Five years ago to the day, Wierd Records closed its doors, but many of the label’s flagship artists still continue to thrive in the cold synth wasteland. Montreal based musician Xavier Paradis is a shining example. His project Automelodi has always combined dark, driving synthpop with the French la vague froide movement, sprinkling in a dash of glam rock energy, the passion of forgotten chanteuses and torch singers, and deep underground disco.
It’s also been nearly five years since the last full-length Automelodi release, and while Xavier has kept busy with a split single release, numerous hometown shows and European tours, and production and remix efforts over the years, we’ve missed the project dearly. With that in mind, Post-punk.com is honored to premiere the latest Automelodi track, which will be released on Holodeck Records’ first compilation, Holodeck Vision One.
Holodeck Vision One is due out on March 9th via Holodeck’s Bandcamp page. The compilation is a massive multi-genre effort containing thirty exclusive tracks by some of the scene’s largest names, including Drab Majesty, Kyle Dixon (of S U R V I V E/Stranger Things), and Bill Converse. While many artists on the compilation are Holodeck alumni, there are several fresh faces and promising talent on display across the board. The compilation is the first by Holodeck and is a digital-only release.
As for the track, “Toujours de Jamais” is a stunning percussive synth workout, kicking off with bubbling low synth line, four-on-the-floor kick drum, and an ominous synth stab. The song builds into a full dance frenzy, adding industrial-inspired percussion that recalls both Fad Gadget’s classic single and SPK’s unfairly maligned club era. Paradis’ vocals, sung solely in French, quickly take hold, adding warmth and passion to the song’s cold, industrial veneer. As always, the track is perfectly ripe for the dance floor, with immaculate production, thick electronics, and tremendous hooks at every turn.
Paradis is currently hard at work on the third Automelodi LP, which is just one of several tidbits worth celebrating. Automelodi’s underrated sophomore LP, Surlendemains Acides will also be reissued by Holodeck on April 13th, which will hopefully present the LP to a wider and deserving audience. Now a two-piece, Automelodi will also be kicking off a short North American tour this week. Dates below:
(Photo by Robyn Germanese)
