Futronik Structures vol.1
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Reviews
"don't support the corporate trend of cheese music..but the elektro-cyber -industrial music,it needs your help...." such are the lines included inthe catalog of DSBP,one of the most powerful USA Cyberwave-oriented labels.Each of their collections is characterized with strict orientation in the selection of groups-they are the best of what could be offered to know true Cyber -industrial. Unlimited outburts of emotions and energy are packed into electronic aggression of sound and rhythm.Unique combination of computer passages,distorted vocal and electronic drums with chopped melodies gave birth to a solid wall of electronics. track 2 - CON-very harsh elektro,sometimes with elements of gothic, track 3 -MIMIC MIND -group from Holland.thrilling mixture of Darkwave,dance Elektro and European EBM.i recommend their "plunder for profit" release,licensed to DSBP.Track 4-TUBALCAIN -represent vocalist Athan Maroulis from SPAHN RANCH! Track 5 -BIOPSY-Brazillian group mixing EBM and Metal with energy and aggressiveness.after dissolving of Cri Du Chatlabel they have signed with DSBP,and in their interview with DLK were very laconic:"DSBP will be big." track #8 DIVERJE -private project of Tommy T.,DSBP's owner. Highly recomended due to its sound,unique on the electro scene! united stream of Cyber Metal,Industrial and elektro,combined with pseudo sample guitar and amplified with vocal allow the listener to experience almost physical emotions.Track 10 -162 -distinct and unique song.Female vocal of Danielle Lang,varying between Gothic and Opera,and impossible to describe electronic sound arouse genuine nostalgia about past and dark thoughts about future.Track 14 -EPIDEMIC CAUSE -again import,this time from Japan.i knew their previous metal releases,but now they approach industrial more and more closer,and don't want to get rid of bad habits ,like a foreground guitar.Track 17-PROVIZION-two elektro guru's,like TOMMY T(DSBP) and J.DANOS (UEF) have united.the most intresting combination of tense vocal ,and heavy drum and bass structures with constantly floating up melodic dance reefs! V.EDGAR-GAZE INTO GLOOM (april 1999)
Sideline #23
FUTRONIK STRUCTURES volume 1 (CD-DSBP)
this sampler features a majority of American bands and several of these
bands are based in Albuquerque,N.M where the headquarters of DSBP is still
based.Except the American bands,the German synthie-crossover-pop BLIND
PASSENGERS opens the fire with the powerful,"respect yourself". The
Netherlands are represented by MIMIC MIND,which offer us here one of the
best tracks on their debut album,but their dark elektro still sounds
uninspired....The Brasilian BIOPSY certainly deliver one of the best
tracks on this compilation and which could maybe remind the sound of the
great SWAMP TERRORISTS.The 14 other bands are all Americans.A large part
of them are dealing with the crossover approach.The most attractive one is
according to me-AUDIO PARADOX and it was a big surprise to me,its one of
the best unsigned bands on this album!The other bands let me quite
sceptic.i'm talking here about :TUBALCAIN featuring the singer of SPAHN
RANCH and EPIDEMIC CAUSE.Other bands like diVERJE,A NEW JANUARY and PIVOT
CLOWJ are more evolved in rock-pop music.162 take care for a rather wave
or gothic side,but i'm afraid without success,while THE MAN combines
elektro and industrial influences in another quite deceiving result.
