Electronically Yours

A fascinating phone interview with electro legend Philip Oakey has appeared online today in which the League singer chats about the current Regeneration tour in the US, Human League underpants and a tantalizing progress report on new material currently being produced and engineered by Philip.

With some excellent questions from DJ Mark for the US radio station WSCA 106.1 FM, Philip reveals that the band have recently been talking to some record labels.

'One of which is associated with a major which surprised us,' says Philip who is very pleased with the outcome of tracks recorded so far in Sheffield.
In the latter half of the interview, Philip picks up on the wishes of UK fans keen to hear Human League MK1 tracks including 'obscure instrumentals', but admits that they are unlikely to be played live as 'no one bought them'.

The interview has a running time of 18 minutes and you can either stream or download the podcast to your mp3 player via this link.

(Image © Richard Price)



DJ Orac

Orac was delighted to be asked along to spin a few of his fave electro tunes for Cassette Electrik's EP launch at Industry on Friday night..
The event's proper DJ on the night was Electroqueer's Adamis who has a regular night at Barcode in Soho who was kind enough to compliment the EY set and he played a few stompers of his own later that night including a very good mix of Corona's 'Rhythm Of The Night'.
EY adores pop lists so here's what we played on the night:

Squeeze: Take Me I'm Yours
The Specials: Do Nothing
Heaven 17: Let Me Go
The Cardigans: Erase/Rewind
Human League: Marianne (Australian version)
The Knife: Heartbeats
Marsheaux: Hanging On
FC Kahuna: Machine Says Yes
Gus Gus: David
Proper Filthy Naughty: Fascination
Depeche Mode: Get The Balance Right (Combination Mix)
Tiga: (Far From) Home
The Ultrasonics: Perfect Girl
Red Blooded Women: Colour Me Dirty
Shannon: Let The Music Play
Roisin Murphy: Movie Star

Mint Royal: Don't Falter
Carly Simon: Why
Depeche Mode: New Life

It takes a very special band to drag EY away from the wine bars of Ascot to travel hundreds of miles up North.
Infest is one of Europe's most successful festivals for alternative electronic music and this event was sold out.

Topping the bill were legendary Front 242 on Sunday night but the second band of the day to take to the stage were EY's most admired band - Greek Sensations Marsheaux, and the venue was absolutely packed to see Marianthi & Sophie play at 5pm on a sunny afternoon.




EY survived the long journey up to Bradford thanks in part to Chi's fabulous CD collection that included the brand new Parralox album 'Electricity' (a rare perk given to CML for writing such good articles for us whilst we planned EY3 behind the scenes).
The day had got off to a good start with the arrival of some Red Blooded Women promo CDs to EY HQ and they were up next (Watch out for the Red Blooded Women song 'I Don't Wanna Be Lonely' at EY3).

A CD-R entitled '80's Pop Tarts' caught our eye (amazing that this title has never been used on one of the many compilations to flood the market in recent years) which led us to our travel lodge in the middle of nowhere. No nightclubs or bars, just a cinema showing one film - yet another Batman reboot minus Michael Keating.
There was talk of a stunning Steven Gerrard goal in the dying minutes of Liverpool's match against MIddlesborough - and if you watch Match Of The Day with no sound and have banging new electro playing from a hi-fi - it really does work on a Saturday night.


Sunday...



The most impressive thing about Bradford (other than the annual Infest), is the fact that you can get a decent full English Breakfast with black pudding and other things found in local fields, all for the price of just under 4 pounds.
In Ascot, such a lavish feast would set you back 20 pounds (without black pudding).

On the way to meet Marsheaux at a rather plush hotel in central Bradford, Chi played a track that EY hadn't heard in years but loved back in 1986 - 'Arizona Sky' by the much underrated China Crises (soon to support OMD in the UK) - a track that hovered outside the Top 40 for a few weeks but deserved to be huge.



As we enter the hotel, Undo co-creator (and co- producer of EY's fave pop album of 2007 'Peek A Boo') George Geranios was actually wearing a mid-80's China Crises t-shirt with the logo from the 'Arizona Sky' era!

Spooky Analogue Synchronicity.

Warm hugs and kisses followed between EY, Marsheaux, Undo Records and family member Kiki who was the spitting image of Penelope Cruz along with creators of the official Marsheaux forum - Rob and Latex (who dressed like Martin Gore in 1986 hence the name).
Off stage, Marianthi and Sophie look like popstars but without the ego, Dressed in designer clothes, they are the warmest people you could ever hope to possibly meet.
Both girls have big brown eyes that you can get lost in and for the next hour, the topic is purely about music by other electro bands.

Sophie is very excited by the Katsen track 'Where Nobody Can Find Us' and EY replies by saying how flattered Katsen would be to hear that coming from Marsheaux. Marianthi had just returned from holiday with a healthy brown glow and revealed one or two things about the next Marsheaux album including the title but we are sworn to secrecy.
The first single from the new album will be released in November on Out Of Line Records.

More talk followed with regards to 'EY VOL 1' - perhaps it will come with a bonus remix CD with one more act added to the mix (who were recently a Popjustice Song Of The Day act and deservedly so - grab a ticket for EY3 and you'll see them live).
A mini bus arrived to take us all to Infest and we were transported within minutes to Bradford University full of stylishly dressed Goths enjoying drinks at the bar and the atmosphere was very welcoming.
Marianthi and Sophie were able to walk around without being recognised and for a moment, EY wondered how many would come along to their early slot given the fine weather. The girls had recently wowed a Goth festival in Germany - to their biggest festival audience yet - but would something similar happen here in the UK?
Come 4.50pm and there is a modest gathering close to the stage and a huge empty hall, several times the size of Hoxton where Marsheaux had their debut UK performance back in October 2007 for EY1.


At 5pm, Marianthi and Sophie enter the stage to the 'Ebay Queen' instrumental 'M.A.R.S.H.E.A.U.X' with producers George and Nik already bopping away with controller keyboards like a Greek version of the Chemical Brothers.

There is a huge cheer as the girls take position behind the Micro Korgs in matching designer dresses and they look absolutely stunning.


EY glances backwards to see where all the noise is coming from and the hall is practically heaving with Cyber Goths and others mostly decked out in black.







'Computer Love' is the first vocal song - and this is the track that EY first heard back in November 2006 - a track that pretty much changed the course of 'Electronically Yours' leading to so many unexpected things such as our first live event where we brought the girls over to the UK for the very first time.



There was a slight difference to some of the tracks played - all had an injection of deep bass (something the Human League have mastered in recent years with songs like 'Being Boiled'. A brilliant 'Gothed up' remix version of 'Hanging On' (a track that is EY's soundtrack to 2007) is our highlight and it was a delight to see many people around us singing the words to this track.







After sampling 'Computer Love' for the very first time on Myspace, we had such a warm, buzzy feeling about Marsheaux and fell in love with them instantly but to see that appeal extend to a completely different audience outside of EY (and one that doesn't take to new bands too lightly) - it was a very special personal moment for us.
'Hanging On' is genius pop. Dark in places but it still manages to uplift - it's an old Depeche Mode trick of minor chords mixed in with good vocal hooks and (it's a combination that makes you feel alive).



The PA at Infest is brilliant and so the light show. Lots of lush purples - perfect EY moments for the main page, and this is a very confident Marsheaux performance.
Marianthi and Sophie have huge grins before saying 'thank you' in those distinctive and adorable Greek accents.


Another bass driven track that everyone in the audience sings along to is the Marshy cover of the fave Human League track 'Empire State Human' originally recorded to celebrate 30 years of the League for EY last year - and now it's a live fave with added effects and sounds.
This all too brief 45-minute set draws to a close with a rare live performance of 'Ghost' - a vinyl gift to fans who had supported the band throughout 2007 and it sounds great.

EY had come such a long way for such a short set but we were buzzing from it all and with EY4 coming up early next year - we could do with another Marsheaux live fix here in the UK.




One or two hours later, 'Peek A Boo' producer Nik (also of Fotonovela and Mikro), showed his true electro credentials by prompting a wine fueled Orac into a Depeche Mode singalong that included 'Stripped' and 'Never Let Me Down' - and both of them did a pretty good Dave Gahan impersonation..

Perhaps you'll get this at EY4?





It took Orac a full 4 days to recover from this event (there was quite a bit of wine).


(With thanks to Marsheaux, Undo, Chi, Wout and the most excellent OMD crew)



Breaking news! Parralox grab Popjustice Song Of The Day!



News of this reached us quite late but we're delighted that Parralox have today clinched the prestigious Popjustice Song Of The Day for the EY bonus track 'Electricity'.

No mention for EY in the Popjustice blurp but Parralox now join genre leaders such as Marsheaux, Red Blooded Women and The Ultrasonics who have all grabbed this title in the last 12 months.

Click here to read what Popjustice have to say about Parralox and then come back to EY and grab your copy of the EY Special Edition.

EY faves The Ultrasonics have this week released their debut single 'Perfect Girl' and we can't get enough it. This digital release comes with remixes from some of the finest acts to grace these EY in the last two years.

Greek Sensations Marsheaux add their unique touch to one of the catchiest tracks of the year along with EMP and EY's latest discovery - The Mighty Parralox who all sound like they've had a blast working with a classic bassline and strong vocal hooks.
Each track costs just 79p and you can grab them via this iTunes link - 'Perfect Girl is also available over at Tesco Digital.
To promote the single release, The Ultrasonics played infront of their biggest crowd yet at Manchester Pride over the weekend along with Client, Roisin Murphy, Alphabeat & Sophie Ellis Bextor.

