It`s been a long time since I`ve heard of Swiss Industrial rock legends The Young Gods, so I was delighted to find that they have a new release with the album “Data Mirage Tangram”, their first for eight years. The band today comprise of Franz Treichler (aka Franz Muse, vocals, sampler, computer, guitars), Cesare Pizzi (sampler, computer) co-founder back in the fold since 2012 and Bernard Trontin (drums, electronics) who has been there since joining in 1997. It must be nearly thirty years since I first saw these “electro-noise terrorists” and was keen to reacquaint myself with them.
`Entre En Matière` is quite an eerie opening with the music building, as if the song is awakening before the vocals are almost inaudibly shared. The words being sung in French adds to the whispering haunting appeal of this track. Indeed, the name refers to opening or introduction, which certainly it is to this piece. I loved `Tear Up The Red Sky` It has a real reggae feel to it and with the quietly spoken / sung vocals it reminded me of Serge Gainsbourg`s offerings on “Aux Armes et Cætera” The title name `Tear Up The Red Sky` is chanted along with a crashing injection of controlled noise intermittently throughout. `Figure Sans Nom` or nameless figure is a hypnotic trip, a sonic groove. A tune to relax and let seep into your subconscious. We get a strangely eclectic cut next with the unconventional `Moon Above` It could virtually be an experiment with unidentified sound objects. The interspersed vocals and melancholy harmonica adding to this evocative landscape. The eleven minutes of `All My Skin Standing` begins with a pulse that is joined with an entrancing drum beat when the vocals arrive to accompany you along your journey before the song explodes half way through with crunching guitars. The ride continues with a calmer spell but again returns to a creative outburst of guitar shredding before gently fading out.
The penultimate track `You Gave Me A Name` allows us to return to a more almost ambient voyage with the songs name repeated throughout the early part before a crescendo of sounds take you by the hand in a welcoming convivial embrace. Finally, `Everythem` envelops you in a strange auditory experience with some delightful guitar plucks / licks and other additional sound bursts along the route.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this album, it was a little different to what I’d come to expect of the band but in Treichler’s own words having original god, Cesare Pizzi return, it brought a breath of fresh air to the trio. “The tangram in the title refers to Japanese puzzles consisting of seven pieces that can form a square or various silhouette of animals and characters”, says the singer. Indeed, each of the seven tracks offers something a little different and diverse but they seem to connect to form a coherent collective. The Young Gods have been pushing the limits of sound for more than thirty years. They began as pioneers of industrial punk, experimented with electro/techno music but have always forged their own unique sound. I`m sure this release will add a new chapter to their already impressive history.
Rating 9 /10
