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Mejeriet, Lund, Schweden
3rd December 2005
electriXmas festival: CombiChrist, Vive la fête, Seabound, Dupont, Code 64

This year’s eX was the second one I was going to and I was looking very much forward to it. I really liked the atmosphere in the venue last year and the line up sounded very good to me as well. So I took my chance to travel to Sweden again. After the successful “Virtual Christmas” festivals the new eX was taking place in 2002 for the first time and is now one of Sweden’s basic festivals playing electronic music always happening in December just before Christmas. Besides the live music it is a tradition to give a compilation CD to the guests, combining contributions from the performing artists and other important acts of today (more often than not, contributing exclusive tracks or mixes) with local talents, some of which are still on the demo stage and illustrate the future of electronic music. The venue holds about 750 guests in an intimate setting, allowing every guest a great view of the events. This year’s line up provided again artists from several countries… so there were two bands from Sweden (Code 64 and Dupont), CombiChrist from Norway, Seabound from Germany and Vive la Fête from Belgium. http://www.electrixmas.org


Code 64

The band started the career with the much acclaimed album “Storm” released on the Norwegian label Angel Productions. This album was widely acclaimed by media and fans and made it to number one in the Nordic Alternative Charts. The band has now signed with Memento Materia (http://www.mementomateria.se/) and just released the single “Leaving earth” in November 2005. Now they are working hard on their upcoming album to be released in early 2006. http://www.code64.se/  

Music
Code 64 from Sweden stand for pure danceable electronic pop music somewhere in the middle of synth and future pop. Their trademark are the catchy, strong and beautiful refrains of their songs which you could hear during the performance of “Without you” or “In your arms”. They really know how to create infective synth pop. The recently released single “Leaving Earth” was of course part of the set too. It’s a very catchy song again with strong vocals. At the end of the six songs grasping set, the band played the very new song “Starchaser” which will be released on the forthcoming album “Departure”. Some kind of trademark for the “Mejeriet” is the good sound which also Code 64 were benefiting from.



Performance
As the first band of the evening, Code 64 entered the stage at 21.00. The stage line up was very typical for electro bands: 2 men behind their keyboards and one singer. But anyway the band started very energetically… even though it was hard to see because there was so little light on stage. I was starting to wonder if the band wanted to hide from the audience… only dark lights, from time to time some strobe lights and nearly no front light. But the audience didn’t care about that. It seemed that all the people did know the lyrics and even though the venue wasn’t filled up at that time people were singing along, clapping and celebrating the first band. Well chosen opener!

Setlist
1. Leaving earth
2. Without you
3. Guardian.
4. Run to you
5. In your arms
6. Starchaser

Rating
Music 8
Performance 7
Sound 7
Light 2
Total 7 (6.7)





Dupont

Dupont from Sweden released their debut CD “Ukraina” in 2000. It was a record in style of old EBM classics like “Nitzer Ebb” and “Puppée Fabrikk”. Later on they were touring as support with “Covenant” which made them known to many more people. A longer break was following, the website wasn’t actualized and singer Johan was leaving the band. But anyway after all the difficulties Dupont released the new album “Intermezzo” in spring 2005. The sound still is very fresh and with that well known distinct EBM centre. http://www.dupont-online.net/



Music
After Johan left the band, Riccardo was taking over his part and you can say that he somehow sounds a bit like Johnny Cash and with his Country timbre he marks the songs in his own way. The set on this evening was dominated by songs out of the recent album “Intermezzo”. Only “Money” from the first album “Ukraina” made it into the set. With “Why must I die” the set included a song that goes a bit more into the Synth and Futurepop direction. “Ghostdance” added a portion of 80ies feeling to that all with spherical wafting sounds. With the recent album the band definitely moved a bit away from their roots… even though they are still listenable. But also the pushing old school sounds were included in the set with “Why don’t you dance with me”. Instead of aggressive sounds now diversity and rich sounds dominate on “Intermezzo” what also made it’s influence to the live set. Even though the songs are not as loud as you might expect for that band, the sound was very good again.