The new 'Perfect Girl' mixes can now be sampled on the band's myspace page where they have just topped 100,000 plays.

Catch EY in conversation with Johanna later this week.

EY is delighted to confirm a unique line-up for EY3 that takes place at Industry in Shoreditch on November 28th and we are buzzing at the prospect of seeing all three acts in the same night at one of London's best venues - equipped with a PA that is so perfect for live electro.

Doors open at 8pm with ticket prices, DJs and running times to follow but let us tell you a few things about these very special bands that we've chosen for your electronic enjoyment are Red Blooded Women, Parralox & Motorbikes In Tokyo.

(EY will be taking a short break this weekend with a visit to Infest and Greek Sensations Marsheaux :))

RED BLOODED WOMEN have made quite an impression in these parts and their appearance at Monto Water Rats confirmed they're not just pretty faces. Delivering edgy electronic pop with the spirit of Bananarama and the feistiness of Girls Aloud, they also showed their down-to-earth credentials by chatting to Electronically Yours and agreeing to a quick impromptu photo session.



Following on from that electric gig at Kings Cross, RBW have since appeared on BBC.co.uk and are one of a handful of bands - including The Verve - to appear on the Myspace music homepage throughout this week which is a remarkable achievement in such a small space of time.

With forthcoming release of their debut EP 'You Made Your Bed' on Planet Clique, Liz Morphew from the group took time to talk to Chi Ming Lai about everything from Yazoo samples, working with Trademark, The Human League, multi-tasking and a perfect Red Blooded Women evening!

How did you all meet and come into being as RED BLOODED WOMEN?

Candy and I met at an audition for another girlband. We swapped numbers, and kept in touch, and then we found the lovely Carly by the high tech approach of an ad in the paper!

When you formed RBW, was it a conscious decision to be more 'Euro Pop' rather than say 'American R'n'B'? Is it true you were even 'Trip-Hop' for a while?

Oh! You know our dirty secret!!! Yes it's true; we experimented with a few trip hop tracks in the early days. We knew we wanted to be a bit edgy, and we were still finding our sound. We'd only worked with one producer at the time, but then we started working with the lovely Trademark, John Myers and Eazy and the beautiful 80s electroness that you hear today was born!!

What have these producers and musicians been like to work with?

We've got an amazing team. We're so lucky to have written with a handful of the best up and coming producers, who bring loads of different ideas to the tracks. Trademark are really great at dance stuff, Eazy is very old skool electro and John is our rocky electro guy and a very big Prince fan which always sneaks into tracks :)

Is there anyone you'd like to work with?

We love all of our boys, but would KILL to work with Richard X - he's a genius and it'd be a perfect match musically. We're a big fan of a producer called Space Cowboy as well, and even though he's not very electro, we love Mark Ronson's stuff.

What was the music played by your parents at home when you were younger? Did you really grow up to the sound of the synthesiser and learn to dance to the beat of electronic drums?

Nicely put! Well, we're all 80s children so we all had the likes of A-ha, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Wham!, The Human League, and Bananarama blasted in our ears on a regular basis. But we also grew up to The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Van Morrison, Frankie Valli etc - so I guess we were fairly well educated musically ;)

What was your first concert or inspiration?

My first concert was the Spice Girls at Wembley - not terribly cool, but we do love that whole concept of 'girl power'. It was very empowering for a young girl at the time.

'Colour Me Dirty' uses 'Don't Go' by YAZOO as its basis. How did the idea for using an 80s electro classic come about?

We are asked this a lot and we can never remember whose idea it was! Because we're so 80's influenced, we really wanted to use an 80's sample. We had loads of ideas and this one just seemed to scream out at us. We are massive fans of the original and wanted to use it and try and do something really different...we really hope we've done it justice and Yazoo fans don't hate us :)

Your singing voices are very strong. Have any of you received any formal musical training?

Why thank you MWAH!! Carly and I went to music college, were trained classically and moved to pop, whereas Candy is all natural talent. Never even had a singing lesson!! Bitch!!

What do you say to those people who may dismiss you for not playing instruments onstage?

Singing live, dancing AND trying to play a guitar or keyboard??! We're women but even that's too much multi-tasking for us :)

Your promo photos appear to be an ironic statement on modern 'ladette' and 'wanabee WAG' culture. Has this inspired your songs?

It's all tongue and cheek and pretty much a play on the girlband stereotype of looking really glossy and perfect. We're three normal gals who don't mind partying hard and looking a bit rough at the end of the night! We wanted to show that we're just the same as the people who will hopefully be into our music, rather than this airbrushed, ultra glam idea of celebrity that our generation seems to be so obsessed with. Musically, we write songs that reflect the mood were in - so if you catch us on a grumpy day you'll get 'You Made Your Bed'. Or a saucy day - 'Colour Me Dirty'!

Which one of you has the worst bad habit?

Carly - she'll borrow all our stuff and then lose it, hehe!!

The bloke in your video for 'You Made Your Bed' seems to be left in a rather compromising position at the end. So is this a warning that you ladies are not be messed about with then?

Absolutely!!!! We'll eat you alive haha!! The song is a bit of a dig at rubbish men and we just thought - lets get a hot guy, rip his shirt off and tie him up. A perfect Red Blooded Women evening :)

What sort of an audience do you think RED BLOODED WOMEN will appeal to?

Anyone fabulous!!! We'd love to think trendy pop lovers - maybe who choose to wear leg warmers. That would be a bonus :)

What are your hopes for the band and how successful it could become?

World domination!!! Obviously being majorly successful would be brilliant, but as long as we can make the music we love and have a handful of adoring fans to play to then we're happy :) We think pop music needs a kick up the butt and we have three pairs of killer heels to do it with :)

What are the most played songs on your iPod at the moment?

Lady Gaga - Just Dance, Little Boots - Stuck On Repeat, Rihanna - Don't Stop the Music, Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let Me Go, Modern Talking - SOS For Love, Annie - I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me

So GIRLS ALOUD or SUGABABES?

Early Sugababes before any line up changes, but Girls Aloud now _ we love that they take risks with their music. 'Sexy, No, No, No' for example, was such a random track for a pop group - they're in a position to take risks, and they do, which should be applauded.

And finally, THE HUMAN LEAGUE or DEPECHE MODE?

We love both (and we did toy with the idea of covering ' Enjoy The Silence' for a while), but The Human League edge it pour moi! They're a little bit more pop! Plus they have a bit of womanly glamour there, which we always appreciate!

(With huge thanks to Liz, Chi, Mark and Mr Blue)

RBW's myspace player has some of the catchiest electro of 2008 so head on over to this link where you can also find details of the 'You Made Your Bed' debut EP set for release on Monday 24th August.
Oh... and be sure to check out the girl's forthcoming gigs ;)


Coming next week - EY interviews Jo of The Ultrasonics!

Two forthcoming League related tracks have both secured the coveted 'Song Of The Day' this week over on the UK's most influential pop blog Popjustice.

The first track to catch the attention of Popjustice yesterday was girlband Sirens on Kitchenware Records (home in the 80s to bands such as Prefab Sprout and The Kane Gang) whose new single 'Dreams' is a fairly faithful cover of Dare's opening number 'The Things That Dreams Are Made Of' with elements of Visage's 'Fade To Grey' thrown in for good measure and it's a bit of a pop stomper.
Described by Popjustice as a ' brilliant version of the track', the poptastic blog goes to praise the Sirens cover; adding that it ' deserves a place in the iTunes playlists of around 75% of the Popjustice-viewing public.'
Sirens have added new lyrics to the track but have retained the chorus and this cover represents the second time this decade that the 'Dare' album track has been featured on a single. Kelis scored a top ten hit in 2003 with 'Finest Dreams' produced by the highly influential Richard X.
The Sirens myspace page has a remix of 'Dreams' on their myspace page whilst the Popjustice article can be read here.



Today's Popjustice Song Of The Day is from 60's legend Tony Christie with a cover of the League's 1984 hit 'Louise' - a single lifted from his forthcoming album 'Made In Sheffield' that has been produced by Richard Hawley.The album contains various covers including Pulp and Arctic Monkeys (we spent all day wondering if we should even mention the Monkeys on EY...) .

Tony's cover of 'Hysteria' single 'Louise' is the second version to be released in the last few years, Robbie Williams also recorded the League track for his 'Rudebox' album back in 2006.

You can hear a snippet of Tony's 'Louise' cover via this link but in the words of Popjustice, 'it's not exactly poppers o'clock'.

(With thanks to Michael Lenihan & Simon Oliver)


Coming up later this week - an interview with the charming Liz of Red Blooded Women, and a disco stomper from new artist Antigone.

Until then, head on over to Parralox's myspace page where you can hear for the very first time - a minutes worth of bonus track 'Electricity' from the EY Special Edition - and its another pop gem :)

EY has a couple of interviews lined up for you this week before we head on up to Bradford for Marsheaux live at Infest. First up is the soaring vocals behind some of the tracks that we've been annoying our neighbours with in recent weeks. 'Empire State Human' Roxy is the lead singer of Parralox and EY sent Chi out into cyber space to find out just a little bit more about the voice behind 'Electricity'....

Chi: How did you get into singing? Were you aspiring to be someone you admired or was it all by accident?

