tricky to pull off. Artists that would appear to work well together stylistically just don’t gel when it comes to bringing the sound together. But for Martial Canterel and Tobias Bernstrup this is a real marriage of style. Most interestingly there isn’t a single sound that dominates, rather this is an alignment of both that has created something new. A form of cold wave with a slight floor slant. One qualm, a full 12” would have been nice. Perhaps an album on the horizon?
Strange Land is out now on Mannequin.
Martial Canterel + Tobias Bernstrup – Strange Land by Mannequin Label
