Published by Davide Pappalardo on May 26, 2018
Canadian duo Visitor are a new reality in the world of neo-old school EBM inspired by minimalwave and post-punk influences. Philip Traikovski (programming/vocals, already in post-punk band Blood Bitch with Amanda Traikovski) and Veronica Stefanuik (programming) have previously released their debut EP cassette E.B.E for Detriti Records, and now return on the same label with their first proper album called Expat. Four of its track appeared on the aforementioned EP, while six new compositions complete the work.
Their music is made of 80’s suggestions (but you have to think of underground synth/minimalwave and EBM music of that time, with names like Absolute Body Control, Fad Gadget, Front 242) with a vocal delivery reminding us of Dirk Ivens (Absolute Body Control, Klinik, Dive, Sonar) and melancholic melodies layered upon engaging 4/4 rhythms. Once again overseas artists show a growing interest in European electronic music, especially the old-school sound of the Belgian current, made of minimalistic structures and evocative elements.
The title track displays strong rhythms and enthralling electronics, with a retro-futuristic programming united with effected vocals and hypnotizing refrains. New beat influences can be found in the melodies, enriching the music with a nice motif. Disseminate starts with a dark intro, then developing a minimal pattern with the usual elegant melodies and synth sounds. Nothing new is invented here, but for sure the track is aptly composed, showing a taste for evocative atmospheres and sonic mantras.
Imp is a synth-pop/EBM affair with an industrial edge, reminding us of the harder side of 80’s early experimentation with synthesizers, when the lines between genres, or the genres themselves, where not so clear. Once again strong beats and minimal melodies are the winning elements of the engaging track. Mechanical soul uses Gothic undertones and more experimental sounds, with sampled vocals and grim atmospheres. Then, a majestic electro motif takes its place in the song, following the familiar path, without forfeiting futuristic ambiances.
Celebrate death sees the return of new beat elements and hard kick-drums, generating a dancefloor-friendly pastiche for dark souls, completed by robotic vocals and looping bass-lines. If you need a statement for the duo ability in using engaging rhythms and minimal melodies, you have to look no further. Landing closes the work with its experimental structure where new wave elements and creepy processed vocal samples are used in order to evoke a hysterical sabbath for machines.
Retro proto-EBM done right: this is the summary of Visitor. Lively synth sounds, strong rhythms, effected vocals and dark, but engaging atmospheres are the main themes of a sound focusing on rediscovering the roots of the genre, while mixing things up with some juxtaposition, fusing together some genres and elements coming from different scenes and times. Any fan of old-school EBM will find here something to enjoy.
Label: Detriti Records
Rating: 7,5