Roxy: I had always wanted to be a singer as a child, but then got distracted by the whole Uni thing and 'keeping my options open' by training in other stuff. In the end though after spending a few years at Uni studying Media and Drama and then getting a teaching degree....see I did say 'distracted'....I found my way back to music by chance in a way as I moved into a share house with a songwriter. We swapped notes, my pop culture media stuff for his songwriting stuff. He encouraged me to go back to my vocal training (I had done classical and jazz training earlier).

You lived and performed in London for a few years, were these happy times for you?

London is great but its tough and its cold! I am a bit of an Ozzie beach girl! But I met some great people. I got very close to a deal with BMG just before they merged with Sony. But the merger saw the guy who was developing me lose his job and I headed back to Oz.

What's the record that reminds you most of your teenage years?

Anything Madonna. And how great is she at 50!

Are you a fan of electronic music? What were the first songs you liked in the genre?

I have to admit to having always been more of a mainstream junkie. I have always loved the sounds cape of Electronic music, but I would be making it up if I was to start reeling off my faves through the ages.

How did you meet John?

I met him through the songwriter John Collins who happened to be living in that share household that I moved into after my University marathon.

Your voice has shades of American singers such as Madonna and Terri Nunn. How do you think this adds to Parralox's very European sound?

I like the way that it adds a pop element to the sound. And I have a bit of an up real close to the mic, intimate vocal style (this isn't entirely intentional, I'm just not a very good shouter). Anyway I think that intimacy adds a human element to the generated sounds. Like someone whispering to you through the created soundscape.

A lot of Parralox's lyrics reflect on interface between people and technology.
How do you relate to the idea of electric love or falling in love with a drum machine?

That's more John's territory. But I totally get being in love with technology that allows you to express yourself creatively. I've been in love with Protools and my camera before so I guess that's similar....

Your photos present you as a sexy electro goddess. How much of this is really you and how much is it you playing a role?

Well I guess its a bit of both. I am definitely playing a role in that I wouldn't wear that dress and walk down the street with that look on my face! But you know, I've never been afraid of a denim mini either.

Don't you ever get cold in that tiny dress?

Yes! It was freezing the day we shot the Album cover and as I said I don't like the cold. The photographer was really concerned for me and kept asking if I needed the heater turned up.

How do you feel about the response you've had so far to your music?

Its fantastic. We couldn't ask for more. Really to have such a great response in such a short period of time and without a major record company involved either!

What can we expect when Parralox play live at EY3 in November?

A lot of fun. John and I love to perform and we love to get right into the whole style thing too. So expect great costumes, slick but quirky songs and sweet sounds.

The sheer volume of stomper tracks on the Parralox debut is astonishing. If pushed, what are your own personal faves on 'Electricity'.

I love Shaper than a Knife. Maybe coz its a bit crossover-ish and being a bit of a pop girl that appeals.
And I love Europa just because I enjoyed recording all those layered vocals in the Chorus so much. Listening to it reminds of that.

Finally, what are your five most played songs on your iPod at the moment?

This is gonna sound crazy, but because I make music, unless I am researching for a particular project I really only listen sporadically. I listen to the radio in the car and while I'm running, to keep in touch with what's on rotation. But the rest of the time, when I'm just chilling I go more for the visual stuff TV, movies and I like to read a bit...sounds weird huh?.......oh and don't forget the beach...I am really hanging out for summer.

Pre-order 'Electricity' via this link

Coming up next - Liz from Red Blooded Girls tells EY about the Depeche Mode track they were close to recording plus - DM vs Human League - who do RBW pick?

The Mighty Tron have this week confirmed that fan fave 'Runaway' will be the second single to be lifted from their acclaimed album 'Velocifero'.
'Runaway' is a trademark Tron tune with some heavy sequencing that owes more to the sound of 2002's 'Light & Magic' and the band have produced another strikingly stylish video with black CGI lines and Mira (who still manages to look cool and sultry whilst playing an accordion). The track also has one of the best intro's of 2008 and a Mode-like instrumental break that's a bit like 'Policy Of Truth'.

The single is released on CD/7"/download on September 22nd ahead of a major 12 date UK tour that kicks off in Leeds on November 14th.
Full details can be found on Tron's myspace page.

A page in your Diary...

Northern Kind will be playing a special gig on Sunday 24th at Club Noir that takes place at Camden's Purple Turtle. Matt and Sarah will be the warm-up band for a very rare DJ set from electro pioneer Gary Numan who'll be at the decks over in the Electric Ballroom from midnight onwards. Since appearing at The Mighty Boosh Festival last month, Gary has also been spotted at Ben Cooke's Festival Of Sins a few weeks back also in Camden.
Whilst Numan is spinning Mode tunes down in London , electro fans up North should head towards the Goth Festival Infest in Bradford where Marsheaux will be performing live and to celebrate Marianthi and Sophie's second UK appearence, we've added 'EY VOL 1' track 'Sadly' back to our myspace player.

Quote of the day: 'I'd still like to have stayed as big as U2. I think people's interest drifted away from our kind of music, but I think there's an alternative universe somewhere where electro is still the biggest music ever and everyone hates guitar bands'. - Philip Oakey 2008

EY was been incredibly fortunate and the greatest buzz in putting this little site together has always been in it's ability to give brand new bands a modest platform to hopefully reach out and touch fans of this genre.

When we first heard Parralox demos of 'Shaper Than A Knife', 'Lovely' and other 'rough' studio demos from a proposed debut album (and there wasn't a single notes or sound wasted on these tracks), EY was already won over.
During Orac's birthday in June, EY was handed a unique gift from producer John Von Ahlen - a CDR containing all of the Parralox tracks recorded to date with the promise of a few more tracks to come (the new songs turned out to be single contenders 'The End Of Summer' and 'You & Me Both').

A few days later and EY was lost in this album. The Human League's seminal 'Dare' played a huge part in John's musical awakening and here for the first time, was a collection of songs built around the Oakey/Rushent vision of the future and a whole lot more.
For many new albums released these days, you half expect 50% of filler and b-side material. 'Electricity' has around 8 tracks that could seriously be considered as strong singles. EY sent John a text immediately after we heard the album, 'wow' was one of many words - in our hands was the finest electro album since Marsheaux's 'Peek A Boo' and we loved all the subtle sonic references.
It was during a gathering at Gordons wine bar on Embankment in London shorlty after the Yazoo Hammersmith dates, when EY first suggested releasing a limited special edition to Parralox producer JVA.
'Electricity' is an album that could have been tailor made purely for the people who have supported this site since 2001 and EY is proud to present such an accomplished collection of pop songs.

We've had to keep things under wraps for a bit but we are now able to present a review of 'Electricity' for the first time anywhere online.
EY's Chi Ming Lai gives his verdict...


PARRALOX 'Electricity' - We Believe in Electric Love

In 1981, 'Dare' by THE HUMAN LEAGUE was released to critical and commercial acclaim. It was avant-pop, commercial enough to appeal to a pop fan but instrumentally modern enough to appeal to those in love with the sound of the synthesizer. Now from Melbourne, Australia comes a body of work that may come closest to matching 'Dare' musically. It is unashamedly electro and unashamedly pop. PARRALOX's 'Electricity' does what it says on the tin. 'Dare' was the first album instrumentalist/producer John Von Ahlen owned and it was his love of 'The Things That Dreams Are Made Of' that set him off into the world of Korg and Roland synths. With the 80's being a current point of reference and discovery for a new generation of music fans, this album is a homage to that era. It will delight both young and old.

Now imagine how THE HUMAN LEAGUE might have sounded if MADONNA been lead singer? 'Electricity' takes on a nostalgic feel by replicating the sound of when digital music technology like the Fairlight CMI was in its infancy. But it takes on a new slant via modern programming and the vibrant lead vocals of Roxy. There's nothing more magnetic than a gorgeous young lady singing about technology and love! Together, Roxy and John are an electric dream!

The opening title 'Europa' says it all. This is not an Aussie album; it is born out of the 'neue musik' like KRAFTWERK that eventually spawned all the bands we know and love. The topline recalls the chorus of WILL POWERS' 'Kissing With Confidence' which was actually sung by EY 'Guilty Pleasure' fave CARLY SIMON! With its hard 'Relax/'HI-NRG' Teutonic rhythm and banging Linn Drum floor toms, it's a great opener.

On the 6/8 electro-glam stomper 'Black Jeans', Roxy waxes lyrical on the merits of how said attire enhances her posterior, all in a seductive kitten-like manner reminiscent of GOLDFRAPP. It feels like it might break into the 'Dr Who' theme too. Meanwhile, 'Factory Friends' starts with creepy Theremin sounds and pulsing appregiators before building to a rhythm machine crescendo.

'We Believe In Electric Love' is 'The Things That Dreams Are Made Of' for the 21st Century. It's a manifesto, a magnificent anthem of solidarity for all fans of electronic music...electro and proud! 'EAP'? That's a clothing line isn't it? If their photos are anything to go by, PARRALOX would be one of the faces of the 'EAP' brand.

This is the one album that all synth nerds can relate to in their own aural fantasy version of 'Weird Science'. Roxy is the lady we wished we could date while stuck in our bedrooms listening to GARY NUMAN and DEPECHE MODE...alone! She likes her gadgets and she's sexy too. 'I Fell In Love With A Drum Machine' puts those naughty thoughts into our mind alongside some 'Hooky' six-string bass. 'I dream I'm electric when I dream of you ' coos Roxy! Ooooooh! If Roxy wasn't for real, wedd have had to invent her on our computer.

