MUTANT TRANSMISSIONS RADIO Best of 2019
2019 was a fantastic year for music. In fact when making this best of list it was really hard to stop adding artists and I eventually just cut it off at about 30 entries. What a great position to bee in. Too much great new music! I am sure there is a lot more I could ad should have aded to this list. Notably Detriti records released 28 or so things this year and it was impossible to narrow it down for this list. Detriti deserve their own show and we did one in 2019 and I am sure if things go at the same pace there will be one in 2020 as well.
I did try to showcase music that was important on the Mutant Transmissions Radio, things we play bands that visited and played live etc. This is after all not just any list its a Mutant Transmissions Best of list and hense it lays some place in the land of mutant wave with punk, electro, underground wave experimental, and queer living happily together.
This year we did an Open Studio Project with bands and DJs coming to the studio to perform and studio being open to the public. These are the excellent ands and DJs who participated in 2019: Oberst Panizza, Tilly Electronics, Figure Section, Isotropia, Stockhousen all played live and were interviewed.
And Too Many Creeps Maria and Camy, It Sicko (GPP), Gothic Pogo Crew , Dear Deer, DJ CMO, Klankschap, Drag me to Hell and Hellwave crews, Mat Zwart , Mati Drome, Kim Peers (Skemer),Gregorian, Hatecraft ( Fantastique nights Club New Wave) DJs did live DJ sets and got on a mic to tell stories, and described their projects and passions.
MTR also had guest DJ mixes sent in form some of our favorite underground DJs from all over the world: Dita Crumbs ( Werther Effect, Brazil), Tony X (Los Angeles, USA), Black Black Gold (Berlin/NY), Ludmila (Brazil), Carlos Grabstein (Mexico) Ludi ( Paris/Berlin), Reverend Esser (Neon Decay/NL), Absynth ( Neon Decay/NL), Frankie Teardrop ( Systems of Romance) from NY/USA, Mange from CT/USA, and DJ Bernardo Troux (Chamber Music e.V. – DE)
We also did a lot of specials: Detriti Records, Dais,Records Waveteef Festival, Gothic Pogo Festival, Kalabalik Festival, TV Music, Hellwave warmup, Belgian underground Music from the 80s, Harami Tapes, Experimental show etc..
We also co founded Neon Transmissions with Unter Null (DE) a media collective that also includes Neon Decay (NL), Too Many Creeps (NL), Young and Cold (DE). As a collective we did Live radio for the first time at Waveteef and Gothic Pogo Festival. Lots of great bands DJs and Organizers were interviewed. And we call this experiment a success.
It was a bussy year, a really good exciting at times difficult year. But it was a kind of year that makes you believe that we are in a good place with the underground weirdo music. A great place actually and we cant wait to see where 2020 takes up! Heres to you my dear mutants
-Polina Y
ALBUMS - LPs and EPs
Kompromat - Traum und Existenz
Link:
https://kompromat-official.bandcamp.com
Date:
April 5, 2019
Label:
Clivage Music
Why on this list:
This new project from Vitalic and Rebeka Warrior was expected to be great but it took an unexpected distinctly underground 80s german wave sonic detour. I didn't know what to make of this at first, it is a lot less aggressive then both of the projects but it has grown on me with each listen. Production of music and videos is top notch, sound is addictive. In short this is album is a definite masterpieces with songs that will be in my DJ rotation for the foreseeable future
Nao Katafuchi - Stahlgrau
Link:
https://naokatafuchi.bandcamp.com/
Date:
October 7, 2019
Label:
TONN Recordings
Why they are on the list
Beautiful new album from Nao Katafuchi. This album is a perfect bland of Naos journey from Japan to New York and finally Germany.
UVB76- SĀN
Link:
https://teenagemenopause.bandcamp.com/
Date:
April 19, 2019
Label:
Teenage Menopause Records
Why they are on the list
Named after a mysterious rhytmic broadcast "the buzzer" UVB 76 has become an instant favorite at Mutant Transmissions. We love the use of infectios looping, repetition and samples. The guys behing this project also run Okvlt records and we cant wait to see what is next!
Le Prince Harry - Part Of It
Link:
https://teenagemenopause.bandcamp.com/
Date:
Maarch 28, 2019
Label:
Teenage Menopause Records
Why they are on the list
This is one of the group of Belgian bands on the list this year. and a second released on the list from excellent Teenage Menopause Records ( UVB76) . This is poure mutant wave ! Modern Synth punk at its best.
Potochkine- Mythes
Link:
https://potochkine.bandcamp.com/album/mythes
Date:
May 15, 2019
Label:
TONN Recordings
Why they are on the list
This is a second album from the french due Potoschkine. First album made huge waves last year and we were impatiently anticipating the next release. Mythes the second album came out this year . It is the soundtrack created for three theater shows (Les Bacchantes, Narcisse and Salopards) . it is a huge album of 27 tracks and has both club hits and incredibly beautiful ambient tracks. Thus album has been sometimes overlooked. but definitely not by us!
