Evelyne/Masao bring Testpattern to Dark Entries for the label’s first
foray into vintage Japanese electronics. Masao Hiruma and Fumio
Ichimura’s project Testpattern is known for their release Apres-Midi, a
cult slab of synthpop perfection released by Yukihiro Takahashi and
Haruomi Hosono’s legendary Yen Records in 1982. While Hiruma and
Ichimura parted ways following Apres-Midi, Hiruma’s musical endeavors
would continue after recruiting French/American model and vocalist
Evelyne Bennu. The duo spent time performing in Tokyo clubs while
recording at Hiruma's home studio throughout 1984 and 1985. The album
Testpattern comprises seventeen of these songs, which have never been
released previously. The Evelyne/Masao duo continues building on the
soundworld of Apres-Midi: lush, sophisticated electronics with intricate
yet minimalist production. Tracks like “Sakuramochi” and “Bird Island”
bear influence from Hosono most clearly, their soaring melodies
revealing a subtly ironic redeployment of East Asian musical tropes. But
Testpattern is more than homage to Yellow Magic Orchestra. “Tabac” and
“Le Soleil Se Leve” display oddball sensibilities closer to Sky Records
icons Asmus Tietchens or Cluster. Elsewhere, the project shows affinity
for the punkier ethos of continental DIY electronics,
like on the quirky “Alien Go Home” and a positively skewed cover of
“Singin’ in the Rain.” Bennu’s vocals provide a common thread through
these explorations, as she alternates deftly between New Wave deadpan
and unhinged chanson singer—check her waxing maximally Francophone on
“Au Clair de Lune,” based on an 18th century French song. Testpattern
will be available on both double LP as well as CD, and includes a
fold-out poster with liner notes with lyrics. This album is dedicated to
Masao Hiruma, who passed away in 2011.
Tracklist:
1. Ich weiss nicht mehr (4:14) 2. Watashino shonen (5:23) 3. Paradis perdu (4:21) 4. Sakuramochi (6:09) 5. Le soleil se leve (2:03) 6. La jungle en folie (5:46) 7. Au clair de la lune (1:18) 8. Singin in the rain (4:45) 9. Bird Island (4:49) 10. Alien Go Home (5:49) 11. Tu te fous de moi (3:56) 12. Time Out (3:18) 13. Drole doiseau (5:38) 14. Time To Party (3:57) 15. Tabac (5:28) 16. Tale of a Lizard (4:52) 17. Moonman (5:04)
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