'X Minus One' has the euphoric feel of actually going on a night out with Roxy. She takes us to a New York disco to experience the joys of dancefloor. The sparkling synths with lots of vibrato and rhythmic construction recall SHANNON 'Let The Music Play' and life in The Big Apple. The track also gives nods towards NEW ORDER's appropriately titled 'Confusion' but shows Manchester's finest how to do Arthur Baker styled electro! Now with added Fairlight orchestra stabs, this song is a total classic.

With 'You And Me Both', you're now on vacation with Roxy. It's an ode to YAZOO, both 'Don't Go' and 'Only You' are namechecked. Alison and Vince couldn't have timed their return any better. Young feisty girls like RED BLOODED WOMEN and THE SATURDAYS are using samples of their music while here, Roxy does her best MADONNA impression to give a narrative about John's recent European trip to see the duo. The emotive feel will be understood by anyone who's not wanted a holiday romance to end. Meanwhile, the bursts of fuzzy detuned synths and crashing beat make this one of the stand-out tracks. And it features my favourite line from the album: 'I know it's wrong, we don't use guitars...but that's what turned us into superstars'!

'Sharper Than A Knife' (an exclusive mix is available on the EY Myspace player here) is slightly bittersweet. The mood subsides and grows again as Roxy melts into the gorgeous tones of Terri Nunn from BERLIN. But the melodic tones mix with this darker edge and successfully convey the emotional hurt we all experience at one time or another. With 'Underground', it's back to the New York dancefloor. This time, it comes complete with scratching and a squelchy sound not unlike the Roland TR303 Bassline Computer before it went acid. Body pop at your peril and shake that ghetto blaster!

'Lovely' is a successful rewriting of THE HUMAN LEAGUE's 'The Lebanon' mashed with NEW ORDER's 'Touched By The Hand Of God'. The bass and drums sounds are pushed right to the front, the guitars are wiped and the staccato synths given more prominence. In many ways, this is perhaps how 'The Lebanon' should have sounded in the first place? 'Eastern Wall' exposes more influences with 'Dare' style Linn Drum programming and the gated sequence off 'Don't You Want Me'. The token political observation on 'Electricity', even the 'electronic cat' from 'Love Action' makes an appearance!

Lots of fun and games can be had in identifying PARRALOX's inspirations. 'The End Of Summer' features the moody groove of PET SHOP BOYS 'Rent' while 'I Heart You' recalls the early Moog sequencer work of GIORGIO MORODER. It's a great dance track with an obvious lift from 'I Feel Love'.


John Von Ahlen wears his influences on his sleeve but manages to cleverly play around with synth pop's history without you having to do your Scott Evil impression and shout 'rip-off'!

'Should Not Be' is a marvellous mellow closer. Its atmospheric string pads and solid octaved bass line takes things down after an hour of intelligent, highly enjoyable pop...all pre-programmed for your listening pleasure. Much attention to detail has been paid to these recordings, right down to proper endings on all the songs. None of these routine fade endings here. Everything feels 'krafted'.

'Electricity' is packed with marvellous tunes for the heart and the feet. But there's passion too, perfect for your 'Electric Nights'. Electronic music in the 80s was often exciting but rarely sexy. 'Electricity' manages to be both exciting and sexy. It's almost relentlessly up...words ending in 'I-O-N' don't really have a place here! It fills the void left by GOLDFRAPP now they've gone all folk!

'Electricity' could have been made in the 80s BUT it wasn't. And that's why it has a place in your collection or iPod. It's the album Ms Ciccone would have made had she worked with Martin Rushent instead of Nile Rodgers. And it's rather jolly good!

CHI Rating: 9 out of 10

Parralox have set up a special members area for EY readers where you can listen to a new 'Electricity Megamix' much like Heaven 17's classic album opener on 'Endless' way back in 1986.
Several tracks are included that have never been heard in public anywhere else including 'You & Me Both' and the mix is also free for you to download onto your iPods.

Simply hit on this essential link (page requires Quick Time).

The EY Special Edition of 'Electricity' is limited to just 500 copies and will be released in late August. To secure your copy, please click here.

Related link: Parralox @ myspace

Coming soon...EY's Star Test with Roxy!

The Ultrasonics reveal 'Perfect Girl' remixes!


The Ultrasonics yesterday confirmed the tracklisting for their stomper of a debut single 'Perfect Girl' and regular EY readers may be familiar with a few of the names behind the four featured remixes.
EMP who helped breath some new life into Human League tracks for EY between 2005 and 2007, gets to work his magic on this catchy pop number. EMP also span the tunes prior to Marsheaux's debut performance at the Hoxton last year and the Greek Sensations are one of the other featured acts on The Ultrasonics single release with a Marsheaux Remix.
Finally, most of today's update has already focussed on them, but congratulations to Parralox who provide the fourth official remix.
'Perfect Girl' was recently described as ' Thunderous disco polish...top British pop'' by Popjustice and is released on August 25th . To hear the original 7" edit, please click on The Ultrasonic's myspace page.

'We are Technology...'
Technologic were formed way back in 2002 by Austrian singer Martina Mars and Polish knob twiddler Ray Grant after meeting online via the official Pet Shop Boys website. After discovering that they shared similar electro passions for all things PSB related including Ladytron, Client & Miss Kitten, this European synth duo went on to record an album called 'Classic'.





One of the stunning results fo those initial recording sessions was a track called 'We Are Technology' (hit the link opposite for the 2003 MTV video). The track would go on would go on to gain airplay in Poland and MTV in Germany in 2003 just as 'electroclash' crashed and burned in spectacular fashion whilst other gems such as 'You Can't Fail When You're In Love' (a wonderful cross between PSB and early 90's Electronic with lines such as 'It's so simple when we're naked' ) were locked in recording vaults of Amsterdam.
Few could succeed in matching Fisherspooner's brilliant 'Emerge', record companies became wary and the genre retreated deep underground despite the best efforts of Client and Ladytron back in 2003.

Five years later on and the electro scene now has a solid foundation with major labels seeking out the next Yazoo whilst newly formed electro bands now have more than just the art school look, they have pop gems ready for radio and career masterplans inspired by Heaven 17 and the Pet Shop Boys.
Since early 2007, rarely has a week gone by when EY hasn't fallen in love with a new track and we first heard of Technologic via the official Marsheaux forum where new fans are embracing and supporting all these news acts such as Red Blooded Women, Ashbury Heights and Neon Neon (whom we shall cover soon and have just been remixed by Richard X).




It only took one listen of 'We Are Technology' and within hours, the track became one of the penultimate songs on the Undo compilation 'EY Vol 1' along with another new song - ''Where Nobody Can Find Us' by UK act Katsen.
'We Are Technology' glistens and pulsates like one of Tennant & Lowe's 'Behaviour' gems from 1990. Martina's fragile vocals can be heart breaking and she knows how to constructs poetic lyrics and haunting hooks whilst the instrumental break contains a soft piano lead set to a brilliantly produced bassline.
EY photographer Lubert Daz has been following Technologic for quite some time via the enthusiastic pages of Electroqueer here in the UK and has provided this review of the debut album 'Classic':

First off, Technologic aren't a band cashing in on the new scene, formed in 2002, and they put their first promo cd back in 2003 when it was still slightly taboo to mention you bought 'Cars' on the day of release at your local record shop! Technologic are Martina Mars and Ray Grant, and are one the bands featured on the eagerly expected 'Electronically Yours' compilation album.

The opening chords of 'We are Technology' could have strayed off the mixing desk of Giorgio Moroder until Martina's crystal clear voice sounds through the electro, then in an instant you are listening to music which feels like it has been in your collection for years. The course of the album sways between Hi-Energy dance tracks like 'We Can Be', to the move seductive setting on 'Saviour'. With such diverse angles on display it could become very messy, thankfully it's a well crafted album which demonstrates a strong sense of maturity. Worthy high-lights come in the guise of 'From: Chicago to Detroit' with a playful chorus line which would easily have sat at easy on a YMO album, and the mixture of brittle piano, interwoven with Martina's incredible delivery on 'The World Is In Love'

Amidst the plethora of electro bands vying for our attention, Technologic are able to stand shoulder to shoulder with any of them. Martina's voice is a true dream, and you'd be hard pushed to find many who can create such a sensual sonic landscape as this. Underpinning this is Ray and Martina''s ability to look beyond the standard formula, and add elements into the scores which raise it above the norm. This isn't just another electro album, it's a fine example of what pop music can be, pure fun and memorable.

Technologic - Further Listening

'Further Listening' is a collection of remixes, b-sides and unpublished tracks spanning the last five years of Technologic's creative output. Of the new tracks getting a first airing 'Excuse Me' opens with a hint of 'Autobahn' then slides into a pulsating electro beat akin to Miss Summer circa 1977. Listen to the lyrics, and you'll realise you've entered what appears to be a simple telephonist story, but turns into a tale of telephone sex - 'they want me to moan on the phone'.

Elsewhere remixes by Bee Hunter turn the heat up adding snarling guitars on 'We Are Technology' and huge slice of electro funk on 'We Can Be' giving a new slant on an already great track. Other gems are offered such as delights like 'We Are Technologic' (Lethargy mix) which is a real tour de force of relentless electro, and a chance to hear the true nature of their musical talents in the unplugged version of 'City Lights'.
These two releases are a worthy addition to your collection, 'Classic' is a great example of how to create pop music on the order of Pet Shop Boys, and 'Further Listening' doesn't disappoint as a compilation, instead it makes for a perfect companion to 'Classic' which is out now as a download. 'Further Listening' will be released as a download in September.