Finally theres several elektro projects like CON.This band deals with a
wondering mixture between distorted vocals ala DIVE with a rather elektro
approach and quite whispering poppy vocals.CON is one of the revelations
on FUTRONIK STRUCTURES 1.The cold electronic style is quite well
represented by AURIFEX and CRYING ROOM,which are two other revelations on
the cd.in-FUSED present another dark electronic composition,which is a bit
comparable to our own VOMITO NEGRO.Finally BYTET and PROVIZION end this
first volume with two other cold synthesizer tracks which are just
alright! contact -DSBP,237 CAGUA NE,ALBUQUERQUE,N.M. 87108
(DERANGED PSYCHE -6 rating/ORA -Brandon F.-7 rating)
j.citizen - blatant
propaganda web-zine
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the artists on
this release and on the vol. 2 disk reviewed further below. In fact, I
like these CDs a lot more than most of the flashier releases by bigger
labels in the electro-industrial scene. Long live labels such as DSBP for
supporting the underground and particularly new unsigned bands. This
compilation was released in mid-1997 and features many new and unsigned
electro-industrial artists. It begins with the Blind Passengers' track
"Respect Yourself" which, with it's non-robotic dance beats, catchy vocals
and flangey guitars reminds me of early 90s British electro-pop such as
Jesus Jones, EMF and Pop Will Eat Itself. The next act, Con, have an 80s
new-romantic influence in their sound for "down"; one of my favourites on
this disk. It features contrasting subdued vocal verses into a loud
chorus, techno beat and ethereal industrial synth noises. Reminds me a bit
of Spahn Ranch. Mimic Mind present a straight down the line Western Europe
electronic-body-music piece with deep android vocals. I really like the
fuzzy feedback noises. Tubalcain's track "God on the Tongue" begins with
some very annoying ranting dialogue samples that lead into a very groovey
e.b.m. pop stomp with catchy hooks to boot (this band features the
vocalist from Spahn Ranch). Biopsy's "Never Inhale" is a fast chugging
guitar-driven stomp with breakbeats and gruff rah-rah vocals. Reminiscent
of Klute and the FLA remixes of Fear Factory. "Bleed", by A New January,
is a slower romantic new-wave electro-pop song - reminds me of Depeche
Mode. Some interesting structural breakdown bits. Pivot Clowj present
"Blackout" which is another track I really like. It has a straight forward
slow techno beat, weary vocals, plonking bass-synth and dreamy synths. I
love the way the vocals and synths soar off into the stratosphere
mid-song. One almost feels like one is flying through blue skies over a
desert somewhere! Well, almost! Diverje's track "Body Worship" has become
stuck in my head. Those naughty people. An e.b.m piece with chugging
guitars and enchanting middle-eastern type keyboard lines. It reminds me
of classic e.b.m acts such as A Split Second and Click Click. It's good to
hear the effective incorporation of guitars in this style. I don't think
I've heard a guiro sound used in e.b.m. before! Now that's pretty brave.
Aurifex present a classic e.b.m piece with deep pitch-shifted android
vocals. I like the breathing space used at the end of the track with the
solo cloudy synth sequence. 162's track "Darkness" begins with a sound
I've heard a billion times (hey, the Korg M1 was my first synth!) Even so,
despite a few other sounds that I know better than the back of my hand,
this piece is characterised by operatic-gothic female vocals which
interplay very effectively with the high keyboard lines. Quite a
delightful dreamy piece! The Man is a very Depeche Modish act -
particularly the vocals, though I should add they get a bit more emotional
than I've ever heard DM get. Though I never could tolerate Depeche Mode's
sound, The Man do this style well on "Captivity" and get my tick of
approval through the interesting squealing samples and willingness to get
at least a little bit carried away vocally. Crying Room's instrumental
"Her Overcoat" is a well constructed piece. Though it's probably not
exactly cutting edge to do a dark-electro instrumental with samples from
horror films. Unfortunately, such things just don't hold my attention
anymore. Audio Paradox's "Her Overcoat" is more of a contemporary
elektro-gothic-rock crossover piece. At places it reminds of Skinny
Puppy's last album - the guitarish tracks. Cheeky use of typewriters in
this piece. Epidemic Cause and their track "Anniversary of Mental
Derangment" stand out by virtue of their funk-metal-influenced style with
vocals ranging from strangulated croons to cookie monster gruffness. While
they do this genre very well, I never could tolerate American doom-metal
stuff. Far from sounding scary or profound, such music sounds to me like a
bunch of parent-frightened teenagers trying in vain to puff themselves up
like a defensive spider to look bigger. in-Fused's track "No Trust" is
quite similar to that by diverje. That's no surprise really, they both
contain Tommy T. I don't really know why they are separate projects, the
only difference I can find is that diverje features guitars. They both
share a similar dark-electro sound and Mr. T's characteristic alien
vocals. Bytet's "Anything (97 mix)" features lyrics that anywhere else I
think I'd find completely annoying. However, the way they are sung by the
female vocalist and their quirky electronics makes it one of my favourite
tracks here. Quite a unique and refreshing sound. The closest comparison I
can think of is Laurie Anderson. The CD closes with "Connect" by Provizion
- a collaboration between Tommy T and Jeff Danos of Testube. But hang on,
didn't they also have a project called "Wrack Process"? This is just
getting silly all these different names! Anyway, what of the music? This
is a stomping quirky e.b.m piece that's also heavily influenced by the
mid-to-late-80s hey-day of European e.b.m.
James Cooney, Base
Asylum
Futronik Structures is a new compilation series from
DSBP. Sort of a follow up to their previous release "Industro Synthesis".
Musically it is just as strong as IS but I must comment on the vast
improvement in presentation, the artwork looks fantastic, as is the case
with their latest disc, Futronik Structures covers the whole audio
spectrum known as indfustrial, this time offering a mix of known and
unknown acts. Import acts such as Mimc MInd, Blind Passengers, and Biopsy.
