Just An Illusion – October Sound

Duo 505 - Another Illusion (Konkord 2008)
Definite the best electronic album I’ve heard this year, and due to the fact that it was released by the less known Austria label Konkord back in January I wasn’t aware of its existence until mid-October (even can hardly seen any English review about this album Orz…). Having released the first album ‘Late’ in 2004 as a collaborative side project, Duo 505 consists of Morr Music’s first signing, Austrian original recording and electronic artist Bernhard Fleischmann, and multi-instrumentalist Herbert Weixelbaum. For long I’ve been a huge fan of B.Fleischmann’s solo works, which are indie electronic/IDM music buried with Post-Rock spirit. ‘Another Illusion’ is not far from that familiar convention – substantive drum beats, persistent chiptune, needless to say the beloved Mc-505 Groovebox – with the extra hands of Mr. Weixelbaum. However the tunes are extremely well produced that it sounds eternal. If have to pick one song to represent the whole, I will say it’s the 3rd song ‘Just An Illusion’. Adding the effortless female vocal to the formula, you can’t ask for more.

The sound of ‘Another Illusion’ stays all around my head for days. Sometime, you can’t resist the temptation to dance with it, even if the music isn’t made for dance lovers at all. Who cares? ‘Oh plz don turn da music down, even if I dont dance 2nite…’

惘闻 (Wang Wen) - RE:RE:RE (长坂坡文化 2006)
If we say Chinese rock/indie music is still in its infancy, then Wang Wen must be one of the most grown ones. The others include 超级市场 (Supermarket) for electronic and Super VC (果味 VC) for Brit/guitar pop.

Formed a decade ago in the Northern seaport Dalian, Wang Wen spent 10 years to release 4 proper albums and gained huge fan base among Chinese listeners. Shortly after the release of ‘IV’, their latest output, they even had the first even European tour to spread the influence and it was well recognised. Drawing influence from those famous PR bands such as Mogwai, Mono, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, they knew very few things about Post-Rock and didn’t have a clue they were heading to the Post-Rock territory. ‘RE:RE:RE:’ is their second album and it’s a completely mind-blower. Here you find the best of PR: patient build up and epic explosion, and track like ‘最后的麻山' also caught the emerging trend of Electronic PR. Similar to those epic PR bands, there is always unseen sadness hiding inside the tracks, making you think and overwhelming you.

Haven’t got the time to consume the latest releases, but I’m very confident that Wang Wen has already stepped into maturity. It’s a silly comparison, but Wang Wen for mainland is like 甜梅号 (Sugar Plum Ferry) for Taiwan that a PR dream for many to fulfill and to proud.

Here is their Myspace page in Chinese and English, and they are also kindly enough to provide free download of 3 albums. Be happy and listen…

Moonlit Sailor - A Footprint Of Feelings (Self-Released 2008)
Another brilliant Post-Rock band emerges from the cold magical land of Sweden, alongside with EF, Pg.Lost, Sickoakes ect. Despite its short in length that this debut is merely 7 tracks/28 minutes long, it is an overwhelming and delightful journey fulfilled with energy. Want to compare? Then I guess it’s faster than Six Parts Seven; brighter than El Ten Eleven; heavier than The American Dollar…

Alcest - Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde (Prophecy Productions 2007)
It’s like an innocent angel in black metal armor that there’s no place to hide the hope and warm heart.

The American Dollar - The American Dollar (Self-Released 2006)
With its melodic guitar and electronics, I can just listen to it and sleep, for a long long time.

Leander - Pass Fail (Kennington 2008)
I wasn’t completely wrong to think Leander isn’t a German band. Listen to the warm sweet electronic tone and touchy English vocal, and look at their label’s name – Kennington! Well, they signed with a London label. Indie Electronic beauty…

Takagi Masakatsu (高木正勝) - COIEDA (W + K Tokyo Lab 2004)
Have to say its colourful painting sleeve was the prime attraction to listen to ‘COIEDA’.
Actually Takagi Masakatsu has come to my attentions for years because of his presence in Karaoke Kalk label as a sound/visual artist. The music surely wasn’t disappointing with the track 5 ‘Exit/Delete’ as the highlight featuring David Sylvian’s vocal.

The sleeve design for all Takagi’s works has been phenomenal, and most of them are by Saeko Takagi, so check it out.

PS: the new banner again produced by kind FreshMike also used the cover of Takagi’s 2006 album ‘Air’s Note’ as foundation. Here’s the original, it’s awesome!