To find out details on how to order 'Classic', please visit the official website via this link.

Related links:

Technologic Myspace
Bee Hunter Myspace

Coming shortly, an exclusive free download from Technologic.

I'll Be Your Synthesizer!

Live review by Chi Ming Lai

In these slightly gloomy times, everyone needs a bit of colour to lift their spirits. Escapism was a word much used by the New Romantics so it's no coincidence that in the same way that scene grew around the 'winter of discontent', the current crop of female led electronic acts have appeared during a world wide credit crunch!


And RED BLOODED WOMEN provided that much needed colour and sparkle with a fabulous gig at Monto Water Rats to launch their new EP 'You Made Your Bed'.

So who are RED BLOODED WOMEN? Named after the KYLIE song, they are Liz, Candy and Carly: daughters of the girls who in the 80's wanted to sing and dance like Susanne and Joanne from THE HUMAN LEAGUE. They are girls who actually were '...brought up to the sound of the synthesiser' and '...learned to dance to the beat of electronic drums'!

Cynics may say they are yet another girl group sold on their looks. But can anyone remember FAITH HOPE & CHARITY featuring Dani Behr or MILAN who had Eastenders' Martine McCutcheon as lead singer? No, because their songs were awfu! These types of groups can't sell without great songs. But RED BLOODED WOMEN, like GIRLS ALOUD and SUGABABES, have them.

Starting off with the YAZOO sampling 'Colour Me Dirty', this is a hit if there ever was one. It's very immediate so it's to RBW's credit that the slightly darker HI-NRG throb of 'You Made Your Bed' has been chosen as the lead track of their forthcoming EP. Having the two most high profile songs so early in the set can often be a let down but the girls proved they had more in reserve. Ears don't lie and their ERASURE inspired ballad 'Don't Wanna Be Lonely' was impressive while 'Can You See?' is a total pop gem that could take GIRLS ALOUD in a straight fight (although it is alleged that Cheryl Cole can be pretty useful in that department!!).

Red Blooded Women's Stock Aitken and Waterman period Bananarama pastiche 'Keep Up The Attraction' is so authentic, you can actually picture the girls prancing around on stage at the BRITS with a troupe of semi-naked male dancers while the bow-tied audience look aghast!

The other track from the EP '4 2Nite' reveals the trendy 80's influenced synth heavy machine sound currently being used by R'n'B producers like Timbaland before closing with the excellent foot stomp of MySpace fave 'Synthesiser'. ''Play me all night long' sang the girls.HMMMMMMM!

One of the most striking things about RBW is the strength of their voices. Liz is classically trained while Carly and Candy both belted out sumptuous vocals of their own. All three girls swapped lead throughout the songs, none of this Posh Spice in the background doing very little or Michelle Heaton from LIBERTY X doing just the 'spoken' bits nonsense!

Throughout the set, the choreography was well co-ordinated and provided an entertaining visual focus that was in stark contrast to the static nature of most 'conventional' electro acts. But what came across the most during this performance was the warmth of the girls' personalities. They were really enjoying themselves and totally at ease chatting away to the audience, coming across as being both down-to-earth and genuine. Bright, fun, gorgeous and sexy...enough to capture any red blooded man's (or woman's) heart!

Their 'You Made Your Bed' EP will be out on Planet Clique as a download or red vinyl 7" inch single from 24th August. You can pre-order via RED BLOODED WOMEN's MySpace.




(Orac: The red vinyl also comes free with an exclusive download remix of the title track by future stars Motorbikes In Tokyo).



As EY was preparing this article tonight, Red Blooded Women were today featured on bbc.co.uk in an article that looks at the new wave of boys bands before moving on to the girls. RBW get a good mention along with The Saturdays (who've also built a song around a Yazoo track - in this case 'Situation')
RBW are in a totally different league compared to the other bands name checked over at the BBC and we think you should turn up your speakers and head on over to RBW's myspace page or hit on the promo video for the stomping new single 'You Made Your Bed'.

EY should be tucked up in bed by this time of night but there is a track that we have to briefly tell you about.
All we know about Black Affair is that the band is fronted by Steve Mason formerly of Beta Band and we think he looks a bit like Paul Morley in the promo video - a man that EY has huge amounts of respect for and this is could have come from the Morley/ZTT era.
'It's Real' is driven by some of the most retro drum machines we've heard in quite some time but we love the drum programming, sharp handclaps and the sheer cheek of it all.
Best of all though is the vocal hooks, 'It's Real' screams at you like a geniune electro classic from 1982. The song will most likely make you hit 'replay' and the synth chords reminds us a bit of Thomas Dolby's 'Windpower'. Synth Dee Lovely.

'It's Real' will get EY through the coming week and we may even be dancin' come Friday night.

Related link: Black Affair @ myspace

(With thanks to Martin Lambert)

EY Rating: 9/10




Coming soon - Chi gives his verdict on the mighty vocal range of the gorgeous electro trio - Red Blooded Women live in London and we will also have an interview with the girls.
Top pop blog Electroqueer was also at the RBW gig at the Water Rats venue and you can read Raj's initial thoughts via this link.

(Image: Liz of Red Blooded Women captured by Lubert Daz)

Way back in 2002, Richard X's label Black Melody secured the rights to release previously unheard gems recorded by The Future and Human League MK 1 prior to the release of 'Reproduction' in 1979.
A few thousand CDs were pressed and within a year, copies were ending up on Ebay for extortionate prices.
Black Melody now plans to re-release a remastered 'Golden Hour' for those who missed this blueprint of electro things to come.
Influential producer Richard X (whose credits include Sugababes, Pet Shop Boys, New Order,Kelis and more recently Annie) contacted us with a few more details...

'After much demand, there is a remastered edition of 'The Golden Hour Of The Future' due out on September 8th 2008 on Black Melody.
The album covers the early electronic recordings of the band pre-their international superstardom.
We've been back to the original 1977 (cassette) mastertapes and what with the advancement of audio restoration software, a little more quality has been squeezed out for your pleasure.
Its going to be available for the first time digitally online through all the usual outlets as well as CD.

There will be more news soon at http://www.myspace.com/thegoldenhourofthefuture. Sign up there for the mailing list, they'll be pre-ordering info shortly.'

An extended podcast with League founder Martyn Ware will be available via the Black Melody website soon in which the electronic innovator explains the ideas behind these early 'Golden Hour' gems. In the meantime, HL MK1 fans can enjoy a short version of Martyn's podcast via this link.

Related link: www.blackmelody.com



'Steel Crazy After All These Years....' - new League - ABC - Heaven 17 interview



Human League, ABC and Heaven 17 were cover stars of The Sunday Times music magazine a few days back for a major interview and we think that its one of the best articles written about the UK's premier Sound Alchemists from Sheffield in recent years.

Full credit most go to the author Paul Lester who captures fascinating quotes from members of all three bands ahead of the most anticipated event this year - The Steel City Tour.
We won't give too much away except this quote from Ian Turely of 'DIY' Sheffield band Pygmy Globetrotters: 'It wouldn't have been possible without synth-pop's crucial three. Heaven 17, ABC and Human League are the founders. People say that punk was the big change, but to people in Sheffield, they are the pioneers. They're as important to us as the Sex Pistols.'
To read The Sunday Times article in full, please click here.

EY is delighted to confirm that we shall be releasing a Special EY Edition of the debut album by Parralox in August 2008!
Limited to just 500 copies, this version of 'Electricity' will be unique, with 14 album tracks plus a bonus song and remix.
'Electricity' includes instantly loveable electro stompers such as 'I Fell In Love With A Drum Machine', 'X-Minus One', 'Black Jeans', 'Sharper Than A Knife', 'We Believe In Electric Love', 'The End Of Summer', 'Lovely' and many more.
'Electricity' is a finely crafted collection of genius pop - modern tales of love, dancing and sci-fi bolstered by the Linn drum and Fairlight with crystal clear production from John Von Ahlen and soaring vocals from Roxy - and whilst EY may sound a bit biased - 'Electricity' is the best electropop album we've heard since Marsheaux's 'Peek A Boo' in 2007.


EY is honoured to be playing a tiny part in promoting this stunning debut.
We've had access now to most of the tracks featured on 'Electricity' since the early demo stages and watching the whole album come together has been fascinating. It is rare these days to find an album where many of the tracks are potential singles - 'ready for radio'. Of the tracks recently completed, 'Lovely' (with a pop structure reminiscent of the Human League's 'The Lebanon'), 'Sharper Than A Knife' (that can still be heard on the EY myspace player) and 'The End Of Summer' ( that shimmers and skips with precision beats much like the Pet Shop Boys 'Rent'), have all provided EY with our summer soundtrack.
These are songs that will capture sights and sounds and reaffirm why you love this genre more than anything else on the planet.

01 Europa
02 We Believe In Electric Love
03 Sharper Than A Knife
04 Factory Friends
05 Lovely
06 The End Of Summer
07 I Heart U
08 Underground
09 You And Me Both
10 X Minus One
11 Black Jeans
12 Eastern Wall
13 I Fell In Love With A Drum Machine
14 Should Not Be
Bonus tracks
15 Electric Nights
16 Sharper Than A Knife (Version)

Containing precise analogue beats, 'Electricity' has been recorded for the electro connoisseur and will appeal to those who cherish bands such as Human League, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys & Marsheaux.

The CD comes complete with a lush 16 page booklet and will retail at just £9.99 (including shipping). Initial orders for 'Electricity' will also be signed by John & Roxy.

