Artist: Parade Ground
Title: 15th Floor
Genre: EBM / Electro-Pop
Release Date: 21st May 2012
Label: Minimal/Maximal DAFT Records
Album Review
PARADE GROUND stands as something of an enigma in the world of EBM. Since the band’s inception in 1981, Pauly brothers Pierre and Jean-Marc embarked on a stream of EP and single releases culminating in the 1988 release of ‘Cut Up’, which saw the band collaborating with WIRE’s Colin Newman. Now the brothers release ‘15th Floor’ on Minimal Maximal, a sublet of Daft Records, founded by fellow Belgian EBM maestro Dirk Ivens of DIVE. ‘15th Floor’ was originally recorded and produced in 1989, but never released until now. An Creepy-crawly like falter introduces a vivacious electro beat supported and driven by the simple yet catchy progression of bass give way to Jean-Marc’s soulful verbal melody on ‘My Morning Friends’. The track end with a coarse bass solo reminding of some other great bands. Conservative guitar pluck and more steely sound environment in combination with Jean-Marc’s voice bearing a similarly to Front 242’ s or NITZER EBB in its tonality. By now the base from PARADE GROUND reaches through the ceiling with their title track ‘Stirring Hands’.
Full of mechanical beats and electric sample-laden atmosphere up to the danceable ‘Awaiting’. PARADE GROUND evoke 80s industrial minimalism with their sharp stabs and brass synth parts. Songs like ‘Self Unmade Man’ and ‘Turn-Tables’ use an energetic mix of guitars and shaky bass melodies bearing a greater resemblance to NEW ORDER. Given that ‘15th Floor’ dates back to 1989 there is a omnipresent sense of nostalgia when listening to this album, vocals using a primitively subdued quality , a synth and drum machine and the guitar and bass production are quintessential to the tools and techniques of the period. This album surely stands up next to such classic diamonds as NINE INCH NAIL or FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY. While ‘15th Floor’ may not necessarily hold up to today’s standards of production and sound quality, it is at least an enjoyable listen and a pleasant trip down EBM memory lane.
Tracklist
01. My Morning Friends
02. Rage and Torments
03. A Day at the Park
04. The 15th Floor
05. In Fortitude
06. Awaiting
07. Self Unmade Man
08. Wind of Adventure
09. Turn-tables
10. Round
11. Stirring Hands
12. Bound for Heaven
Line-up
Pierre Pauly
Jean-Marc Pauly
Website
http://www.parade-ground.net
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 8.5
Sound: 8.5
Extras: -
Total: 8.5 / 10
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