Released on 2 different formats – a double 12-inch and single CD – Misery Loves Company is a compilation of exclusive modern electro tracks from around the world compiled by Ersatz Audio. Bearing more than a passing resemblance to early 80’s new wave electronic music with alterna-punk lyrical attitude, each track uses modern technology and influences to bring old skool electro into the new millennium.
Opening with a spiralling psychadelic electronic instrumental piece “Car Starter” from Pig, Cat and C.ow, Misery Loves Company soon introduces a more familiar Ersatz electro sound in the form of Kitbuilders’ “Tell Me”. Combining alternative vocals and synths with a techno edge, Kitbuilders seamlessly fuse sounds from two different electronic music genres to create an excellent new electro tune. GD Luxxe, a name that often pops up in electro and synthpop circles, produces a very catchy electro guitar driven song with a post-punk vocal style in the form of “Values”. Label owners and electro heroes Adult deliver Kraftwerkian melodies alongside their trademark disinterested vocal style and stylish new skool electro. This is followed by the stylistically similar “Expect Delays” from Solvent and Skanform consisting of a more contemporary electronic sound with the only lyrics being the song’s title. In contrast, “Thin Boys Murdered” by Tamion 12 Inch has a more simplistic sounding retro sound with a punky almost spoken word vocal style somewhat akin to Lydia Lunch.
The exciting thing about Ersatz Audio releases in general is their ability to recreate the coolest aspects of 80’s new wave electronic music in a way that is still new and interesting. These tracks are not merely rehashed retro tunes but something fresh and new created with the best aspects of quality electro in mind. DMX Krew is one of the foremost proponents of the new electro scene and their track on this compilation – “Touch Me” – is no exception. Reminiscent of The Human League at the height of their popularity with post-punk lyrics, “Touch Me” is a particularly good example of the genre. In contrast, Lowfish’s “Dead House” places heavier emphasis on the more modern techno aspects of the sound. Similarly, “Out Like A Tooth” by Charles Manier takes the emphasis on beats and rhythm a step further. In another variation on the theme, Gold Chains provide their own scary distorted techno meets electro take on things with a snarling spoken vocal delivery. Slightly disturbing but very cool and also the song that first inspired Ersatz Audio to compile Misery Loves Company.
A quality release from Ersatz Audio that introduces a collection of tracks that falls within the new electro theme that features first appearances from Pig, Cat & Co.w, Tamion 12 Inch, Goudron and Tommie Sunshine. Varying from retro styling to techno influenced funkiness and on to combinations of both with added experimentalism in the form of musical or lyrical variation. Whatever the influence, all the tracks fit together particularly well with too many quality tracks to try and single any out. Misery Loves Company is a compilation that would act as a perfect introduction for newcomers or a welcome addition to those already savvy with the scene and the Ersatz Audio label in general.
One point of note is that the CD version contains 2 extra tracks over the double 12-inch in the form of album opener “Car Starter” by Pig, Cat and Co.w and “Touch Me” by DMX Krew.
