Published by Davide Pappalardo on May 21, 2018
Klack is the name used by Matt Fanale (Caustic, The Causticles, Beauty Queen Autopsy, and many more projects) and Eric Oehler (Null Device, Ensku, m00ntz!) for their brand of new beat/EBM. Whereas many acts in the field of retro-EBM/neo-oldschool choose to focus on the darker and more abrasive aspects of the genre, even mixing things up with post-punk and minimal sensibilities, they instead pursuit an engaging sound made of 80’s sleazy atmospheres and physical body-music. Think of Nitzer Ebb energy and new beat 4/4 drums, in a sound not ashamed to indulge in pop patterns via arpeggiators, tom rolls, seductive and clear vocals, and all the tools of the trade.
Oehler’s career in synth-pop/future pop and Fanale’s ability in producing well-crafted EBM music while keeping a sense of irony toward himself and the genre he loves, are perfectly matched in a self-conscious sound which totally immerse the listener in its period of reference. In 2017 they have published the self-released digital singles Synthesizer and Pump Up The Jam, followed by the digital EP Do You Klack?. Now Detriti Records releases a new version of the aforementioned EP on vinyl, adding two new tracks and changing the order of the track-list.
DMF is splendid example of their style: enthralling bass-lines, minimal but seductive melodies, strong vocals and aptly placed vocal samples manage to create an old-school number straight out of the 80’s. A fusion of new wave elements and robust EBM structures, completed by hypnotizing refrains and irresistible synth sounds. Coup de grâce follows the lead with its Front 242-inspired vocals and strong drum machines, whilst it doesn’t forget sing-along sessions and evocative lines. The vocals change course through the song, using both crooning parts and passionate choruses, enriching the dominating groove of the track.
Dangerous is one of the new tracks, and the closing number for the A side of the vinyl. Slightly broodier vocals (reminding us of Out Out during his first efforts) are layered upon fast drums and grooving bass-lines, conjuring an episode ready to surprise us with melodic climaxes reminding us of retro soundtracks for action movies full of epic moments. Here synthwave influences can be perceived, showing us the variety of Klack sound, even if always in the contest of enthralling old-school music. Synthesizer returns as a new version called Synthesizer (v 2.0), an instrumental mantra made of minimal retro electronics evoking the first dance experiments of early 80’s synthpop bands and mid 80’s electro.
The original version of the song, Synthesizer (v 1.01b), is here present too, showing a more uptempo sound with grooving lines and tom rolls, guided by eerie melodies and elegant lines. The title track is an other instrumental episode, showing once again the more minimal and electro oriented side of the project, a robotic dance with sweet keys and engaging rhythm patterns. The emotional aspects of their music is still important even in this kind of tracks, and its easy to think about Computer World-era Kraftwerk.
A mini album with two souls, a more vocal-driven side with a fusion of EBM and new wave elements recalling the early day of new beat before its downfall into insipid commercial dance tunes, and an instrumental side linked to 80’s electro and early electronic “pop” music. Fanale and Oehler know for sure their music, and by embracing the energy and “naivety” of 80’s music they show an approach which results as serious and professional. But, most of all, they sound like they are having much fun in doing what they do, and this transpires to the listener. Do to the nature of the project, we don’t know if there will be other works by them: so, anyway, if you are looking for well-crafted oldschool EBM with a melodic edge and grooving lines, search no further. Klack are here.
Label: Detriti Records
Rating: 8