By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro Soundtrack Editor
“Instrumentalisation” (2023)(Cine 28) was
released on vinyl on February 24th together with a CD edition that includes last
year’s release, “Manipulation” (2022)(Cine 27) in a different mix and order.
There is also a 2-vinyl/CD set offered together with “Manipulation”. “Instrumentalisation”
is the long awaited and eagerly anticipated sister album to LAWA’s “Manipulation”.
I should point out at this stage, and for
review purposes, that I am listening to the vinyl LP version of this release.
The LP plays continuously (in a concept style) and without breaks, which
sometimes proves hard to determine where some pieces begin and end. “Instrumentalisation”
opens with the brooding ‘Plugout’, a nice synth-based rhythm played over a deep
throbbing bass riff. It sets up the album well, and wouldn’t sound out of place
in any number of 80s sci-fi flicks made by John Carpenter or David Cronenberg. Pulsating rhythms and industrial themes form
the basis of side A, the 8 pieces vary in their range. ‘Complot’, for instance,
features some delicate, childlike backing vocals that really add a haunting
charm to the track. Additional tracks such as ‘RND’ and in particular, ‘Guns’
ramp up the apocalyptic synths and drum beats and provide a real sense of dread
and tense, edgy atmosphere. Side A closes with the delightful ‘Soft Girl’, a
dreamy little segment which unfortunately is also the shortest track of the
side. Nevertheless, it does set you up nicely for the flipside – or perhaps is
simply designed to lead you into a false sense of safety and security? LAWA
always maintain a dark, wicked sense of humour and a genuine knack of messing
with your soul on an emotional level.
Side B does continue in a much similar vein,
perhaps a little more restrictive in its themes and doesn’t quite branch out,
(as far as exploring new directions) as side A. That said, there is still a
whole lot to enjoy. Diverse influences here range from the film works of Goblin
to Tangerine Dream. Tracks such as ‘Vault’ and ‘So soft’ are all good, solid
examples of filmic synth-pop of the past. I have a lot of love for “Instrumentalisation”,
but I also believe LAWA can spread their wings to a wider degree. Over the
course of these two albums, it’s proven that the duo can do the dramatic and
the ‘industrial’ – but I wouldn’t want it to turn into a self-restrictive style
or limited in terms of exploring new areas. I feel that LAWA could quite easily
remove the restraining belts and venture out into even richer (and dare I say
it) softer territories? They have certainly touched upon it, perhaps a little
too tentatively in this album, but I feel it’s there, just waiting for the
opportunity to breakthrough. Retro synth
film music can also have a softer under belly. I immediately think of Maurice
Jarre’s “Witness” (1985) or “Blade Runner” (1982) by Vangelis – all of which
proved to have a heart with genuine warmth, as well as a rhythmic pounding beat.
Cineploit’s packaging is again beautiful,
with a nicely conceived post-modern design. The vinyl is pressed in a striking
white/blue and blue/white combo mix to each side. Audio quality is deep, wide
and fully rounded and has been mastered very nicely by Alain Leonard.
All optional formats for this release can be
found at http://www.cineploit.com/