Performance
Danucci and Riccardo started their show just at 22.00. Live, Dupont is a feast for eyes as well as ears! Energy and power in their most refined form are keywords in Dupont's music and live show. Did they have an additional live keyboarder on stage during their show at this year’s SAMA, the now entered the stage alone… Danucci at the keyboard and Riccardo behind the microphone. After Johan left the band the performance changed of course. Johan was very vivid on stage running around a lot. Riccardo is much calmer. But you feel that he’s singing with his very heart and soul. Other than during Code 64´s show the light engineer turned on some of his gear and created a mood that was fitting quite well to the songs… blue and white lights with strobes for the faster songs or calm red light for the more gentle songs. The audience obviously enjoyed the set dancing along the songs. “Why must I die” formed the final of the set and Danucci supported Riccardo with his backing vocals.

Setlist
1. Rio
2. Ghostdance
3. Why don’t you dance with me
4. Money
5. Unknown Airspace
6. Why must I die

Rating
Music 8
Performance 7
Sound 7
Light 6
Total 7 (7.3)





Seabound

Frank Spinath and Martin Vorbrodt – the two men behind Seabound – were signed by Dependent Records Germany after they received some of the band’s demos. The label released their first album “No sleep demon” in 2001 as well as the single “Travelling”. The band toured twice to support this album: together with “Covenant” and “Dupont” in Europe and together with “Stromkern” in North America. Following in the footsteps of bands like “Covenant”, “Haujobb” or “Wolfsheim”, the electro-pop act quickly left their mark on the electronic music community. The second album “Beyond Flatline” was released in 2004 also on Dependent and on Metropolis Records for North America. Shortly after the release of Beyond Flatline, Seabound returned for another round. The Poisonous Friend EP features several remixes by Olaf Wollschläger (Yello, Melotron, and In Strict Confidence producer), Haujobb, Cut.Rate.Box, Andrew Sega (Iris), Stromkern, and Tom Ellard (Severed Heads). Two previously unreleased tracks are also included on the EP, "Without You" and "Traitor." Later in 2004 the band re-released their debut album now entitled “No Sleep Demon V2.0”. The completely re-mastered album features enhanced mixing as well as a 12-page booklet complete with brand new artwork. At a running time of nearly 64 minutes, the re-release includes all 10 original tracks along with three bonus tracks: "Day of the Century," "Hooked (Radical Mix)" and the vocal version of "Avalost". http://www.seabound.de/ 



Music
"Take your time to discover us. We won't disappoint you. We took our time to put the music, the thoughts, and the emotions together to create the songs you are now able to hear. They are yours now. But you will have to listen. Only if you open yourself up to it, you'll discover all the facets we have to offer." – Seabound
Seabound´s music is unique featuring catchy beats combined with soothing vocals, atmospheric melodies and intriguing sequences. Their music is a mixture of Synth pop and harder electro influences… always with a modern touch. They touch your innermost feelings with their music and presence. The first part of the set was a bit calmer. But they really speed up to the end of the show. The duo Frank and Martin was accompanied on stage again by Daniel on drums who had his 13th show this evening. The live drums give more depth to the songs and add a lot to the live feeling.



Performance
Seabound´s show at eX was their second gig ever in Sweden! As the curtain was lifted, the big black backdrop with the Seabound logo was unveiled. The intro started only accompanied by green lasers scouring through the venue. Then the set started with the beautiful “Contact”. Frank was as vivid as always on stage never standing still and singing with all the power and emotions he could give. He was also talking a lot to the audience very impressed by the reactions… “Thank you, you are unbelievable”. The calm point in the middle of the set was formed by the heartbreaking “Watching over you” which was played in a new version. Frank announced it with the words: “We never played this version before, so sing along. We need you”. The whole stage was tinted in pink lights disrupted by the green lasers what created a very intense mood. A very new keyboard solo part was included in the middle of the song. Frank was reaching out to the audience ever and ever again and was shaking hands with the people. The least part of the set was announced with “We’re starting the more speed up set part”. And for the last songs, audience and band gave their best; Frank was even going down on his knees singing with pure passion. As the final “Hooked” from the debut album was chosen and it was the perfect highlight at the end.