GrGr - So Viel Zeit
Link:
https://gr-gr.bandcamp.com/album/so-viel-zeit
Date:
May 24, 2019
Label:
Zweihorn Records
Why they are on the list
Grgr aka Gregor Sander is not just a great musical he is also part of Mutant Transmissions festival team. Aside from being part of MT family he is a super musical with a sound being mix of game boy wave and punk. He released a demo in 2012, with we still like , but there has been a huge jump in sound and performance ambition with release of game boy tapes last year and So Veil Zeit. This is for sure mutant wave and deserves your attention and a spot on best of 2019!
Xeno & Oaklande - Hypnos
Link:
https://xenoandoaklander.bandcamp.com/
Date:
March 8, 2019
Label:
Dais Records
Why they are on the list
Band that pretty much can do no wrong with another typically great album. For the lovers of minimal and synth wave as well as good music in general.
SKEMER - Benevolence
Link:
https://avantrecords.bandcamp.com/album/benevolence
Date:
October 25, 2019
Label:
Avant! Records
Why they are on the list
Highly anticipated debut Album from Belgian band Skemer. Great production values, unique memorable sound with hints of New York no wave sound. And there is also MT connection: Kim from Skemer has been to MTR to Dj and do an interview in 2019 with full Skemer live show hopefully n the books for 2020
Silent EM - The Absence
Link:
https://silentem.bandcamp.com/
Date:
15 July 2019
Label:
Disko Obscura
Why they are on the list
Super strong release from Silent Em. Catly rhythmic post punk wave. Many singles. This album a home both on my Club and Radio DJ sets.
Raderkraft - Smart Control
Link:
https://raderkraft.bandcamp.com/
Date:
20 April 2019
Label:
De Blinden Records
Why they are on the list
Raderkraft doesn't have ton of releases which is strange for a band thats pretty much underground dance floor gold. this is a first official release since the casete and Ep is 2016 and we are of course ecstatic. Every song in=s an instant classic. Synth wave at its best . MTR connection : Raderkraft played our showcase at Waveteef festival.
Oberst Panizza - Enough & Don't Pretend You Have Fun
Link:
https://oberstpanizza.bandcamp.com
Date:
June 5, 2019 & May 20, 2019
Label:
Self Released
Why they are on the list
Oberst Panizza a nickname from the Velvet condom days ( who played MTR LIve ) is a solo project and a fantastic one. Oberst Paniza kicked-of 2019 for Mutant Transmissions with in studio live show and interview last January. This year he put out 2 tapes with timeless beautiful synthesizer music. These songs sound like masterpieces and have a permanent home on our play list. MTR connection: played live with both Velvet condom and Oberst Panizza projects, played our showcase at GPP festival 2019.
Modi Key - Modi Key
Link:
https://modikey.bandcamp.com/
Date:
January 1, 2019
Label:
NA
Why they are on the list
This was a new happy discovery for us. with song Frentic being a perfect edition to electro synth punk sets.
Rue Oberkampf - Christophe-Philippe
Link:
https://rueoberkampf.bandcamp.com/
Date:
October 4, 2019
Label:
Young and Cold Records
Why they are on the list
this year Rue Oberkampf joined Yound and Cold records. Daniel Hallhuber from the label did production on this record which clearly contributed to the clean, dancy, memorably album that Christophe-Philippe is. Well deserved spot on best of with several strong singles for our play lists. MTR connection: RO were interviewed at our live radio both at gothic pogo festival 2019!
Bragolin vs Adam Tristar - Let Out The Noise Inside
Link:
https://bragolin.bandcamp.com/ . https://adamtristar.bandcamp.com/
Date:
August 2, 2019
Label:
Young and Cold Records
Why they are on the list
This is one of the rare cases when 2 bands collaborate to create something even better. Adam Tristar brings electronic dancy sensibility with Bragolin taking its moody post punk sound tothe new level. This album is a masterpiece and in our opinion the best album from these bands so far. MTR connection Bragolin has played MTR in the pat and both bands are expected to come back to our studio in the future
Romance Disaster - Take Off Your Past & Girls-Guns
Link:
https://romancedisaster.bandcamp.com/
Date:
June 27, 2019 & March 8, 2019
Label:
Why they are on the list
We love Romance DISASter and all her other projects. Each electro danse punk release is in our rotation. You just have to hear any of the songs to hear why,
Soft Riot - When Push Comes To Shove
Link:
https://softriot.bandcamp.com/
Date:
11 November 2019
Label:
Possession Records
Why they are on the list
New Release from a super prolific Jack. Not only is Jack consistently putting out strong albums he is also behind Possession Records and does Video work for him self and other artists. This is great music with songs that we play and you should listen to but this is also an example of how to be a one man force of nature making a huge positive impact on our community. MTR connection. : Jack has been in our studio as a DJ and for interviews but this year he is coming back to play live!
