Nuclear ripples from the 90s, as toxic today as they were near twenty years ago.
I first covered Forced Nostalgia back in 2011. The Belgian label was just starting out, reissuing moody and introverted dark Industrial sounds. The weather of Belgium has ensured that moodiness has continued, but since then then other styles have been explored with a broadening of output. Of late a return to Techno has been the focus. Following a cassette release from the legendary Thomas P. Heckmann Forced Nostalgia are turning their gaze to a founding father from the US.
Woody McBride is part of the framework of American Techno. The North Dakota musician took up a TB303 in the early 90s and never looked back. Now a pillar of Acid, this trailblazer has clocked up a formidable catalog. With releases on labels like Drop Bass Network, Synewave and Generator Records McBride forged a spread of aliases in the electrical furnace of his machines. It is his 4D mask which is the focus of When Good Times Turn Sour.
“The Head Is No Longer Than The Body” is the curiously titled opener. The track first appeared on Labworks in ’94. A barrage is the serving. Bubbling bombs of squawking bass pierced by snapping beats. The woozy and lilting “Pasture’s Star Route” follows. Drunken chords stagger before being righted by punching percussion. The track, despite being two decades old, feels brand new. It’s originality is reflected in contemporary artists like Frak or Gesloten Cirkel who have taken up that same raw edged Techno sound. The EP is emblematic of the quality that existed in the 90s, tracks with a heady and hedonistic slant brushed with tar. Profane elation through crooked smiles and blurred morals. The late night intoxication continues with the thrust and pound of “Out of Reach.” The 12” is a great cross section of 4D. FN have delved deep into the American’s catalogue and pulled out some vintage tracks. “Pure Ideas” bends and curves into oblivion, tweaked bars sinking into the abyss of morning sun. But that sun isn’t ready to rise, a full mix CD is also included. Bleary eyes guaranteed.
I’d known of Woody McBride for a long time, but had never picked up any of his records. I’m not exactly sure why, perhaps I thought the comical name might be reflected in his music. I’m glad my prejudices have been beaten down. All four pieces are top pieces of 303 debauchery. Bass lines are pumped and the scream of the Acid box leaves circuitboards and speakers raw. Nuclear ripples from the 90s, as toxic today as they were near twenty years ago. More discogs digging for me.
When Good Times Turn Sour is available on Forced Nostalgia.
