VA – Cold Wave #2

Cold Wave is a loosely defined music genre that emerged in Europe in the late 1970s, characterized by its detached lyrical tone, use of early electronic music instruments and a minimalist approach and style.

It emerged from punk rock bands who, influenced by early electronic groups such as Kraftwerk, made use of affordable portable synthesizers such as the Korg MS-20. Descendants of the original cold wave, such as Lena Willikens, Tolouse Low Trax, Job Sifre and many others continue the sound’s branches in the modern day.

One of those rarer sets where Soul Jazz Records source from the recent, not distant, past, on Cold Wave #2 the featured artists all wear their influences clearly, offering a more streamlined answer to the late ‘70s / early ‘80s movement forged by the likes of Suicide, Patrick Cowley, The Normal, Martin Hannett, Laurie Anderson, or Public Image which has endured to inform the contemporary underground.

Where the original wavers used the machines at their disposal, all artists here make a conscious aesthetic decision to limit themselves to what is now lo-fi and ostensibly obsolete gear. Highlights include Lena Willikens’ ‘Howling Lupus,’ ‘At Least We Try’ by Job Sifre, Tolouse Lowe Trax’s ‘Rushing Into Water,’  & ‘Hiding’ by Beta Evars.

2 x Vinyl, LP, Compilation

Tracklist:
A1 Lena Willikens– Howlin Lupus 5:10
A2 Beta Evers– Hiding 4:41
A3 L.F.T.– Stay Away From The Light 3:34
B1 Job Sifre– At Least We Try 9:15
B2 De Ambassade (2)– Niet Van Mij 4:00
C1 Tolouse Low Trax– Rushing Into Water 9:00
C2 V.C.V.S.– Hum 3:51
D1 Dave I.D.– Help Starts 3:48
D2 Broken English Club– Vacant Cars 3:36
D3 Krikor Kouchian*– Deserver Dub 4:00