As well as smaller american groups like Aurifex, Con, diVERJE, and
Tubalcain, an old project of Athan of Spahn Ranch. Standout tracks include
the phase club mix of Blind Passengers "Respect Yourself" as well as Mimic
Mind's "Lies For Answers", Biopsy's "Never Inhale" from the now out of
print Nervate, and Aurifex "Human Geography". Recommended!
Mimicry Distribution
Catalog
As with all young and highly self-critical labels,
DSBP and its label guru, Tommy T, are trying to increase the awareness of
the next wave of inventive and soon-to-be-very-popular elektro cyber
artists. With Futronik Structures, DSBP showcase the horde of
up-and-coming US, Brazilian and European artists that cover the entire
umbrella of electronic music from the synthpop industrial of GermanyÕs
Blind Passengers, to the sequensed EBM of Mimic Mind and Con, to the
EBM-Elektro-Rap of Biopsy, to the elektro-goth of A New JanuaryÕs Bleed,
to the industrial cross-over of Tubalcain. Each song is unique in its own
right revealing the variety and fruitful scenes burgeoning throughout the
globe and primarily in the United States. DSBP is a label to watch, just
for its lust for diversity and the desire to release music of amazing
originality and creativity! As this is being written, Futronik Structures
Vol. 2 is in the works.
Chris Christian, Sonic
Boom
"Futronik Structures" is the newest compilation of
independent Industrial artists brought to you by New Mexico's Decomposed
Skunk Bud Productions. The label's owner Tommy T has definitely learned a
few things since the release of his last compilation "Industro Synthesis"
and it shows. The artwork and production quality of this release are light
years above previous releases. This definitely helps give the final
package a very eye catching appeal that will help attract prospective
purchasers. A handful of bands that appeared on "Industro Synthesis" have
tracks on this compilation as well as bands who have appeared other
several Arts Industria compilations. There are even a few sings bands like
Mimic Mind, Tubalcain, and Biopsy who contribute tracks as well. Overall
"Futronik Structures" is a very solid collection of Electro-Industrial
from all over the world. Acquiring this compilation is an excellent way to
hear new bands that might just be the latest buzz in the scene in just a
few years.
DJ Antithesis, Storming The Base Of the Alien Foe, Canada
Right from the start I'm loving it as the Blind Passengers song
Respect Yourself reminds me of Some More Crime's "Der Tod Ist Ein Meister
Aus Deutschland". Regardless of the similarity and the use of the guitar
and the beat, this is a good industrial synth pop song. Catchy melodies
and a good striking chorus where the guitar is used well to hit it hard.
Con's "Down" might have struck me more if I hadn't have owned the album
for so long. I still like the use of sounds and vocals, how they wash over
the rest of the music. They could hve picked a better Mimic mind song to
go on here, as "Lies for Answers" is not the strongest song from their
album. Pivot Clowj, hmm, funny how my favorite songs are the synthpop
ones on compilatinos. But I have always like Pivot Clow j sinceI first
heard them. their song Blackout is good simply built electronic pop song
with mildly distorted breathy male vocals, it kicks a little bit but still
remains a light song. 162 adds female vocals to the compilation with
darkness which sounds like a christmas hymn . I wish we had a 162 song as
a christmas jingle. A well put together songs thats driven by here voice
but the music is driven underneath and percussion prevails, with the
occasional synth forcing its way out of the beat. Diverje is much better
now from the "electrodiums / passaage" album, with the production being
much kinder to the music. "Body Worship" rocks! How bitter am I about
Tubalcain stealing my samples from Barton Fink and totally misusing them
for no reason whatsoever but to introduce their track? Fairly.
Aaron Johnston, Alternative Press #115 Feb 98
Tape hiss, bad acting, derivative sounds and poor production are
staples of the bedroom recording industry. Despite the inexperience and
innocence that its artists project, Futronik Structures delivers a clutch
of uncut diamonds whose rough edges only make them glimmer in new and
distinct ways. Artists such as Aurifex, Crying Room, Tubalcain, Mimic
Mind, and 162 may be far from capturing the attention of their would-be
electro and EBM heroes (Front 2242, Skinny Puppy, et all), but exposure
like this won't hurt their pending ascent.
