Before joining FRONT 242 in 1981 and devoting several decades to this band, Brussels-based artists Patrick Codenys and Jean-Luc De Meyer used to be working together as a duo since 1978 under the UNDERVIEWER moniker, using a bass, synthesizers, rhythm boxes and a tape recorder…
Back then, although machines had their technical limitations and were imposing heavy constraints, the duo were definitely enjoying total freedom of tone and inspiration. From destructured experimental tracks to more melodic and structured songs, UNDERVIEWER always focused their creative approach on minimalistic arrangements way more influenced by German bands like LA DÜSSELDORF, DAF, etc. rather than by English groups.
Dormant for over 30 years, UNDERVIEWER recently recovered a dozen of tracks from their early 4-track tape recordings or even recreated some of them by meticulously reusing the same vintage machines, only slightly adapting them where needed. These songs have now been gathered together to astonishingly form the debut album of a band that has been existing for over 38 years!
“Wonders & Monsters” brilliantly renders the force and the timeless and melodic duality of a music which fits everywhere and any time, and never had the pretentiousness to belong to any form of avant-garde…14 songs hanging between fire and ice, carried by the distinctive and matchless voice of Jean-Luc De Meyer, and fuelled by Patrick Codenys’ sharp and modern production style.
UNDERVIEWER’s songs have that particular poisonous charm and poppy catchiness that make them instantly addictive and accessible…
Released late December 2016 on Alfa Matrix.
Track Listing:
01 Was soll ich tun?
02 A minor Detail
03 Litany
04 Nobody but you
05 I am the Rain
06 Trouble
07 Wonders & Monsters
08 What do you see?
09 Gone
10 Atomic tears
11 Syncussion
12 I remember
13 A September Morning
14 These Days
English