A BLAZE COLOUR - Follow the Signs live in Leiden (1983)

Ludo Camberlin - vocals, electronics / Bart Azijn - electronics

One of the many influential electro pioneers from Benelux countries, A Blaze Colour only released a demo cassette in 1981, plus a 7 inch and a 12 inch EP in 1982 (both titled Against the Dark Trees Beyond, which seems to have been part of the band's full name at the outset). This track was recorded live in Leiden, Holland, on February 19 1983.

Their style was minimal, stripped-down, occasionally experimental, somewhere between DAF and early Sheffield scenesters like Cabaret Voltaire & Vice Versa. This track showcases both sides - driving bass sequencing, FX break, building to a synth-washed climax - reminding me somewhat of Absolute Body Control and Vomito Negro. It's a better version than the one on the demo K7.

They prefigured the trademark Belgian EBM sound; 'Attractive in its own way, despite the pair's obvious attempt to maintain a suffering-for-art pose: dire lyrics and jolly dance-rock for robots,' as a review in Trouser Press would have it. I think it's better than that, of course.

'Ludo Camberlin' is the nom-de-plume of Carl Johansen, who went on to produce many electro acts including The Neon Judgement, Poesie Noire, The Weathermen, Vomito Negro and Attrition. Bart Azijn graduated to excellent Belgian electro new wave band Aimless Device; their material is also recommended.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• A Blaze Colour
• Against the Dark Trees Beyond
• Ludo Camberlin
• Bart Azijn
• electronic
• synthesizer
• minimal synth
• new wave
• EBM
• Belgian new beat
• 1980s

[cinic]

simply not enough of it to go around, thank you