Cites Analogues

1985年に結成されたフランス・パリのシンセ・シーケンス・デュオ、LIGHTWAVE。1988年カセットテープ作『CITES ANALOGUES』が初CD / LP化！

During the 90s, French electronic outfit Lightwave worked with Hector Zazou several times, and former Tangerine Dream member Paul Haslinger joined the group. Cites Analogues, however, was one of Lightwaves early cassette releases, recorded soon after their core lineup of Christoph Harbonnier and Christian Wittman was established. Recorded and mixed live in the studio, then produced and edited soon afterward, the effort was made using modular synthesizers, Roland sequencers, and digital effects. Subsequent Lightwave efforts ventured into neo-classical territory, and with some of them appearing on Hearts of Space sublabel Fathom, they mightve been found in the new age section at record stores. This recording is a bit too dark, cold, and collage-like to fit in such a category. The bustling sounds of a crowded airport are heard near the beginning of the album, segueing into radio airwave noises and trickling analog synths. "Le Parvis" establishes a sinister groove, with sneaking electronic drums and synth playing approximating wild flute trills. Another passage of sampled crowd noise segues into "Agora," an extended, ambient reflection that feels like an escape from society in order to seek a tranquil, meditative space. Following a few brief pieces consisting of uneasy, haunted textures and more found sounds, "Cites Analogues" makes greater use of the duos sequencers and drum machines, recalling Tangerine Dreams rhythmic side while foreshadowing the type of cerebral ambient techno that would be much more common five years later, and adding a bit of analog crunch. Lightwave would go on to do bigger, more ambitious, and more accomplished things, but Cites Analogues is a set of promising early steps containing some innovative moments which sound slightly ahead of their time. ~ Paul Simpson