Well, strap in folks! When was the last time you felt the jolt of electricity and the thrill of live music pulse through your veins? I don’t mean from that dodgy electric blanket you bought on sale last winter – I mean the kind of electrifying experience that bands like Lightning! promise! So let’s delve into the latest offering from this trio of sonic sorcery: “Voltæ (Chthulucene)”. Sounds like a name that should come with a disclaimer about the psychedelic side effects, doesn’t it?
Now, if abstract techno alongside amplified “world” music sounds like your kind of party, you may just want to show up to their gig at the Station-Gare des Mines on November 7. Just make sure to bring your best dancing shoes – or your most comfortable ones if you prefer the “gentle” rave suggested. Whatever helps you bop about without pulling a hamstring.
The trio has a bit of a pedigree too—Frédéric D. Oberland (of Oiseaux-Tempête fame—whatever that means!), Romain Barbot (from Saåad; sounds like the name of an ancient deity, doesn’t it?), and Paul Régimbeau (the Mondkopf chap—great name for a villain in a Bond movie). They’ve been behind the curtain for five live albums, mostly improvised in various venues, including churches. Nothing screams rave like “Holy rapture!” right?
Their new album is not just a collection of “rave” tunes; it’s a sonic exploration that weaves in and out of tribal pieces, psychedelic trips, and even some meditative moments—because who said you can’t have a bit of zen at a rave? One minute you’re skimming through the “Acid Karma”—a title that sounds like a new-age yoga class for recovering addicts—and the next you’re enveloped in the ethereal vibes of “Visions from Zūrūtetsu” that could probably cure your existential dread, or at least keep you distracted from it for 40 minutes.
And let’s not ignore the “Cybernetic Reset.” The title sounds like something you’d shout at your computer when it refuses to cooperate, doesn’t it? “Reset! NOW! I will not be beaten by a bunch of ones and zeroes!” But rest assured, the electro-orientalist descent it promises is more euphoric than your last attempt at fixing your Wi-Fi.
In this album, genre definitions are blurred to the point where you’ll need a GPS. Is it punk? Rock? Electro? Folklore? All that matters is it’s music that transcends the ordinary; they’ve concocted a unique “post-something” brew that slips between traditional sounds and modern rhythms like your mate who can never pick a side on where to have dinner—living on the edge of indecision and a strong curry.
The album feels like the resurrection of Japanese composer Ryūichi Sakamoto and all the vibrant hues he would’ve knitted into something splendidly bizarre yet beautiful. Who knew he was just hanging about waiting for the right moment to drop some audio magic like it was a casual Saturday night?
So, if you’re wondering whether to spend your hard-earned cash on a vinyl or digital copy, the answer is yes. Yes, you should! Especially if you want friends to think you’re hip and unbothered. Unitasker or multitasker—your flat will always be better with a soundtrack attached to it. More importantly, who doesn’t want to casually drop “Oh, have you heard ‘Voltæ (Chthulucene)’?” into the conversation at brunch?
All in all, whether you’re jiving on the dance floor or contemplating the vastness of life while sipping on a herbal tea, this album promises to be your perfect companion. Just make sure to arrive prepared; you wouldn’t want to miss out on an experience that’s bound to take you from Belgium to the outer reaches of the cosmos—all while leaving your mind deliciously confused.
So, let’s raise a glass to Lightning!—a band that continues to make waves in the world of experimental music. Who needs “normal” when you can have “Voltæ”? Cheers!
As Lightning! prepares to unveil its highly anticipated album “Voltæ (Chthulucene)” this Friday, October 25, and gears up for a captivating performance at the Station-Gare des Mines on November 7, we present a detailed exploration of this remarkable work that seamlessly blends abstract techno with amplified “world” music.
Have gentle raves, filled with abstract techno and amplified, sampled, and sequenced “world” music, which take on incredible dimensions. This astonishing transformation is made possible by Foudre!, a talented trio that includes Frédéric D. Oberland from Oiseaux-Tempête, Romain Barbot of Saåad, and Paul Régimbeau of Mondkopf. Their first studio album, following a series of five live recordings, showcases the band’s incredible creativity and intense performances, previously captured in venues ranging from theaters to the attentive acoustics of churches, like in the striking soundtrack of the film Earth recorded in the Saint-Merry church in Paris. Lightning! takes this opportunity to broaden its already expansive musical range.
Listeners will encounter intensely tribal compositions, with standout tracks such as the lengthy and entrancing montage of Acid Karma alongside the mesmerizing electro-orientalist descent of Cybernetic Reset. The album also invites new meditative experiences, exemplified by the thought-provoking piece Visions from Zūrūtetsu, and delves into an almost unsettling territory with tracks like Transmutation. This pioneering and visionary creation defies simple categorization—post-something (punk? rock? electro? folklore?)—making the term fusion more relevant than ever; the harmonious sounds of traditional instruments such as the saz, zurna, and chalumeau beautifully intertwine with various synthesizers and mellotron, while age-old rhythms blend seamlessly with contemporary club beats. The legendary Ryūichi Sakamoto’s influence resonates throughout, crafting what can only be described as an ideal record at Warp.
