LES MODULES ETRANGES
'Another Version'
Self Release

Les Modules Etranges are an interesting French post-punk combo.  The trio hail from Nantes, 'Another Version' is their second full-length album.  They're part of the French Coldwave scene (not to be confused with American Coldwave, which is a form of industrial) with influences such as Xmal Deutschland, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Cocteau Twins and Joy Division beaming out of their bleak, atmospheric style.

Their sound is often abrasive, almost quite harsh at times, with the occasional teasing glittering guitar line.

The bass is heavy and low pretty much throughout the ten tracks present here, but perhaps the main constant throughout their madness is the voice.

Vocalist Azia has a beautifully, haunting and often shimmering voice.   She has a voice strong enough to pierce through the textured sound compositions, yet sweet enough to draw you in.

'Another Version' is an album that's wonderfully bizarre, LME are not afraid to experiment with sounds and effects.  By the end of the record you don't know which way they're going to pull, push or kick you and this leaves an overwhelming desire to come back for more.

Perhaps this is not for everybody's tastes, there's no doubt if you like some of the aforementioned bands you will love this but it's a very acquired taste that may have some scampering off in confusion.  Nevertheless, LME are one of the hidden gems of the scene, hence still being unsigned despite this being their second release.

Available from : http://birkenow.jenn.online.fr/lesmodulesetranges €14 including postage

Kevin Morris

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