M.Bryo & D.M.T. – Things I Was Due To Forget (Vinyl 2 Albums – Nuit Et Brouillard)
Genre/Influences: Experimental, minimal-electronics, electro-wave.
Background/Info: Belgian artist Mark Burghgraeve entered into history as an early member (together with Marc Verhaegen of The Klinik. He later on got some recognition under the ‘Somnambulist’ moniker. But this album moves back to the ‘origins’ of the artist; forgotten times when this multimedia artist was active as M.Bryo + D.M.T. This album is a fine selection of ‘lost’ or ‘forgotten’ songs that were originally released on cassette and vinyl, but still features a few previously unreleased songs. Notice by the way that M.Bryo & D.M.T. features other members; Marc Verhaegen is for sure the most famous one while Claire Vereecken, Jan Vanderstraeten and Gert Wyninckx were also involved. This double album features a selection of 18 songs and has been limited to 439 copies. Notice by the way that got released on the French label Nuit Et Brouillard, which gained name and recognition as ‘organization’ of events and parties.
Content: The songs were originally composed in between 1979 (!) and 2005. This work takes us back to the early years of electronics bringing the 80s spirit alive. Good-old analogue sound treatments, which are mostly experimental-like, but still into this typical electro-wave format. The songs are pretty minimalistic and mainly characterized by icy atmospheres and sterile vocals.
The second disc is somewhat different for being mainly instrumental; revealing several instrumental versions from songs from the first disc. These songs are less accomplished, but still evoking the early magic from the 80s.
+ + + : If you like minimal compositions made by analogue gear, this album will sound as something magic. It brings the early years and experiments of electronic music alive. It was a time where bands got a unique sound and that’s an element you’ll rapidly perceive. I especially like the first disc, which is more accomplished and featuring vocals. The title song is a little sonic jewel, but I also have to mention “Show Me Your Hands” featuring lyrics by the famous Belgian artist Jan Fabre. “Shrinking Room” is another noticeable cut driven by a solid bass line. This album has something ‘historic’ and is an absolute must have for all 80s electro lovers.
– – – : The experimental aspect of the work is maybe not the most accessible one and especially for all of those who are less familiar with this unique period in music history.
Conclusion: This album is a way to realize where electronic music comes from. It’s an essential work getting us back to the origins and will be an item for collectors.
Best songs: “Things I Was Due To Forget”’, “Shrinking Room”, “Show Me Your Hands”, “Embryo”, “Things I Was Due To Forget – Instrumental Version”.
Rate: (7½).
Artist: www.maarfo.com/mark–burghgraeve
Label: www.nuitetbrouillard.com / www.facebook.com/Nuit–et–Brouillard-251548154914441
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