I had the pleasure of
reviewing a few single releases from a relatively new collaboration called
Scenius last year and they are back and part of the wider compilation release
that is “Generation Blitz” – a double album containing thirty four pieces of
music which harp back to those post punk electronic days that were the late
70s and early 80s.
Scenius have quickly
become one of my favourite artists of the last few years but I will return to
their new release on this album a little later in the review, in the meantime
it is important to recognise the overall concept of the album and some of the
other contributors.
Unlike many compilations
that are released “Generation Blitz” features many exclusive tracks that are
not found on other albums, or at least have not yet been found elsewhere. The music is inspired by the Blitz Club era –
the Blitz Club was a venue in Covent Garden in London which opened in 1979 and
fast became the birthplace of New Romantics, party goers with blurred genders
and importantly a new kind of music that was synthesiser based and became known
as electropop. The music on “Generation
Blitz” is inspired by that era but many of the bands and collaborations are
still fresh and use much of the modern technology to create a sound that is
electropop but still different and new.
There is much to enjoy on
this album and to be clear there is a lot of content here, thirty four tracks
is a significant amount and there is a danger that some of the music is pure
filler – and in some cases I think it is – but the amount of exclusive songs is
where I think this release has the edge.
It is different from many other compilations I have listened to.
Highlights for me on the
album include “Sentimental Sounds” from MORE which is simply mesmerising and
enticing, the vocal is absolutely perfect and I spent much time with this track
on repeat. “Adulation” by She’s Got
Claws is very different and I definitely saw a huge indie influence on this
track which combined with the electropop feels makes this a little different to
many of the other elements of the release.
Of the exclusive releases
on the album “Radio Kootwijk” by Birmingham Electric is a fantastic song – the
band have more than a passing resemblance to OMD but that is far from a
criticism and most definitely a compliment. A fantastic remix version. “Strength in Numbers” by LorD and Master is a
stand out and much more of a dance-based electronic track that would not be out
of place in any DJ set mixed with some of the sounds of the Blitz era – so
modern and yet so Blitz.
Notable mentions should
also go to Blood Everywhere, Maxx Silver, Nature of Wires and Blak Light who
have produced superb additions to the compilation and make the overall release
something very special.
However, my most notable
mention must go to “Escalation” by Scenius. This probably wasn’t a surprised given that I have been such a fan of their
work for the last few years but this track is simply brilliant. They have been desperate to show their
adaptability in the last few releases but this definitely comes from the core
sound that is Scenius. The vocal from
Fabrice has all of his usual tone and compliments the synth sound in the same
way that the great bands of that era did.
I have long said that Scenius are special and whilst still something of
a well kept secret, they will break into more of the mainstream success at some
point. In the meantime just enjoy them
for what they are and appreciate that they stick totally to their musical
principles and continue to release stunning music they are clearly very proud of.
Reviewer - John Fish
No comments:
Post a Comment