Elitepop is the bold name of a new label from The Netherlands, which has not been erected for musical compromises. Therefore their first release is directly something special; a limited vinyl single with special packaging by Ich Wollte, Ich Könnte, a new side-project of Wermut. The concept for this single is original: they were inspired by so-called library music, also known as stock music, usually rather bland background music of which the makers remain anonymous.
Like Wermut, Ich Wollte, Ich Könnte draws heavily on analogue electronica equipment and influences from the heydays of minimal wave. But the new project nevertheless sounds different: the songs are less uptempo and melodic, but they are rather slow, mainly building up strange atmospheres. Apparently Ich Wollte, Ich Könnte also tries to refer to classic krautrock music and electronic pioneers like Tangerine Dream.
The record directly starts with soothing sounds of the instrumental ‘Höher als die Wolken’ which engulf you and which make your surroundings appear more pleasant. Clear, almost ethereal synth sounds are stretched out widely. After a while though the sounds loose their comforting feeling to an irresistible sense of melancholy. The cool female vocals in French on the highlight ‘Sternenrechteck’ sound rather mechanical, enhancing the feeling of isolation. You get the feeling of being trapped in endless corridors of a long-deserted office.
‘Des Traumes Sanfte Tasten’ is a slow and sad piece, with sort of declamated male vocals and a spacy sound, reminding me a bit of First Law. Though this track may be somewhat long, I can safely say that ‘Musique au mètre: A tribute to the electronic library music of the early 80’s’ is a wonderful nostalgic and melancholic adventure.