Setlist
1. Intro
2. Contact
3. Torn
4. Poisonous Friend
5. Watching over you
6. Transformer
7. Exorcize
8. Hooked

Rating
Music 9
Performance 8
Sound 7
Light 8
Total 8 (8.1)





Vive la Fête

The three French words “Vive la Fête” are translated as “Long live the party”. This is meant as a positive statement, a declaration of intent. The band from Belgium consists of bass player Danny Mommens and singer Els Pynoo. Live, they expand to a five-piece that blow you away with their incomparable musical energy. The first tracks were released on a small independent label (Paris EP, Kinky Star Records, 1998, featuring their first single Je Ne Veux Pas). The second album “Attaque Surprise” was released in 2000 offering an honest insight into the world of Vive la Fête: sex and erotica, doubt and heartbreak exuberance and trash, interspersed with contemplation and self-analysis; goofiness and good old fun, with the right dose of discipline. Just in 2001 the band released their third album “République Populaire”. Besides the music, the band is truly connected to the fashion scene as well. The real breakthrough came in spring 2002, when Karl Lagerfeld proclaimed himself Vive's biggest fan and returned the favour by letting them play a live set during the Paris presentation of his Chanel collection. After this Els became some kind of a style icon being photographed for famous fashion magazines (Vogue…). 2003 saw the release of another album called “Nuit Blanche”. After this album extensive tours followed and the band’s final breakthrough was marked by sold-out shows in several countries. 2004 was THE year for the band playing lots of important events and being the first Belgian band appearing in the Brazilian charts. The album “Nuit Blanche” charted in several countries too. The video clip for the single “Schwarzkopf” is shown in music television worldwide. The Belgian duo of Els Pynoo and Danny Mommens has proved that electro clash was possible to develop further, with their two latest and fantastic albums "Nuit Blanche" and "Grand prix".
Vive La Fête LIVE is: Els Pynoo (voice), Danny Mommens (voice + guitar), Ben Brunin (bass), Matthias Standaert (drums) and Marc Requilé (keyboard). http://www.vivelafete.be/   



Music
Danny and Els – the two people behind Vive la Fête – are spreading some kind of sleazy glamour and cheeky humour. They make a kind of music that blends the least expected influences and genres into a unique sound. The music displays Danny’s love for eighties synth pop, melancholic wave and electronica. Els is filling the music with cooing, breathy vocals and self-penned lyrics mostly written in French to tribute her heroes. Danny is churning out brutal guitar riffs and explosive electronic beats. Els is singing in her distinctive and seductive voice about love, friendship and inner turmoil. Their music combines hard-edged electro, synth pop, gentle ballads and just rock-outs; dancefloor electro, bass-heavy punk rock and Sixties-style chanson. The more recent songs are more straightforward, booming and confident… pure pop sensibility but without losing it’s darker edges.



Also on this evening they presented their eighties electro-pop-clash-whatever mixture. Lively beats were disrupted by cheeping and bubbling strange noises. Also the volume of the music was pumped up. For some songs, Els was accompanied by Danny on the mic. My favourite songs on that evening were “Maquillage” and “Liberté” out of the recent album “Grand prix”. Even though there seemed to be some technical problems – technicians were always running across the stage to adjust something – you could not hear or see any problems. It was just perfect. In spite of using guitar, bass and drums, the keyboard sounds had the dominant role. And I must say – different to lots of electro bands – the keyboards were at least partly played live.