VINYL AND DIGITAL RELEASE
Interview with Frédéric D. Oberland of Lightning!
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Frédéric! Let’s dive right into the excitement surrounding your upcoming album, “Voltæ (Chthulucene)”. What inspired the name, and what can listeners expect from this sonic journey?
Frédéric D. Oberland: Thanks for having me! The name “Voltæ (Chthulucene)” is a nod to both energy and the unknown. It hints at the electrifying experiences we aim to create while referencing the Chthulucene—a term coined by the theorist Donna Haraway, which involves acknowledging the interconnectedness of all life. We wanted to embody that sense of connection and chaotic beauty in our music.
Editor: It’s certainly a title that intrigues! Your music blends a multitude of genres, from techno to world influences. How do you approach the creative process when you sit down to make a new track?
Frédéric D. Oberland: Our process is quite organic. We often start with improvisation, letting sounds flow freely. Each of us brings our unique influences—Romain’s ambient textures, Paul’s hypnotic beats, and my experimental soundscapes. Together, we create a sonic exploration that transcends traditional boundaries; we never limit ourselves to one genre.
Editor: “Voltæ” contains tracks like “Acid Karma” and “Cybernetic Reset.” Can you tell us more about these songs and what themes they explore?
Frédéric D. Oberland: Absolutely! “Acid Karma” is a playful take on inner reflection, where the sound transports you to a meditative space between chaos and calm. “Cybernetic Reset,” on the other hand, utilizes more driving rhythms to express the desire to break free from our tech-driven lives. We aim to create an experience where the audience can both dance and contemplate.
Editor: Speaking of experiences, you have a performance coming up on November 7 at the Station-Gare des Mines. What can attendees expect from this live show?
Frédéric D. Oberland: Our live shows are where the magic really happens! Expect an immersive experience with visual elements that compliment our soundscapes. We encourage the audience to let loose—whether that’s through dancing or simply feeling the music wash over them. It’s a gentle rave vibe, perfect for anyone, whether you’re seeking a dance party or a reflective journey.
Editor: As an artist with a significant pedigree in the music scene, how do you feel “Voltæ” fits into the current landscape of experimental music?
Frédéric D. Oberland: Music is always evolving, and we love to be part of that change. With “Voltæ,” we’re trying to push the envelope a bit further by blending traditional sounds with modern elements. I hope our work resonates with both longtime fans of experimental music and new listeners looking for something fresh and adventurous.
Editor: It sounds like you’re crafting something truly special! Lastly, if someone is uncertain about investing in the album, what would you say to encourage them?
Frédéric D. Oberland: I’d say “Voltæ” is not just an album; it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking for something to dance to or music that sparks deep thought, this album has it all. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter for brunch! Get that vinyl or digital copy—you won’t regret it!
Editor: Thank you so much, Frédéric! We can’t wait for the album release and your performance.
Frédéric D. Oberland: Thank you! We’re looking forward to sharing this journey with everyone. See you on the dance floor!
Happens! Expect an immersive experience that combines the energy of a rave with the depth of a concert. We’ll be playing tracks from “Voltæ (Chthulucene)”, alongside some improvised pieces. The audience can expect to dance, lose themselves in sound, and feel a sense of connection with everyone in the room. We love creating an atmosphere where people can forget their worries and truly engage with the music.
Editor: It sounds like a night not to be missed! You’ve mentioned that your previous live performances have taken place in various unique venues, including churches. How does the location influence your music and performance style?
Frédéric D. Oberland: Venues shape the sound and the energy of our performances in profound ways. Churches, for example, lend a certain reverberation and ambience that enhances our more meditative pieces. But regardless of the setting, we aim to connect with the audience and create a shared experience. Each performance, no matter the place, is a different journey, and we want everyone to feel a part of it.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Lastly, for those considering whether to buy the album, what would you say is the must-have takeaway from “Voltæ (Chthulucene)”?
Frédéric D. Oberland: I believe that this album is about embracing the unknown and exploring sonic landscapes that challenge conventional listening. Whether you want to dance, think, or just enjoy the complexity of sounds, “Voltæ (Chthulucene)” offers something for everyone. We’re excited for people to dive into it, and we hope it sparks conversations and reflections.
Editor: Thank you, Frédéric! We can’t wait for the album release and your upcoming show. Here’s to a night of electrifying music and transcendent experiences!
Frédéric D. Oberland: Thank you! We’re looking forward to it as well—see you on the dance floor!
