Scott Wilson unravels the misdirection and tracks down Brain Machine, the duo behind one of the last decade’s most unique and underappreciated electronic albums.
Having worked with some of the UKs foremost producers in Andy Weatherall, Trevor Jackson and Tim Goldworthy, there’s been an unerring sense of anticipation behind Detachments for some time. With a debut album produced entirely by SMD’s James Ford set for release next week, it looks like the band will finally deliver on this promise.
“Holiday Romance” is perhaps the most poppy track on a broody existential album that takes its musical cue from early 80s European Minimal Wave along with key UK bands such as Fad Gadget and Cabaret Voltaire, so it’s a perfect fit for lead single. Naturally ThisIsNotAnExit secure some brilliant remixes to complement the track, with Bitches Brew boss Cosmo shifting the sonic focus into an extended driving electro popper. Nice enough but it gets totally overshadowed by the colossal raw acid melt from Andy Blake. Clocking in at a monumental 17 mins 36 sec and delivered in one take, Blake’s remix is named in honour of the World Unknown parties he runs in Brixton. Remix of the year.
Tony Poland
Artist: Parallels
Title: Ultralight
Label: Thisisnotanexit
Genre: Disco/Nu Disco
Format: Digital
Buy From: Juno Download
Parallels are a duo form Toronto, Canada that are rewriting modern takes on new wave and disco sounds. This release on Thisisnotanexit Records sees a re-recorded version of their single from last year added to a comprehensive remix package of the same tune.
The new album version of “Ultralight” manages to assign itself to an authentically retro sound without ever descending into cheap imitations or parody. It is a lavishly electronic track, driven by Italo arpeggios and layers of synth bass. The strong vocal performance from Holly Dodson adds yet more power to this shinning, retro stomper. A sure fire hit for any retro or disco lover, this track will also capture the imagination of any newbies who hear it on the dancefloor.
Fellow synth-obsessed pop proprietor, The Dark Esquire offers the first remix of “Ultralight.” His inimitable deep, synthetic tastes take on the original offers a new direction from the album version. A fine to start the remix package before Detachment’s futuristic, stripped down version takes hold. Missing the vocal, this ominous and brooding interpretation throbs along with some heavy bass. Club Silencio’s dub infused disco remix closes the EP in style. Huge chords follow a trippy atmosphere in the massive final moments of the mix. Having built up to this moment throughout the whole EP, this mix does a fantastic job of finishing off the release with the kind of shining, dancefloor disco that its previous tracks deserve.
Review: Tom Jones
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