Entering The Electronic Maze: Phillippe Doray

Philippe Doray / Asociaux Associés: Dans Le Dedale and Contrechant Magnetique
From: Nouveaux Modes Industriels [Scopa Invisible, 1980]

Those eagle eyed visitors among you may have noticed a security warning on the site yesterday. I can happily assure you that it wasn’t us guv and we were tarnished merely by association so feel free to browse safe in the knowledge that we have no current plans to infect your pc.

You may also notice that all the comments have suddenly vanished from the site, this is due to a long overdue update of our haloscan feed. Basically since taking over the site I’ve never had access to edit or delete the inevitable spam that appears and have been reluctant to update it due to some of the incredible comments we’ve received over the years. With the recent Runescape comment battering though now seemed an appropriate time but rest assured the old comments are still stored away for archive purposes. Thanks to Maru I have the password so all old comments are now back in action.

Anyway, this is a music site so probably best to put up some music eh? Something incredibly weird, sometimes wonderful and sometimes downright frightening for you today in the shape of Philippe Doray / Asociaux Associés 1980 experimental electronic album.

The “ahead of it’s time” description is one that is bandied about way too freely in my opinion but this album, like Bernard Estardy and Silver Apples, is the genuine article, some of its production and instrumentation sounding as out there today as it no doubt sounded 29 years ago.

It’s an album that will no doubt split listeners between loathing and loving and I’ll be the first to admit that some of the tracks leave me cold and with a slight headache however, when it works, it’s incredible stuff indeed.

Whether by design or not all the upbeat tracks on Nouveaux Modes Industriels seem to take their basic vocal rhythm from The Stones Not Fade Away which is not necessarily a bad thing but was a bit of a curveball on first listen. Dans Le Dedale starts off in the above fashion with Philippe delivering his lyrics over a pulsating drum line before some fantastically emotive chords reminiscent of 80’s house music cut through the dirty percussion. The layers of electronic production build up and up until you’re left with a pulsating wall of sound. A truly outstanding and jaw dropping piece of work.

Contrechant Magnetique is arguably the most pop standard track on the album but considering the company it’s keeping let’s keep that in perspective. More easy going than most of the album the track features Philippe in laid back mood, half singing half saying his lyrics over a minimalist throbbing bassline, the loosest of guitar riffs and what sounds like slightly spasticated electronic instrumentation. Hypnotic stuff.

I’ve never actually picked up any of Philippe Doray’s other work for fear that it might either a) break the spell I have from this album or b) Send me over the edge. Any heads up or tips would be much appreciated.