Wax & Fred Ventura :: Double review (Bordello A Parigi)

Bordello A Parigi open the doors for the new year with a feast of Italo flesh. The sounds of Roma and Paris circa 1980s are explored by the Dutch imprint in extremely limited numbers.

Two things I’ve always steered clear of: edits and single-sided records. The main reasons being that a lot of edits were poor takes on the original and single sided 12”s can be expensive. The latest from Bordello I Parigi bucks this trend. Wax were a short-lived French synthesizer duo. The fruits of their labour was one 12” released in 1984; their legacy, seven minutes of music. But, what they did make was excellent Italo Disco. It is from this obscurity that the men from the Bordello have plucked a track and given it the extended edit treatment by Dupe. “Wax Dance” is Francophile Italo gold. The track is immediately memorable. Sugary synths combine with scaling vocals for a criminally good piece of pop. One of those ridiculously rare pieces, dropped by the likes of Intergalactic Gary, revived and given some extra goodness for the DJ minded.

To keep the Italo theme, the Bordello call upon one of the Godfathers of Spaghetti Dance, Fred Ventura. In 1980s Italy Ventura released a spread of classics with platinum tinted floor fillers like “The Years” and “The Winds of Change.” Federico Di Bonaventura was also responsible for the vocals on a number of other Italo hits, such as Paul Paul “Burn on the Flames.” In recent years the “Don” has worked with Dutch artists like Alden Tyrell. For Bordello Ventura offers up Memories of the Future. The openings track it is an obscure Italo outfit that take centre stage rather than Ventura. In 1984 M&G released the all-time classic “When I Let You Down,” a piece of synth pop perfection. In 2007 Ventura remixed the track for Delivery Records. It is Ventura’s remix that is now being re-made by both Flemming Dalum and Salvino for Bordello.

Confused? Don’t be. Up first is Savino’s take. To be honest, I was never a huge fan of the Ventura remix on Delivery; simply because the original is much better. But Savino’s interpretation is cheesily refreshing, if that makes sense. Vocals are heavy, as in the original, with the chords having a retro-fitted modern Italo Dance to them. Flemming Dalum’s mix has a similar sentiment, beats a bit heavier but overall catchy and fun. “Kings of the Night (Demo 84)” is an unreleased track and sees Ventura explore some of the sounds of New Wave. His unmistakable vocals are present but the speed and snap of the track comes from the traditions of Italian synth pop rather than the Italo cousin. “Looking for a Western Beat (Demo 88)” sees a return to pure Italo with the synthesizer leading the way before “New Way Out (Demo 89.)” The finale sees Ventura in uncharted lands, Piano House to bring the record to a close. A well executed example of the sound.

Two analogue crackers from the Netherlands. Wax is a real gem to see back on vinyl. The track is that winning combination of innocence and marketability. Memories from the Future is a topsy-turvy ride of genres but contains some real quality. Manna for Italo Disco faithful.

Wax Dances and Memories from the Future are both available on Bordello A Parigi.