UNDERVIEWER Wonders and Monsters [2nd edition] CD Digipack 2017 FRONT 242

Wonders & Monsters

This is the 2nd pressing of the Underviewer album and comes in a one-pannel digipak version.

In 2016, Belgian electronic music pioneers FRONT 242 celebrate the band’s 35th anniversary year of existence. Besides some highly praised 242 collector items released over the last few months, we had also promised some more very special “anniversary” surprises… Well, here we are!

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 pretention 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…