(August 2010) One thing with the minimal synth resurgence, it is a resurgence. Most look into the fathoms of the past, catching unknown species from the murky depths of obscurity. I’m all for it, but it is nice when a label invests in new talent. One imprint more concerned with the present than the past is Wierd Records. The Brooklyn based label is ran by Pieter Schoolwerth, a figure who helped breath life into the NYC synth scene. Through their weekly parties and events Wierd blossomed. Its impressive roster boasts the likes of Led Er Est, Martial Canterel and Xeno & Oaklander and their compilations are arguably a definitive map of the global minimal synth scene. Maybe Schoolwerth was as impressed by the contents of the Circuits D’Actes 12″ on La Forme Lente as I was, or maybe he’s got a soft spot for Anglo-Franco synth. Either way two of the artists from the Circuits D’Actes find themselves with full length albums out now on Wierd : Automelodi and Frank (just Frank).
Automelodi is the main music project of Xavier Paradis, a Quebec based artist who, so far, has a handful of releases under aliases such as Arnaud Lazlaud. Paradis is behind the group, but Mauricio Lobos (guitars) and Guillaume Ethier (drums) are an integral part. Wierd have hooked up with the group for a self titled debut album, Automelodi. The opener, “Schéma Corporel “, is taken from Automelodi’s self released 2009 EP Faits Ses Courses. A moody work of synth pop, blending French lyrics with a warm analogue melody. “Airline” follows, and the bilingual Montrealers opt for English. The track, with its steady beat, has an addictive quality to it, with Paradis’ vocals being the focal point of the piece. Tempos rise but are kept in check by mellow vocals, like in the uplifting “Rose A.D.” Paradis illustrates his diverse take on synth pop, as in “Rayons De Rien.” which blends live drums and guitar seamlessly with synth. Traditional strings follow into the flipside with “Buanderie Jazz,” the second piece from Faits Ses Courses, before ushering in the upbeat and hummingly happy “Employe Terne.” Automelodi take traditional sounds and combine them with machines to produce a warm electro pop melt that has slivers of the past but is predominantly contemporary in tone. The downtrodden chords of “Limite Malade ” round off the LP in a nice moody minimal fashion. For those with space, and analogue, issues, the CD features a further two pieces, the post-punk elations of “S’rait Bon d’s’revoir ” before the broody “L’Ecran De Fumée ” ends Automelodi’s debut excursion.
If Automelodi’s discography could be described as sparse, Frank (just Frank)’s catalogue is downright spartan. To date Frank (just Frank) have a demo tape, The Brutal Wave, and a track on La Forme Lente. Wierd have decided to take this fledgling cassette and expand it to a full blown album. The first four tracks from the demo tape, recorded in Paris in 2007, see the UK/FR group take their first steps on the Wierd boards. “Beneath ” brings together upbeat melodies, combining synthesizer and strings, cut across by sombre vocals. Next is the Eastern flavoured “Mr Atagaki.” The oriental context is administered with dead pan lyrics alongside a solid guitar hook. Elements of The Smiths and Joy Division are embedded in this ensemble, as tepid vocals shadow the strings. Rather than a synth group Frank (just Frank) take a slice of the structure and drape it over a post punk construct. The B-Side opens with the driving beats, guitars and analogue lines of “Le Son Du Trottoir” with the lyrics migrating to l’hexagone. The group take influences from cold wave with a generous nod to Factory Records. The last track of the LP, also featured on Circuits D’Actes, seems to almost come from nowhere: “The Closet Song.” The guitars are removed from shoulders and a deep synth pop track seeps out. Catchy and distant and a real highlight to finish the record on. Similar to the Automelodi release the digital version offers up two exclusive tracks, first being the mellow “Ride of a Lifetime” before “Collapse” from the original demo cassette rounds things off.
Wierd’s decision to release these two albums in tandum is an interesting one. Automelodi and Frank (just Frank) are like two sides of the same coin. A French Canadian outfit and a band from France and Britain. One a synth centered sound that employs traditional instruments, the latter being a post punk group with an analogue affinity. The two releases signify Wierd’s continued willingness to investigate and invest in new aural avenues and acts.
Both releases above are out now on Wierd.