To pre-order your copy, simply visit the new Parralox store at:

http://www.parralox.com/store

Coming up: a Q&A session with Roxy, Chi Ming Lai's 'Electricity' review plus a sneaky glimpse at the 'Electricity packaging..

Related link: Parralox @ myspace




SYNTHETIC - IN THE MOOG
Lettie / Noush live review by Chi Ming Lai


'Synthetic' is a new monthly clubnight focusing on a live platform for new bands. It's already played host to several EY faves like NORTHERN KIND, MOTORBIKES IN TOKYO and RED BLOODED WOMEN. Located in the ballroom of The Cavendish Arms in Stockwell, this is a wonderful venue with air conditioned dancefloor, wide stage area and quality PA which some places could learn from.

LETTIE was first on and supported by a not unreasonably sized fan club, launched into a couple of stripped down guitar numbers backed by her bassist. What did this have to do with electronic music though? It had plenty to do with it in fact because LETTIE uses a lot of live pedal-controlled sample loops in her act. This allowed the songs to layer, build and go into all sorts of strange directions. Electronic music is as much about using technology such as effects to manipulate sound as it is about using synths. Her bassist even used an E-Bow (usually used to infinitely sustain guitar notes a la BILL NELSON or JAPAN...or even the dreaded BIG COUNTRY!). But she did eventually go 'electro' using a Casio Tone-Bank, its rhythm unit, a toy electric keyboard and a cassette recorder to produce a fresh, unique performance. Yes, a nice, pleasant surprise!

The less said about HORNBEAM, the better! It started promisingly enough but after 10 minutes of watching a guy behind a laptop controlling his bedroom rave, it began to really grate! This music would work in a packed out dance club at 1am but without a visual focus such as screen projections, this was quite boring.

NOUSH played her first gig since 'Electronically Yours' in May and aired her MySpace faves 'Deluxe' and 'Tropic' as well as several new songs. One new track particularly sounded like 'Blue Album' period TUBEWAY ARMY, backed by chunky flanged guitar and Minimoog-type bass! Very much still the Relicant love child of GARY NUMAN, she even treated us to a haunting cover of 'M.E.'! Snarling and staring at all the right moments, some of the audience found themselves fixated with her.



She has grown more confident as a performer. Although she doesn't say a lot on stage, when she does say something, it's nearly always entertaining. Backed by multi-instrumentalist producer Nick Blake, he seemed to be relishing a new found guitar hero role having added a rockier element to NOUSH's sound. The highlight however was the NEW ORDER styled electro of 'Lolicon'. To finish, there was a beefed up 'Carbon Monoxide Smile' before she ranted 'if you'd like to hear my songs on MySpace, well...YOU CAN'T!' Fantastic!

NOUSH's other worldliness is still her main selling point.

Unfortunately due to the inherent problems of getting out of this south of the river part of London' I had to go and miss ROGER O'DONNELL. ex of THE CURE and PSYCHEDELIC FURS. But I'm sure he would have been really interesting. The heart of 'Synthetic' is a passion for new music with a nod to the old. It's a great evening out. If only they could make it a bit easier to get to!

Synthetic @ myspace
Lettie @ myspace
Noush @ myspace

And finally....

Heaven 17 performed a one hour set last week from the roof top of Sheffield's Hallam University that included faves such as 'Let Me Go' and 'Crushed By The Wheels Of Industry'.

This free event was beamed to several large screens below and Martyn and Glenn are due to return to the Steel City in December along with Human League and ABC.
More details can be found over on the official H17 website.






The Steel City Tour


UK tabloid The Daily Mirror featured a new interview in the Friday edition with Philip Oakey, Martin Fry and Glenn Gregory to promote the forthcoming Steel City Tour.
Philip mentions old rivalry during the recording of 'Dare': 'Glenn was making 'Penthouse & Pavement' in the studio at the same time we were recording. I hated everyone else who was going to threaten our ability to make hits. I was terrified that we were going to fail.'
Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory - who was once considered as a possible lead singer for the League when the band was formed by Martyn Ware - reveals that the costs of recording 1983's 'The Luxury Gap' were only cleared 18 months ago.
To read the full interview, click on the Godfathers of Electro opposite.



Glasgow Carling Academy SUN 30/11/2008
Newcastle Carling Academy MON 01/12/2008
Nottingham Royal Concert Hall WED 03/12/2008
Brighton Centre FRI 05/12/2008
Bournemouth Int'nl Centre SAT 06/12/2008
London Hammersmith Apollo MON 08/12/2008
Wolverhampton The Civic Hall THU 11/12/2008
Liverpool Echo Arena THU 04/12/2008
Manchester Apollo WED 10/12/2008
Newport Friday 12/12/2008
Sheffield Arena SAT 13/12/2008

Tickets available here.

While my synth gently bleeps - Northern Kind at Bedsitland
Review by Chi Ming Lai

NORTHERN KIND made their return to the London stage at new club night ' Bedsitland' following their triumphant appearance at 'Electronically Yours' in May. With an appearance at the high profile 'Retrofest' lined up for late August, things are happening for NORTHERN KIND. Their debut album ' 53 Degrees North' was a delicious slice of Vince Clarke inspired pop, almost like YAZOO fronted by THE HUMAN LEAGUE's Susanne Sulley if she'd had singing lessons!!

Bravely starting with a moody number 'Into The Blue', NORTHERN KIND translate well live because their sound is bright and punchy with lots of counter melodies to keep both dancing queens and air synthesists happy. The following segue of 'On and On/Thoughts Of You/Home' got the momentum started for an enjoyable set. Cover versions are always interesting in live sets and Northern Kind didn't disappoint with a crowd pleasing 'Love Action'!

One of the most important aspects of NORTHERN KIND is the chemistry of between singer Sarah Heeley and sound technician Matt Culpin. Sarah was happily bopping about at the front while Matt tensely watched his workstation in fear of an equipment malfunction.

Sod's Law dictated that this happened during 'Dirty Youth', their best song yet! While it was being reloaded for the restart, Sarah took time to listen to hopeless drummer jokes from the audienne... 'What do you call a drummer without a girlfriend? HOMELESS!'

A sign of a good band is the progression in their sound. 'Dirty Youth', a narrative tale about wanabee WAGs, is slightly darker than the songs on the debut album but retains its immediacy and adds further dynamism. What actually sets NORTHERN KIND apart from some other girl/boy electro duos on the scene is stonking tunes!

NORTHERN KIND were a perfect band for 'Bedsitland'. Retro enough to have a familiar sound so as not to alienate those who were brought up to the sound of the synthesiser, but fresh enough to appeal to people who aren't afraid to move forward. After all, wasn't this what Futurism was originally all about?

'Bedsitland' itself is situated in the compact Orwell Bar and has been started by DJs Electric Dream and Wiggy Stardust to take a new slant on retro 80s type club nights. But for starters, 'Bedsitland' is NOT 80s!! To me, 80's is bloody 'Come On Eileen' and rubbish like 'Kids From Fame' or modern romance (their name does not merit the use of capital letters)!

So how refreshing and pleasing it was to hear classic stuff like ' Careless Memories' by DURAN DURAN , ' Messages' by OMD and 'Quiet Life' by JAPAN alongside new stuff by ' Elektronikgottvater' KARL BARTOS plus current electro faves MARSHEAUX, LADYTRON and even new duo KATSEN. All this without having the evening ruined by Mel & Kim* or Guns 'N' Roses!!

*Orac quite likes 1987 chart topper 'Respectable' ;)


Related link: Northern Kind @ myspace

(NK images - Richard Price 2008)


Coming soon - exclusive news of Parralox and their stomping new debut album 'Electricity' - click here to read what top electro blog Worraplova has to say about the Australian Sensations.

'EY VOL 1' act Cassette Electrik will be having a special EP launch night at the Industry venue in Hoxton on Friday 29th August.

The event will include an extended live from Cassette Electrik and the premier screening of the promo video to the stomping new single '28 Days'.
Live support comes from Miss Davina Lee - a 'blend of electro and summery indie pop', and Looptron - 'electro-disco-funk-pop with added vocoding'.

Two DJ's have been booked with EY's Orac warming things before handing over to DJ Adamis who has impressed many at the Electroqueer nights at Barcode, London.

Doors open at 7pm and advance tickets cost just 5 pounds and are available via the paypal btton below. You can find out more details about the '28 Days' EP launch via this link.

Related links:
Cassette Electrik @ myspace
Miss Davina Lee
Looptron
DJ Adamis

LADYTRON - ONE GIANT BLEEP FOR MANKIND!

Live review by Chi Ming Lai

This was Ladytron's rescheduled return to the London Astoria after the May gig was cut short due to technical difficulties. When Ladytron first appeared towards the end of the 20th Century, the music scene was dominated by dullards like Travis and Stereophonic...no-one would touch synths with a bargepole!!!

But from Liverpool came this multi-cultural quartet. Not only were they playing synths but they had girls fronting the band. I didn't realise the significance this was having on young women until I was chatting to Isabelle from Brazil in the queue. She was telling me how she'd met Gillian Gilbert from New Order whilst on a trip to Manchester and what a heroine she was because she was in a band as an equal with men and played an instrument. She felt Helen Marnie and Mira Aroyo from Ladytron were good role models to young women. Without them, the current scene which EY is promoting may not have happened.

Starting with 'Black Cat' and 'Runaway' from new album 'Velocifero', the sound was powerful and punchy. Reuben Wu quietly played the moody synth wizard while Daniel Hunt had cut his hair and bizarrely looked like Mark Ronson in his suit and tie! Meanwhile, Helen was dressed as a caped crusader but Mira had given up the 'assassin-chic' look of her past for a very elegant black dress and high heels!



