Imperial Black Unit (next to Codex Empire, which has also performed at WIF) represent the new wave of artists cooperating with the Berlin-based label Aufnahme+Wiedergabe. The Thomas Chalandon and Pablo Bozzi duo come from the French city Toulouse, contributing to the techno scene of the metropolis. Their power of expression stands out from that of the Aufnahme+Wiedergabe label’s offering. Featuring an actual track/song structure, Imperial Black Unit’s compositions go beyond the technoid continuum model. With their fusion of old and new electro-industrial music, the recent newcomers to the scene are showing a shift towards the classic European Electronic Body Music. They are a perfect transmission of the means of expression associated with massive groups, such as Proceed or Orange Sector, into a completely new dimension. Imperial Black Unit’s output comprises two attractive 12” records – State of Pressureand the latest Murder Under Establishment.Both vinyl offer strong, danceable music with roots in EBM classics, played at a new tempo and using only modern instruments. The exquisitely dynamic and hypnotising songs are filled with political samples that bring to mind classic Consolidated albums. Imperial Black Unit spreads agitprop industrial techno – and does it in a great way. [ws]
IMPERIAL BLACK UNIT (F)