Octavia, Outburn 1/98
How do you find out about the many new
underground elektronic musicians out there? Through compilations like
this! The biggest name on this comp is the harsh guitar electronics of the
Brazilian Biopsy, but there are many other intersting bands on this
compilation, like Mimic Mind, who have a CD out on Broken Seal in Germany,
Tubalcain which features the vocals of Spahn Ranch's Athan, A New January
new wave influenced with electronics, Diverje who have an interesting mix
of sounds, synths, & guitars, 162 with their dark atmospheric landscapes,
Epidemic Cause who add a bit of a metal edge to their sounds. There's even
a song on here by The Man. Also on the compilation are Blind Passengers,
Con, Pivot Clowj, Aurifex, Crying Room, Audio Paradox, in-FUSED, Bytet,
and Provizion. This compilation will provide an effective introduction to
many electronic bands with future full length potential.
Damn! magazine, 2/98
A compilation of assorted underground
elektro bands, international in scope... From industrial to elektro pop to
soundscapes. Despite all the seeming variety the disc tends too much
towards lofi tempo stuff that tries to be synthpop, untreated vox abound.
High points are Biopsy (take on Swamp terrorists) and the awkward gothic
lilt of Wisconsin's 162, the stunning psychosape from Crying room, and
decent efforts from Diverje, Bytet, and Audio Paradox.
THE INDUSTRIAL BIBLE, monthly electro industrial webzine, http://www.bitstorm.net/dachar/ibmain.htm
Once in a while a compilation comes along that is actually worth its weight. Futronik Structures is one of them. This 17 track sampler has quite a lot to offer to those who follow the scene closely and even more to offer for those who are electro 'dabblers.' Futronik Structures begins with the best possible mix Blind Passengers' Respect Yourself. The Phase Club Mix, taken from Blind Passengers' Respect Yourself CD single has all the proper makings for a hard edged electro club track; rough guitar riffs, catchy lyrics, a fantastic rhythm line, and an array of finely programmed electronic sequences. The next track, Down, by Con combines a simple techno beat with a noisy rhythm line and untreated vocals. This track wavers somewhere between rough techno and harsh experimental industrial. Mimic Mind are a band who have based their music around a non-complicated structure in which the evil, semi-gothic delivered vocals drive the songs as much as the music. This is apparent on their contribution, Lies For Answers. 5 years old, yet still maintaining its aggressiveness, Tubalcain's God on the Tongue is a harsh electro piece with throttling guitars, a dominant beat, and bellowing vocals (sung by none other than Athan of Spahn Ranch.) Aghast View's evil twin, Biopsy, show one of their many musical faces on Never Inhale, a metallic break-beat track that will grab you by the throat and refuse to let go. Listening to this track repeatedly has been know to cause brain hemorrhaging in laboratory rats. Simply amazing! Things slow down considerably with A New January's Bleed, a mellow track with echoing guitars and a bizarre, unexpected break midway through. Rhythmically, things begin to increase with Blackout, by Pivot Clowj. While this is somewhat of a simplistic piece, it still manages to hold my interest and actually become a bit addicting after a few listens. Body Worship by diverje is a standard American electro piece, but manages to add a bit of diversity by utilizing some orchestral elements. Aurifex's Human Geography reminds me of the music that came out of Europe (specifically Belgium) in the early to mid 80's. It's good to see that there are still bands around who respect the music of days gone by and emulate these same qualities in their own compositions. After 9 tracks of male fronted bands, I was surprised when the goth natured female vocals bellowed out of my speakers on Darkness by 162. This piece is very reliant on the vocals. While the music is rather simplistic, the sounds are diverse and the vocals are amazing. Captivity by The Man is an eerie synth-pop structured track with a pulsating rhythm line, rumbling beats, and slowly rising sequences. Crying Room present an instrumental track, Her Overcoat, which features ghostly sequences, a wet rhythm line, fierce beats, and creepy samples. Parasitic is a perfect title for the next track by Audio Paradox. Aquatic sequences mixed with a rhythm on speed and untreated vocals make this track slowly work its way into your brain. Leaning more towards death metal than electro, Anniversary of Mental Derangement by Epidemic Cause is a piece that is a bit too rough and unstructured for my taste. Follow that with the dated sounding No Trust by in-FUSED and I'm totally con-FUSED. I had heard some of their material in the past and I thought it was much better than this. No Trust is a tad repetitive and contains a rather annoying, clanky backing sequence. Updating it for the kids, Geiger returns with his project, Bytet, and a brand new version of Anything. Raw electronics meshed with echoing female vocals make this track very relaxing to listen to. (Try this one through a good set of headphones!) Wrapping up Futronik Structures is Connect by Provision. Connect begins with an array of odd sounds before the wiry rhythm kicks in, along with the militaristic beat. The twisted vocals come out of the darkness during the chorus and actually become catchy. Connect has several good things going for it. While I was only familiar with about 1/4 of the tracks on this compilation, I was pleasantly surprised with most of the rest. Futronik Structures is a high diverse compilation that will introduce you to some of the many sides of electro music.
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