Mira in particular has grown more confident in her role as joint front-woman, taking on more lead vocals and even dancing on occasion!

I haven't seen 'The Tron' (to give them their full name) since 2003 so their updated look and sound was fascinating for me. Although Daniel was mostly playing guitar on stage to reinforce their new 'rockier' edge, the powerhouse synth riffs played by Reuben and Mira on their Korg MS10's are still dominant. This set-up gave a fresh and thoroughly enjoyable take on older songs like 'Seventeen', 'True Mathematics' and 'Discotraxx'. Although there's more guitar. The solos are still electronic. The wonderful analogue noise sounded fantastic.

However, some of the rockist bombast (augmented by drums and bass guitar) did make some of the tracks from 'Velocifero' a bit difficult to endure. 'Deep Blue' particularly suffered but this didn't ruin the remainder of the show where closers 'The Last One Standing' and 'Destroy Everything You Touch' were highlights.

The lively crowd was very mixed...men and women, young and old. Some pogo-ed, some danced, some sang, some were even human beat-boxes filling in the now missing drum fill on 'Discotraxx'! But all enjoyed it. This was helped by everyone being treated well by security.

Full marks for audience welfare by regularly handing out beakers of water to people.



A superb evening with a good selection of songs although I personally missed two of my favourites 'Evil' and 'Sugar'. LADYTRON managed to pull off that rare feat of being an electronic based act that appeals to rockers, emos, indie kids and popsters alike.

Meanwhile, Isabelle has returned to Brazil very happy with a nice Ladytron souvenir...she got one of the set-list sheets.

(Ladytron live at Astoria images © Chi Ming Lai 2008)



The lost tapes of Dr Who's original composer



267 tapes recorded by the late Delia Derbyshire have been discovered along with a track that is being described as the first electronic 'dance track' (and it sounds just like early Human League!).
Delia was the genre's original 'sound alchemist' who took Ron Grainer's sheet music for the theme music of Dr Who and turned it into one of the most endearing 'electronic' themes ever recorded.


Delia worked for the now defunct BBC Radiophonic Workshop, a collection of musicians who spliced tape and sampled sounds from conventional objects such as lamp shades in the early 60's long before synths and samplers were introduced to the market.



Their work dominated shows such as 'Dr Who' and 'Blake's 7' with many of their sounds ending up as samples on modern day dance records (The Orb sampled heavilly from a BBC Blake's 7 sound effects album for their 1991 album 'The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld').
Paul Hartnoll of Orbital describes Delia's newly discovered dance track as 'quite amazing'.
BBC News online have today covered the story of electro's first lady and her remarkable work that went on to inspire Human League, Heaven 17 and Aphex Twin and there is now talk of Warp Records releasing Delia's new found tapes.
To find out more, please hit this link.



DM & League

Ben Hillier has been confirmed as the producer for the next Depeche Mode album according to the DM website Home. Ben previously worked on Mode's 2005 'Playing The Angel' album and his management company here in the UK this week confirmed that studio sessions have now began.
The album is expected to be released in early 2009 followed by a world tour.
Fletch has recently been quoted as saying that he expects there will be two further Mode albums before the band call it a day.




The Human League will be playing at London's Lovebox festival today with Goldfrapp headlining on Sunday. The festival at Victoria park is mostly sold-out and has been put together by Groove Armada who are also playing.
The League appeared on ITV's London tonight this week to chat about Lovebox and working alongside Heaven 17 again for the forthcoming Steel City Tour and you can watch the entire interview over on youtube.


Steel City Tour dates:

Sun 30/11/08 Carling Academy Glasgow
Wed 03/12/08 Nottingham Royal Centre
Thu 04/12/08 Liverpool Echo Arena
Fri 05/12/08 The Brighton Centre
Sat 06/12/08 Bournemouth International Centre
Mon 08/12/08 Hammersmith Apollo London
Wed 10/12/08 Manchester Apollo
Thu 11/12/08 Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Sat 13/12/08 Sheffield Arena

Tickets available at Ticketmaster

Within the last few hours, EY followed up on a band recommendation from Motorbikes in Tokyo who urged us to check out a girl/boy duo from Brighton called Katsen.
With just one listen of the track 'Where Nobody Can Find Us', we knew that we had to rush the song on to EY.

'Where Nobody Can Find Us' is a pure and delectable stomper of a pop tune - not a note wasted - and far too good to remain 'hidden' for much longer.

On the strength of this one track, Katsen have all the clever analogue 8-bit bleeps of Canada's Crystal Castles who sometimes get lost with the experimentation but Katsen have avoided this trap with a classic uplifting tune that works instantly and it's all rather brilliant and loveable and fun.
The melody skips along with perfect summer hooks rather like Mint Royale's 1999 hit 'Don't Falter' featuring Laura Lavern and Katsen's lead singer Donna Grimaldi looks like a pop star in waiting with a sharp Swing Out Sister haircut and some very posh English vocals.
Katsen's myspace page lists a wide and varied range of the coolest of influences with many acts that EY has championed over the last 6 (or 7?) years and you get the impression that Donna and knob twidler Chris Blackburn live for electro.

Katsen have produced one of the best pop songs of the year. 'Where Nobody Can Find Us' is now firmly lodged in the big head of EY and it probably won't leave for quite some time.

Katsen have recently put together a 'home made' video for the track that features the best use of a Casio VL Tone since the days of Trio - Donna & Chris clearly love the track as much as we do here in EY land.

This.Is.Genius.Pop.
We need an army of Noble Electro Donna's here in the UK.
Orac will be spinning a few tunes at Cassette Electrik's EP launch at Industry on Friday 29th August and 'Where Nobody Can Find Us' has just made it to the playlist.

Hit the links again and again and fall in love with a new gem and check out the Katsen's most excellent cover of The Passions' 1982 classic 'I'm In Love With A German Film Star' on their myspace player.


EY Rating 9/10

Related link: Katsen @ myspace

The battered but much loved EY MP3 player has this week been dominated by 'Music And Machines', the debut EP from the Northern UK boy duo Motorbikes In Tokyo.


EY had unknowingly heard their work a few months earlier when Undo sent us a few test promos of 'EY VOL1' with a dark and moody 'MIT' mix for LA based band Kid Moxie.



We also assumed that MIT lived in LA and spent hot days playing beach volleyball with Kid Moxie (who wouldn't?) but these assumptions turned out to be untrue - the MIT boys are actually from the Tyne.

Motorbikes In Tokyo have one or two of their own synth pop classics with Doctor Who fan Kev Oyston on vox and Rob Boggild engineering their impressive sound whilst twiddling various knobs.

It has been quite difficult for EY to find a new all boy electro act (most are too industrial - DM-sounding, or just too safe and dull whilst the girls have been pushing all the right buttons and bringing a bit of fun and emotion back into the genre).
The MIT EP took a few listens (we had it on far too low during the first listen at 4.30am in the morning). Initially, we thought it all sounded like an intriguing and promising crash of styles between classic electro Gary Numan and Thomas Dolby's 1982 gem 'The Golden Age of Wireless' (note to EMI: please remaster this album).
What initially impressed us the most was Kev's voice. The electro scene has been lacking decent male vocals for quite some time now but Kev has his own indie electro delivery.
Great tracks gradually reveal more on repeated listens and this EP has some clever machine manipulation that harks back to the Human League's 'Reproduction' and BEF's early work with Heaven 17 and we do like all that technical invention played back on headphones. It lifts us out of the mundane working week and banishes fears of the credit crunch.

Opening track 'Machines' is full of Gary Numan paranoia with deep 'Crow And A Baby' analogue leads and plenty going on in the background, nothing too obvious but the vocal hook 'Machines have eyes' is very catchy yet it retains a cool indie experimental electro vibe.
We also sense a lot of inspiration coming from Heaven 17's synthtastic 'I'm Your Money' - edgy in places and delightfully raw.



The second track easily becomes EY's Song of the Week (with 30 plays already this week).
'Voice' is just sublime, menacing yet it glows at the same time rather like other apocalyptic tracks such as 'WXJL Tonight' and it begins with a slowed down 'All I Ever Wanted' two-fingered bassline. Eerie and desperate vocals with great lines such as: 'I'm reading a book about the end of the world, I cannot stop this as I haven't found my girl', a line made even better by a hauntingly off- synch synth chord. The chorus is a goose bump BEF moment with echoes of 'Reproduction' and 'Travelogue' and the instrumental break could have come straight from The Beloved's blissful 1989 single 'The Sun Rising' before it fades with a series of 'Penthouse & Pavement' analogue bleeps.
'Voice' is currently track 3 on the MIK's myspace player and we urge you all to head over there and give it a few plays.

The next track we imagine working very well live. 'Dance To The Record Machine' could be The Kinks' 'Dead End Street' with a bit of electro glam thrown in. The production is very impressive and suggests that the MIT studio has some serious analogue kit to play with.
Things are slowed down with the fourth track 'Far Away', a melodic-ear-pleasing ballad that comes alive with a krafty and very clever instrumental break.


The final track is signature tune 'Motorbikes in Tokyo' with a chanting and energetic punk- like chorus - MIK are a band to watch out for in 2008.

Four of the brilliant 'EY VOL 1' acts will be out and about in London performing new electro classics over the next two months....


