MacBride’s music is attached to a specific synthwave sound, echoing the burgeoning analogue movement in the early 80’s. Across the album each track builds on the last, with the listener being transported deeper and deeper into the synth rich city of Martial Canterel.
[Listen | Purchase] The new year brings more synth delights. This time from Brooklyn’s very own groundbreaking Wierd Records. If you have an inclination towards analogue machines, synth wave, minimal pop and new beat then you’re at home. Weird love the past but display this affection through contemporary artists, producing inspiring pieces of modern day cold wave and minimal electronics. Artists like Led Er Est, Frank (just Frank), Automelodi as well as Xeno & Oaklander call this imprint home. It is the latter that we’re turning our attention to here. When Sean MacBride, the synthesizer virtuso of husband and wife couple Xeno & Oaklander, does his solo bit he records under Martial Canterel. Mr MacBride has released a number of limited albums under this nom de plume, but has been quiet since 2008. Now, Martial Canterel is back with two 7”s and and an LP for your listening pleasure.
“You Today” which features on the LP, is a joyously playful piece of synth pop. In some ways the composition is reminiscent to “Windscreen,” but the break introduces the listener into a new creature. “Champion” opens with Chariot’s of Fire style reverberations before flourishing into a fully fledged piece of dark and playful synthwave; a rare instrumental track. For those of the digital persuasion there is an extra treat with “We’ll See.”
The new LP opens with the future shock shoe gaze flurry of “Occupy These Terms.” The track drives fast across a deserted synth scape, with MacBride’s vocals helping to brake the ever accelerating analogue lines. The opener sets the tone. The tracks are fueled minimal synth. Beats are high and the synthlines catchy and packed. But, their raw energy is reigned in and harnessed to produce a powerful and reflective combination. “Sidestreets” sees MacBride take his foot off the gas for a warm and harmonious synth lament. The tempo drops further for “Empty Sands” as Martial Canterel enters concrete caissons of melodious melancholy. His sound throws up memories of John Foxx, his style and sound shifting within set parameters. MacBride exits the tunnel with the piston’s thumping as “Still a Part” speeds past in a neon synthesizer scream. In some ways MacBride has a similar synth sound to Solvent or even some Skanfrom material, but he adds a certain chill to the analogue warmth to produce something else; as in “Secret Stores.” The structure of the tracks seems aching simple which masks their complexity, as in “Don’t Let Me Go” and “Playfair.” The brief “For Us” brings the album to a close.
“Occupy These Terms” is offered up in 7” format too. Alongside this fiery piece is “The Case,” a clean and coursing track. The synths are simple and powerful with MacBride’s vocals running parallel to the toe tapping pace.
MacBride’s music is attached to a specific synthwave sound, echoing the burgeoning analogue movement in the early 80’s. Across the album each track builds on the last, with the listener being transported deeper and deeper into the synth rich city of Martial Canterel. The singles add further fuel to the engine. These are some of the best minimal synth releases I have heard in recent years; bracingly simple and absolutely superb.
You Today is out now on Wierd. [Listen | Purchase]
[audio:http://igloomag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/youtodayclip.mp3|titles=”You Today” clip]
[audio:http://igloomag.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/letmego.mp3|titles=”Let Me Go” clip]
