On this day, 29 years ago, Front 242 released their seventh studio album 05:22:09:12 Off or simply pronounced as “EVIL Off” as each letter preceding “Off” is represented by its equivalent numerical position in the alphabet. It was released by Red Rhino Europe, a sub-label of Play It Again Sam, on 23 August, only three months after their sixth studio album, 06:21:03:11 Up Evil. Sony released 05:22:09:12 Off worldwide on 2nd November 1993 through their Epic sub-label.
Upon its release the album was received with mixed feelings by fans and music critics. For the first time it featured female vocals, those of Christine "99" Kowalski, while Jean-Luc De Meyer only appeared on a few tracks. EVIL OFF also seem to have had no significant input from Richard 23 who also didn’t get cited on the album's liner-notes. On the other hand, a variety of new contributors were listed as members of Front 242 on these albums, for instance Jean-Marc Pauly and Pierre Pauly of the Belgian electronic band Parade Ground.
While most electro industrial bands stuck to their ‘successful’ 4/4 beat formula, Front 242 decided to leave this well-trodden path behind and embraced new musical styles and elements emerging in the electronic scene music at the time. The ambient and rhythmic atmosphere on the album can be seen as groundbreaking and innovative in those days, however the sudden style change left many Front 242 confused ranters behind.
However, we at Peek-a-Boo Magazine encourage you to dig these albums up from your archive and to listen to them again at high volume! Just like wine, this music, and most likely your brain too, needed some aging!
Front 242 – 05:22:09:12 Off (RRE 22 CD)
| 1 | Animal (Cage) | 3:00 | |
| 2 | Animal (Gate) | 3:02 | |
| 3 | Animal (Guide) | 2:44 | |
| 4 | Modern Angel | 4:12 | |
| 5 | Junkdrome | 7:35 | |
| 6 | Serial Killers Don't Kill Their Girlfriend | 5:58 | |
| 7 | Skin (Fur Coat) | 3:59 | |
| 8 | GenEcide | 6:53 | |
| 9 | Crushed | 6:13 | |
| 10 | OffEND | 1:38 | |
| 11 | Animal (Zoo) | 4:02 | |
| 12 | Serial Killers Don't Kill Their Boyfriend | 3:09 | |
| 13 | Happiness (More Angels) | 6:39 | |
| 14 | Crushed (Obscene) | 4:09 | |
| 15 | Melt (Again) | 5:06 | |
| 16 | Speed Angels | 2:52 |
Voicecoil returns with the aptly-titled fourth studio album, Strange Days. The album features hooky electronics, pounding beats and the characteristic emotionally evocative vocals that have made Voicecoil a cult favorite.
This album is a reflection of the dark days the world has seen in recent years. It's about the tragedies many of us have faced and the effort to find the will to fight on. We remember those we have lost because it is through them that we carry on into tomorrow.
Strange Days is also a symbolic re-birth for the project, returning with a new zeal to create and perform.
Strange Days is available on CD and digital formats.
Darkwave Duo, Male Tears Addresses Nightlife Hypocrisy & Abuse With New Single
California darkwave duo, Male Tears has just unveiled their latest single, "Deal3r". The song plays into the themes of an upcoming record that speaks on the abuse and hypocrisy of city night life.
"Deal3r" tells the story of the ultimate example of "style over substance." It's the tale of an important person; a "legend" embraced by the "scene" But beneath the "image" and artistic craft, lies an individual empty and shallow; a hypocrite and drug dealer whose true identity was hidden under the skin of the community.
The song is intended to be an aggressive dance-pop track pulling from darkwave and EBM influences. Filtered through the lens of 90's pastiche and acid house, "Deal3r" is a departure from the band's established 80's new wave sound.
"Deal3r" is available NOW on all streaming platforms including Bandcamp.
Today, it’s exactly 32 years ago that Nitzer Ebb released Join In The Chant (12mute64 / 10th August 1987).
It was the 3rd and last single to be taken from their debut album That Total Age. Like the album this 7” / 12” was released by the renowned British label Mute Records. The song hit #9 on the US dance chart in 1987 and became a Balearic Beat anthem in clubs around the world. Even to this day this track is still a dance floor filler.
Tracklist 12"
A1. Join In The Chant (Burn!) - Remix by Phil Harding
B1. Join In The Chant (Gold!) - Remix by Miller*, Flood
B2. Join In The Chant (Lies! - Instrumental)
Lyrics
Lies, lies, lies, lies
Gold, gold, gold, gold
Guns, guns, guns, guns
Fire, fire, fire
Gold, gold, gold, gold
Church, church, church, church
Guns, guns, guns, guns
Fire, fire, fire
Muscle and hate
Muscle and hate
Muscle, muscle, muscle, muscle
Lies, lies, lies, lies
Books, books, books, books
Burn, burn, burn, burn
Fire, fire, fire
Cleveland based-alternative electronic duo She 1 · Him 2 have released their second single of 2022, "Stuck Inside".
The theme of the track involves getting stuck in thought patterns of negativity which drag us down and become habits. It also addresses the challenges of how to let go and break free.
She 1 - Him 2 features darkwave rocker and former Lestat front-man Evan Nave and Cassie Bishop of Shy Moon. The duo has once again teamed up with Grammy award winning producer Michael Seifert for the project.
The band is releasing tracks over time to fill out their first full EP in the age of the pandemic, and all music and videos have been filmed without either of the members seeing each other in person. Earlier this year they released a cover of David Bowie’s “Fame” featuring Steven Seibold (Hate Dept./Pigface). She 1 - Him 2 is currently working on a full four song EP slated for 2023.
"Stuck Inside" can be found on all electronic merchants and streaming services.
