DKA US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Los Angeles outfit DIN return with a fourth album that is their fullest yet. It is a real contrast between the light and airy vocals of Josie Vand and the ever present electronics of Greg Vand. Both fall in and out of harmony, take turns to lead and seduce as they do so. Every sound is clear and concise, with syncopated percussion and playful synths. The record is not only a musical triumph but one that revels in the experience of living in the here and now. As far as contemporary cold wave and synth go, this is right up there.

Review: Those fully invested in the current US cold wave scene should be more than familiar with Chicago duo Valis, who's output to date has been restricted to some wonderfully avant remixes of contemporaries Soft Metals, Inhalt and //TENSE//. Formed of The Drum's Jeremiah Chrome and Josh Foxx, Valis are evidently fond of making statements with The Demolished Man not only the first substantial Valis release it's also their debut album. Listening through the ten track album, there's an obvious reverence for classics the classic synth-pop, industrial, and R&B of the 1980s (see the Yello style "ohhs" that punctuate "Pretty Boy/Lipstick") but it's executed with real panache and a knowing nod that can't help but suck you in. Apparently Chrome and Foxx scrapped two albums worth of material in the three years they were recording, and you cant argue they made the wrong decision after spending some time with The Demolished Man.