Performance
The band started quite late at 0.10. During the classical intro (“An der schönen blauen Donau”) the curtain was still closed but lifted afterwards to unveil the stage and the musicians spreading of energy. The four men on stage were wearing black clothes and some kind of painted blindfold. Peroxide blonde Els was dressed up very sexy in tights with Leo print, black hotpants and a scanty shirt. She left the shoes totally. In front of her a fan was installed… I guess to cool her down during all the freaking out. The screaming audience proofed that this band was highly appreciated. Especially Els is very vivid on stage, dancing and freaking out behind her microphone, shaking her hips and hair. It was especially her who was lightened up by the bright spots. Some smoke underlined the lighting. Not only Els was moving a lot. Also Danny had his fair share, freaking out with his guitar and lifting it up over and over again. That’s Rock ´n´ Roll. The audience loved it and was dancing during the whole show. At the end of the show the audience got its chance to be on stage. A girl was lifted up and got Danny’s guitar. She really flipped out playing some riffs and shaking her long hair. A guy out of the audience was handed over Danny’s mic for shouting. Danny himself took over a saxophone. Now it was time for all to freak out and celebrate the final of the show. Even though an encore was loudly demanded after the set it could not be given. It was too late and another band was waiting…



Rating
Music 9
Performance 9
Sound 8
Light 8
Total 9 (8.7)




CombiChrist

CombiChrist is a side project of “Icon of Coil” lead singer and mastermind Andy la Plegua who started composing power noise/techno cross over some years ago. German label “Out of Line” released his debut album “The joy of gunz” in 2003. With that album, Andy sounds very different – but the album is a must have for all lovers of the harsher, more noisy and danceable stuff. The Halloween special “Kiss the Blade”, which was released in fall 2003, was limited to 667 copies and sold out within a few days. Afterwards, Andy did several shows all over Europe and USA and became known as a strong and energetic live act. One year later, in fall 2004, the EP “Sex, Drogen Und Industrial” was released and with the presented diversified style a new genre was created: “Techno-Body-Music”. The second full-length album “Everybody Hates You” was again released by “Out of Line” but also by USA´s “Metropolis Records”. http://www.combichrist.com/



Music
Andy was creating a very electronic and harsh sound with his project CombiChrist. It’s a mixture of harsh Noise-Industrial, Trance-Electro and wired lingo samples. You can call this hard-edged EMB/Industrial also “Techno-Body-Music”. Pummelling dance-floor grooves and distorted beats are combined with scathing vocals and electro arrangements. The recent album “Everybody hates you” presents a slightly different way to its forerunners: less distortion, more electro, but nonetheless energetic and aggressive. So musically, Mr. La Plegua combines somehow the hard-dance side of Techno with the sweaty aggression of EBM as well as the twisted torture of Industrial. “This is my rifle”, “Blut Royale” or “God wrapped in plastic” are only some of the highlights of the set.



Performance
It was late. Past 01.30 a slightly drunk Andy entered the stage holding a bottle of alcohol in his hands and spreading some of it all over the first rows – free drinks look a bit different, don’t they? Seems the after show party started before the show ;) But CombiChrist are known for being a strong live act, full of energy, blood, and a rock ´n´ roll attitude. More in the back of stage a podium for the technical stuff was built up. Besides it there was room for a keyboard. So this evening again three people on stage. The set started with the brute “This shit will fuck you up” where Andy first had to deal with the non-existence of a microphone. So he was shouting without it into the audience. People right away went into ecstasy. Fast strobe lights are following a running man shouting into his mic across the stage. There was (as so often in Sweden) the man with the wooden owl in the audience which Andy took over for a while.



For one Instrumental to the end of the set, Andy took over the controllers standing on the podium covered with smoke. The second last song “Like to thank my buddies” was not only performed by CombiChrist. First Dupont entered the stage wearing a big ladder. Andy and Danucci were climbing it up to sing there while Riccardo was lasciviously waving a towel. Also some Vive la Fête members entered the stage for some dancing. Seems all had their little pre-party and Danucci stated: “CU at the after show party”. Last song of the set was “Lying sack of shit” which made all people to dance and jump again.



Rating
Music 6
Performance 7
Sound 7
Light 7
Total 7 (6.6)




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