BY DARREN ALLISON
With
their heart firmly set in the retro cinema sound of yesteryear, Cineploit’s
releases are always greeted with a great sense of anticipation. Finding artists
or even a label that are so devoted to the genre is a rare thing, and a reason
why I continue to applaud the Austrian label. “Themes International†(Cine 15) is
the fourth LP release by Orgasmo Sonore, a group that continue to evolve and
perfect their sound with every subsequent album. Orgasmo Sonore’s latest album
again consists of brand new original material all composed, recorded and
produced during 2015. As the title suggests, each of the 12 tracks are based
largely on a theme, and there’s certainly a diverse range to be enjoyed. With titles such as ‘Giallo’, ‘KPM Library’, (the
exquisite and funky) ‘Turkish Psych’, ‘Spaghetti Western’, ‘Erotic’ and ‘Exotic’,
“Themes†International is an album that covers all the bases. There are also two
wonderful homage tracks devoted to the styles of legendary European composers,
‘Morricone’ and the late great French composer ‘François de Roubaix’. The whole album is warm, smooth and stylishly
groovy. It’s the type of album that you just don’t hear anymore, unless of
course it’s a re-issue of some cult 60s Italian underground soundtrack. Sonore
have reached that comfortable position where they play like seasoned musicians,
delivering a finely-tuned, pin sharp cinematic sound, all of which is
handsomely produced by Frank Rideau. With 21 tracks created from the ‘Themes’
recording sessions and selected down to a final 12 for the finished album, I
would again plead with Cineploit to make good use of this additional material,
especially in reference to the CD. At a little over 42 minutes, I’m sure fans
and admirers of the music would love to hear a handful of those unused gems
included as bonus tracks. Nevertheless, “Themes International†delicately
unfolds with a silky richness and a slick sophistication. So step on board set the
chair to recline and prepare for a wonderful flight.
Cineploit’s
audio and packaging is as usual, beautifully presented and of a very high
standard. “Themes International†is
released in a variety of limited forms. The First 250 copies of the 180g vinyl LP
are also supplied with the album on CD (the first 125 of these on solid
purple/black mixed colour vinyl) with a further 125 on solid black vinyl.
Another 250 copies of the vinyl only version are again available (125 coloured,
125 black). The CD only version is also limited to just 500 copies in a stylish
mini LP style wallet sleeve.
“Cataclysm†(Cine 16) is the second album from Oscillotron, and their follow-up to the acclaimed debut album ‘Eclipse’ (2013). Oscillotron’s sound is based more largely towards the darker, more ambient side of the cinematic soundscape. Think of those dark electronic, synth driven horrors of the 80s and you’ll soon connect with Oscillotron’s influences. “Cataclysm†is a much heavier composition, a solo project by David Johansson (frontman of Swedish doom metal band Kongh). It is instantly recognisable as a prog rock/horror genre piece. It’s a perfect example of electronic music meets the unsettling and dark resonance of horror and sci-fi movie scores of the 70s and early 80s. If you love the stalker/slasher genre, than this album is most certainly for you. Slip this album among the likes of Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Goblin, Zombi, John Carpenter, Fabio Frizzi, Wendy Carlos or Brian Eno and you’ll understand exactly where this trip is heading. As consistent with this niche genre, there is plenty of sustained deep bass which is complimented by the higher pitched sounds of the electronic synths. There is definitely something reminiscent of those classic John Carpenter movies of old. Listening to certain sections of tracks such as ‘Mutation’ and ‘Pioneers’ and I was instantly transported back to “Escape from New York†(1981) and on the streets alongside Snake Plissken. Whilst this particular genre perhaps doesn’t carry the widest soundtrack appeal, it is still adored and loved by many. Perhaps more importantly, it’s arguably a genre that would have long disappeared from our consciousness if it wasn’t for groups such as Oscillotron. There’s a lot to be said for holding on to the past, and Oscillotron do a credible job in bringing an electronic decade bang up to date with a lovingly restored rejuvenation. It’s also a great one to play with the lights out.
Cineploit’s audio and packaging is again beautifully presented and of a very high standard. “Cataclysm†is released in a variety of limited forms. The First 250 copies of the 180g vinyl LP are also supplied with the album on CD (the first 125 of these are on a white/grey mix with orange splatter colour vinyl) with a further 125 on solid black vinyl. Another 250 copies of the vinyl only version are again available (125 coloured, 125 black). The CD only version is also limited to just 500 copies in a stylish mini LP style wallet sleeve. Check them out at www.cineploit.com