Cassette Electrik are first up with a gig at Proud Galleries in Camden on August 10th. CE will also be launching their new EP on Friday 29th August that will include the new gem '28 Days' mixed by Red Blooded Women producers Trademark - venue and other acts are TBC.
Cassette share the stage with another 'EY VOL 1' act on November 9th when they play with Client at Underworld.

The Ultrasonics are gearing up for the release of their stunning debut single 'Perfect Girl' on August 25th which is one of the best slices of pop so far this year (the track was recently 'Song of The Day' on Popjustice).

The Ultras have confimred several live dates including Cafe De Paris in London on August 11th followed by a high profile performance at Manchester Pride on August 25th. 'Perfect Girl' is currently be remixed by one or two of the most sought after 'EY Vol 1' artists...











Northern Kind return to London after a blinding set at EY2 in May that included a cover of the Human League's 'Love Action'. NK headline a new electro night called Bedsitland at the Orwell Bar on July 25th before joining the likes of Kim Wilde at Retrofest in Glasgow on August 31st.

Finally, synthkid Noush is playing her first gig since EY2 at London's Synthetic on July 31st.


Noush reveals: 'This time i'll be playing my full live set of 8/9 songs; there'll be a couple of brand spankin' new traxx thrown in there for good measure and maybe a nice surprise or two.'
Synthetic kicks off from 8pm and you can find out more via this link.

Let's hear it for the girls...

(Noush image: Cordu 2008)

Coming soon - EY interviews with Italian band Hidden Place, polished Danish act Tiger Baby and Undo's Mikro...

EY currently listening to: Yazoo - You & Me Both (Remastered), MIT - 'Voice', Girls Aloud - 'Girl Overboard', Parrolox 'Lovely - The Tenth Stage Remix' - Technologic - 'We Are Technology', The Ultrasonics 'Perfect Girl', Fotonovela - 'Mistakes Are Good' - Undo advance CD, Red Blooded Women - 'Colour Me Dirty'.

We can now confirm that the third EY live event will take place at Industry in Shoreditch - home of EY2 - on Friday 28th November 2008 just a few days before the Steel City Tour kicks off in Glasgow.

Live acts and ticket details will be confirmed on EY in the coming weeks and if you're in a band and would like to open our event in November, send us an email and we will arrange to have your CD sent to EY3 organizer Sarah Schmoof.


Heaven 17 have just announced a new live date in the UK plus news that there may be a new H17 album in the works - you can find out more over at the official Heaven 17 website.

As reported earlier, the Undo/EMI compilation 'EY VOL 1' has been given a new release date. Because of the delay, we've been allowed to add an extra track that we've played a few hundred times (or more) since we found it on myspace.

Undo have kindly sent us the following press release with some more details...

UNDO Records and the EY (Electronicall\y Yours) site will release on September
22nd - a compilation with some brand new names that were discovered by EY and
UNDO through myspace (Electrobelle, Cassette Electrik, Parralox, Technologic, The Ultrasonics, Oblique, Northern Kind,Tiger Baby, Noush, Hidden Place, Rachel Car, Beauty Skool Dropout, Kid Moxie) and some from UNDO's roster - Client, Mikro, Fotonovela, and Marsheaux.
The compilation was to be released on MAY 2008 but is now set-up for September.
You can pre-order the Limited Edition CD with different picture sleeve + extras, only through the Electronically Yours site from the end of July.
More details will follow on EY.
EY has already started promoting the CD, exclusive interviews with Client first then Northern Kind, Parralox, Kid Moxie and most recently Marsheaux.

We sent EY invistigator Chi Ming Lai out on a journey into sound a few days back and within hours he returned with an electro trio of UK girls. Red Blooded Women have some stomping tracks written & produced by Trademark (who supported The Human League back in 2003 and have recently mixed songs for Cassette Electrik).

This promising new girl band are currently signed Planet Clique - home of Super Jupiter and Matinee Club.
Trademark know their pop and RBW's Influences include everything from Kraftwerk, Human League and Depeche right up to Girls Aloud, Roisin Murphy and Richard X.
After hearing the Richard X inspired 'Colour Me Dirty' with vocals that easily melt and charm to a much cherished classic from 1982, we were instantly sold and we can't get enough of pure electro pop (we continue to dance to disco and we don't like rock).
Chi reveals more...


Electro finally has its first 'alle singen/alle tanzen' girl group!

Yes, other female acts have flirted with electro like Kylie, Sugababes (too RnB!) and Girls Aloud (too pop!) but here, we have a trio of sassy young ladies who really would rather listen to Kraftwerk, Goldfrapp, Yazoo and The Human League than Atomic Kitten! In fact, given AK's backroom electro credentials (OMD's Andy McCluskey co-wrote and produced the majority their debut album), Red Blooded Women are everything Atomic Kitten should have been.

To have one totally brilliant song in your cannon so early on is pretty good going but to have two is amazing. First up, we have 'Colour Me Dirty'. Based on a sample of Yazoo's 'Don't Go', this really is as good as Sugababes 'Freak Like Me' and will have 'em all dancing at the local Ritzy. Best of all though is 'You Made Your Bed', a satirical look at the IKEA generation's relationships. The electronic bassline is octave shift heaven carried by a throbbing sequence and beat!

The rest of Red Blooded Women's material falls somewhere between early Madonna and 'Venus' period Bananarama but with more synth...they even have a song called 'Synthsesizer'.
Their production team appears to be shrouded in mystery but they are certainly pressing all the right buttons, even if it's just 'play'!! It's all very promising!

Having made an appearance at London electro club night 'Synthetic', the girls are hoping to release their debut album this year. A download featuring a 10 minute megamix of it is available here.

Check out Liz, Carly and Candy at: myspace.com or on their Facebook page where you can hear various Red Blooded Women tracks.

Electronically Yours is back after taking a few weeks off to meet with the EY collective that is looking to Mute and Factory for inspiration. We've also been soaking up new tracks whilst admiring the new Davros in the show that has gripped the UK these past three weeks - Dr Who (last night's finale drew in an overnight audience of 9.4 million!).


One new song that we've stumbled upon a few weeks ago will now be added as an extra track to 'EY VOL 1' bringing the total to 17 nu-electro classics and we will reveal all later in the month.
Unforeseen problems such as duplication issues have pushed back all of Undo's big releases for 2008 including the stunning new Fotonovela album and 'EY VOL 1' is now tentatively scheduled for pressing in September. Much is being done behind the scenes particularly in Athens with one track which is having to be completely re-recorded and remix and Undo report that there is already press interest for our collection of all-girl electro. We shall have some very good news soon...



On June 16th, EY was very fortunate to be handed a CD containing most of the tracks so far recorded by Australian pop sensations Parralox. Several of the tracks will no doubt make it on to the band's debut album which is due for release initially as a limited edition in late August (news on this also to follow in the coming weeks).
What immediately struck EY was that most of the tracks were already ready for radio though Parralox will no doubt tweak them further. Their latest stomper 'Lovely' (demo version available on the band's myspace player) wasn't ready in time to be added to the one-off CD kindly presented to EY, but this shiny new debut album could be one of the strongest electro releases since we first went online back in 2001.
One of the featured promo tracks is 'Sharper Than A Knife' and after checking the stats of the EY mp3 player yesterday, we found that we've played the track a staggering 178 times within three short weeks and we still haven't grown tired of it.
'Shaper Than A Knife' is just three minutes of blinding pop perfection - too short in our opinion which could explain the repeated plays but Parralox have just finished work on a good old fashioned extended mix streched to 8 minutes that may be premiered very soon.
'Sharper Than A Knife' only needs a few seconds to pull you in with a perfect Moroder intro and one or two Alice Deejay electro pulses. Every vocal line from Roxy acts as a hook with a chorus of descending analogue chords that is every bit as good as Xenomania's output and close to Girl's Aloud's pop gem of 2007 'Call The Shots'.
Interestingly, news recently reached us that Brian Higgins and Xenomania have just completed work on the new Pet Shop Boys album that is scheduled for release in early 2009.
We also see a few pop similarities with the UK's next best thing The Ultrasonics (who also feature on 'EY VOL 1' and are soon to release their debut single 'Perfect Girl' - deservedly voted Song Of The Day over at Popjustice a few weeks back).
These two acts would make for a great double bill live - perhaps in November?


There is a scene in 1982's Scarface where Al Pacino's character Tony Montana is sitting out of his head in a Miami nightclub, a generic Giorgio Moroder track is playing and it's probably one of the weakest tracks ever recorded by this legendary producer.
'Sharper Than A Knife' would have fitting in perfectly with that scene had it been recorded in 1982 and there are quite a few cunning Moroder influences running though many of the Parralox tracks. EY recently suggested to Parralox producer and song writer John Von Ahlen that it might be a neat idea to sequence together the first four tracks as a nod to 1985's Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder album.

Other self referential moments in 'Sharper Than A Knife' include a mention of 'Johnny 7' who was last heard 'coming over the sea' in 1990 for the Human League's 'Heart Like A Wheel' but best of all is the supreme pop structure of 'Sharper Than A Knife'- this is pop art at it's very best with perfectly timed vocal harmonies from Roxy and some sharp production/sequencing from JVA.
Within 12 months, Parralox should be ruling Australia and beyond.

EY Rating: 9/10


You can listen to 'Sharper Than A Knife' in full via this link.

Parralox @ myspace

EY came across the following quote from Bjork in yesterday's edition of The Guardian; 'And still, after all these years, music is up there with the highest because of how abstract it is; it saves me from the mundaneness of everyday life.'