Komplikations - No Good News
Link:
https://rockstarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/no-good-news
Date:
February 1, 2019
Label:
Rockstar Rcords
Why they are on the list
This band has been around for a very long time .Its synth punk more on the punky side. Its great, every album they put out is great and this one is fucking great. There are rumors they are breaking up. We hope the rumors are wrong. This is also another great Belgian band
Tilly Electronics - Telefon & Kleidung Find Ich Gut
Link:
https://tillyelectronics.bandcamp.com/
Date:
September 17, 2019 & January 23, 2019
Label:
Self Released
Why they are on the list
They came they played we fell in love! Tilly make infectious dancy synth music. They are completely DIY outfit with self releases and making their own videos . You cant help but dance and be happy to Tilly music. We love those guys and look forward to all future releases. MTR connection: Tilly Plated in the studio and did an interview live 2019 ! We hope they come back!
Automelodi - Mirages au futur verre-brisé
Link:
https://automelodi.bandcamp.com/album/mirages-au-futur-verre-bris
Date:
May 3, 2019
Label:
Holodeck Records
Why they are on the list
Highly anticipated album form this Canadian Minimal Wave Synth band. After a long break they are back and they did not disappoint! MTR connection: Automelodi did an interview with us at the Live radio at GPP Festival
Boy Harsher - Country Girl Uncut
Link:
https://softriot.bandcamp.com/
Date:
September 3, 2019
Label:
Nude Club / Ascetic House
Why they are on the list
These guys are good. You cant argue with them being good. This new release is equally or more so good.
Agent Side Grinder - A/X
Link:
https://agentsidegrinder.bandcamp.com/
Date:
April 26, 2019
Label:
Progress Productions
Why they are on the list
This is a fifth album and a first record with their new singer Emanuel Åström . After 4 year break ASG are back with moody catchy post punk.
She Past Away - Disko Anksiyete
Link:
https://shepastawayofficial.bandcamp.com/
Date:
31 May 2019
Label:
Self Released / Metropolis / Fabrika Records
Why they are on the list
One of the few dark bands we know from Turkey but one of the best dark band going period. Gothic soubd with synth music. Very catchy well put together and clean. Another example of dancefloor crack.
Werther Effekt – Obscuir
Link:
https://werthereffekt.bandcamp.com
Date:
21 Mar 2019
Label:
Self Released
Why they are on the list
Since they got on the scene Werther effect made some waves. for many of us it was instant love. Dirty queer synth wave sound. we could not lease this new release of the list and looking forward to what they do 2020.
Sólveig Matthildur - Constantly In Love
Link:
https://elektropalast.bandcamp.com/album/minimale-distanz-compilation
Date:
April 19, 2019
Label:
Artoffact Records
Why they are on the list
Second solo album from Kælan Mikla keyboardist and back-up singer Sólveig Matthildur. An atherial trip through the dusk dream lands.
SNIGLES AND COMPS
Raderkraft - De Witte Streep
Link:
https://raderkraft.bandcamp.com/album/de-witte-streep
Date:
June 28, 2019
Label:
Possession Records
Why they are on the list
Raderkraft cant really go wrong with anything he releases. Every song hits my play list on the radio and in the clubs.
The Stave Church - Shattered
Link:
https://thestavechurch.bandcamp.com/
Date:
April 2, 2019
Label:
Self released
Why they are on the list
The Stave church is a solo project from an artist in Texas. He has been self-releasing songs on bandcamp slowly one at a time. Beautiful, well crafted songs that we are big fans of. Shattered is a great example of the great quality we love and came to expect from The Stave Church.
Figure Section - Teutonic Knights
Link:
https://figuresection.bandcamp.com/releases
Date:
March 8, 2019
Label:
Self released
Why they are on the list
Last Belgian band on the list Figure Section from Brussels came our strong with this single release that quickly won a place on our set lists. Sound is rhythmic soft and hard at the same time. Since then there is an ep and talk of full album that we are very much waiting for.MTR connection: Figure Section played live and did in studio interview
ISOTROPÍA - "Spasms" LP (Singles)
Link:
https://isotropia.bandcamp.com/
Date:
February 18, 2019
Label:
Self Released
Why they are on the list
This band blew me completely away at the Swedish festival this summer. After they journeyed to Belgium and did a show and an acoustic set at Mutant Transmissions. This is one o ft the top live bands of 2019 . Magical dark and deep. MTR connection: Isotropia played live and did in studio interview
Minimale Distanz Compilation
Link:
https://elektropalast.bandcamp.com/album/minimale-distanz-compilation
Date:
June 14, 2019
Label:
Elektro Palast
Why they are on the list
A fantastic collection on minimal wave gems with many previously unreleased tracks!
Synthesizer Music on tape vol.1
Link:
https://haramitapes.bandcamp.com/album/ht001-synthesizer-music-on-tape-vol-1
Date:
August 27, 2019
Label:
Harami Tapes
Why they are on the list
Compilation from . new Swedish label Harami Tapes full of obscurities and new discoveries for the lovers of cold electronics.
