V/A - Messages from the Void part 2

Cyber Dance Records

If you can image a venn diagram of vintage italo, techno and electro, then Cyber Dance, formed by Casionova, Ali Renault and Spruxx, nestle in that tiny section where all three converge.  This album is the first full-length release after a number of singles, showcasing their unusual reconstruction of the three genres. Just as techno is to a certain extent a mutation of a very european take on disco, this is with the exception of Dutchman Mark du Mosch, a British interpretation of classic italo and a chance to hear some new artists on the label.

Given their predilection for analogue equipment, it’s refreshing to hear a take on italo that doesn’t sound ferociously slick and digital as say, Johann Agebjorn does. The opening track “Flight to Zanzibar” is given a subtle reworking by Danish mixmaster Flemming Dalum, but otherwise it would be hard to tell this apart from something released in 1984. There’s also a fair representation of vocals on these tracks, which is a refreshing surprise. Although Serious Lover’s “Got it Wrong” has its DNA buried in 1985, the sheer brashness shoves any concerns about nostalgia aside, apart from the vocals, which are buried a bit too deep in the mix. Martin Aston’s “Mamasita” however never goes anywhere fast and is somewhat forgettable.

Thankfully it’s not all 80’s reworks. Brassica’s “Lydden Circuit” has exactly the right amount of edge to set it apart from most contemporary electro released today, preferring the skeletal snare of a half-step rhythm, but lacing it with some serious atmosphere. Similarly, du Mosch’s idiosyncratic take on blissed out techno is evinced by “Pacifix” - a gloriously dirty track that builds and sways like crashing waves. Alongside the mercurial and glorious three minutes of Tommy Walker III’s “Let’s not go”, these three tracks are the best and hint at a more esoteric direction for the label. 

Ali Renault’s “Deep Sea Pumas” charges along with the requisite amount of sparse electro fire in its belly and there’s also time for a melancholic end with the closing eight minute epic of Meschi’s “Arctic Wolf”. Although no musical boundaries are being broken here, it’s refreshing to hear music of this kind that isn’t taking its cue from Berghain and happy not to follow trends.

Toby Frith

Buy at Juno Records