Cinephile is a new band from Scottland. The ol’ Isle has given us plenty to appreciate of it’s arts and artists. Cinephile is just one more thing to add to the list. Susan Wallace and Kenny Inglis are the components of the band whose latest release is a limited edition EP called "Comatose". Now I have to be honest with you. I really hate EPs. I mean... really! So I almost tossed the disk in a "get to it" pile but something told me to listen to it right away. I am ecstatic that I didn’t pass this one by. "Comatose EP" consists of 5 tracks. The first 3 are different mixes of the title song. Normally that really puts me off too. But these remixes are so well mastered, planned and executed that they sound like 3 completely different songs. The first track of "Comatose" is a smooth mix. The raw energy of the band really shines through. The music starts without much interest but then the vocals come in wringing you dry, or should I say soaking you with sultry seductiveness. Wallace’s voice seduces you to the height of eroticism easily putting her in the same class as the sensual intonations of Caroline Lavelle, Sarah McLachlan and Kristy Thirsk (Delerium). The second cut helps itself to a little more of a gritty and primal mix but still smooth none-the-less and introduces guest guitarist R. McLelland. McLelland’s delicate and unobtrusive underpinnings enhance this music so much I wonder why he isn’t a part of Cinephile. McLelland knows his place within the framework of the music and doesn’t step over bounds. This is append with some male background vocals which further enhance the female character of Wallaces addictive performance. The third mix of "Comatose" is a pop rendition of the tune. More bare bones in execution. I really can’t decide which remix I enjoy the most because they are so individually unique. "Blowback", track four, once again lulls the listener into Cinephile’s erotic framework. It is executed much in the same vein as the band Delerium. This time Wallace constructs an ethereal mist of angelic harmony which softly drifts through rhythmic structures. Track five begins with a childlike innocence which segways into a soft and sexy dance song which reminds one of hot summer nights when you hold your lover in your arms and drink in each other while swaying upon the dance floor. Though the music of Cinephile is beautifully produced and equally as well mastered Inglis has'nt given us anything groundbreaking or uniquely original and it would easily get lost within the virtual sea of music to drone on with all the others, save the vocals of Susan Wallace whose performance and execution elevates the music to such a lofty and commercial level that it must find it’s way into your record collection. I hope we hear a lot more of her, and so will you.

Minimal, melodic and sometimes melancholic, Janosch Moldau made two really good versions of his debut single ON MY OWN. Unfortunately Janosch has been caught by the music industry fever of releasing a second version of the single (including exclusive remixed version of the tracks), even if only one CD could include them all. Fortunately all the tracks of the two CDs are good enough to pass on this fact. The first single contains the original version of the song plus an "extended step mix", a new track "Life is moving" and a remix of "Redeemer", track that will give the title to Janosch's first album. The second single, contains five tracks: three remixes of ON MY OWN ("Carbonate mix" "New hookpark mix" and "Liquid theme") and two remixes of "We are laughing" ("Grain could mix" and "Exit mix"). All the remixes are kinda ambient with some i.d.m. inserts and give a new life to the synthpop tune of the original versions. Also, the original version of the tracks isn't strictly the kind of synthpop influenced only by 80's, because on those ones you can find modern electronic arrangements and digital sounds. Even if this is the first release of the project I can say that Janosch is ready to perform head to head with the big names of the electronic scene. Well done...

TERMINAL BLISS play a music between electronic and rock, distinguished by the sweetness and softness of atmospheres and voice. In some songs they show also a more aggressive approach, such as in "Dirty Mind", where fat synths and guitars attack your ears, or in "Now is the Time", more danceable and involving. Listening to their "The art of seduction" emerges a band taking inspiration from DEPECHE MODE, above all, but with a personal attitude and a range of influences that make both melodies and compositions a good example of what a good band can offer. Some songs, such as "Take it", echo with citations from PINK FLOYD, in particular from the first period, and THE CURE. This, far from being a negative thing, is a proof that they have been taught by the best bands in rock scene. Rhythm section has for the most part a sound between trip-hop and dub, sometimes a techno beat, and this, united to the progressive electronic synths, gives a perpetual sense of being in a dream, or under water. You have to listen to their music completely relaxed, with closed eyes, for they have to catch you and show the path to the Knowledge. Some of you will stand up and dance conscienceless, other will fly cherished by sounds and lyrics, a real eye on everybody’s life. The only thing, in my opinion, the band has to take care of, apart from the natural evolution, is the voice. Even if the singer Daniel Cain has a more dramatic approach and a sharper timbre, many times I thought I was listening to Dave Gahan. Yet, sometimes a more varied approach would give more energy to the songs. Buy it and see them live.

Finesse and Runway is the joint project of Miami natives Dino Felipe (already active on Schematic with solo releases) and Melba Payes and their self titled CD is their first album. Immediately at a first listening the tracks sounds fresh, energetic, musically kinky just like the good stuff, back in the '80s (like the lushy Soft Cell songs). Even if Finesse and Runaway sound is son of punk, electronic just like a good mixture of USA punk (Crime, maybe could be the right name for their attitude) and The Normal (do you know their unique and basilar 1978 single "Warm Leatherette"?) but Dino and Melba know very well how to mix experimental solutions with melodic impetuosity and a little bit of disco fashion. The result is really convincing me and if you have just bought your copy of the last Le Tigre album (just like me) asking yourselves were all the energy and ideas went, try this album. There aren't guitars but tracks like "Steam n' suds" or "New materials" will convince you to try something more varied and full of good intuitions. Finesse and Runaway aren't the quintessence of pop but if you also dig bands like Adult, this could be the right move!

"Visualize" is Provision new debut album a follow-up from their previous critical acclaimed "Evaporate". Breye & Co. really knows how to make wonderful synth-pop music. The music is energetic, fun, full of tension, up tempo, bouncy, well sequenced, and very well written. Breye's voice is filled with strong emotions and feeling. An enjoyable album to listen to. Not one track on disc can be ignore. Now I can see why it was the best seller on A Different Drum label. Provision is brilliant when comes recording, producing, and mixing. I heard so much about their live performance at clubs and music festivals. Hopefully I get a chance to see them live and give them a godly bow for making good synth-pop music. The disc also comes with a bonus cd that feature remixes from different artists; Cloudless, Rename, Glow, Fr/Action, Hajas and Halovox; and two B-side tracks; "Insecurity" and "Replicate". Provision songs varies on many subjects that is emotionally touching. "Visualize" is defined well-crafted and danceable.


Disc 1

1. Could've Had It All
2. Obsession
3. Untrue
4. Obvious
5. Each Second Suffering
6. Chemistry
7. Visualize
8. Illusion
9. Neverending
10. Destiny
11. Intruder
12. Flood Of Emotion

Disc 2

1. Insecurity
2. Could've Had It All (Cloudless Mix)
3. Replicate
4. Flood Of Emotion (Rename Mix)
5. Untrue (Glow Mix)
6. Obvious (Fr/Action Mix)
7. Visualize (Hajas Mix)
8. Each Second Suffering (Halovox Mix)