Various Artists - Communications From The Bombshelter Vol. 2 Future Past

Bombshelter resurfaces with a very enticing 7" compilation to celebrate 30 years of releasing music. The label is home to Techniques Berlin and !Bang Elektronika. Somewhere in Ontario, in a basement, label founders Andreas Gregor and Dave Rout armed with a mixer, reel to reel, cassette deck and microphone began making music. As time passed, Bombshelter hosted many styles of music from punk and new wave to industrial and techno. 'Communications From The Bombshelter Vol. 2 - Future Past' highlights the work of four bands the label founders were or are part of. The four tracks are found on a limited edition (300 copies) 7" record.

The future side of the record kicks off with an electronic new wave synthpop group from Toronto, The Beautiful Spies. The group consists of Dave Rout on synthesizers and drum machines and Dina Naskos with the vocal duties as well as the synths. The group was formed in 2011 and the track "Bright Light" elevates the beat with some high-powered synths paired with Dina's voice make for a nice dancey track. More music can be found on their amazing self-released debut CD 'Just Fascination' which can also be purchased via iTunes.

Formed in 2010, Agents In Infrared is the solo creative output of Andreas Gregor better known for his other projects, Bang! Electronica and Techniques Berlin. "Asleep For Years" conjures the feeling of the 1980 'Metamatic' LP by John Foxx not only in the somewhat spoken vocal style that was present on several tracks, but also in the unforgettable synth arrangements of his masterpiece, "Underpass". Agents In Infrared pick up where the 80's left off with Techniques Berlin. Equipped with a mix of modern and vintage synthesizers and drums machines, Agents Of Infrared have recorded a full-length album titled 'Tomorrow's World' due out in the near future.

Techniques Berlin began in 1984 when school friends Dave Rout and Andreas Gregor got together and began experimenting with synthesizers, drum machines and guitars. Bands like The Human League, Japan, Yazoo, Visage, Rational Youth, Depeche Mode and OMD were sources of inspiration for the two. With the release of 3 tapes, the band hoped not only to get some airplay, but to also secure a record deal. A&R reps claimed the music as too alternative to be considered pop. By 1991 Dave and Andreas moved on and played their last show as Techniques Berlin and pushed forward with their new electro project !Bang Elektronika.

Techniques Berlin released their back catalogue on CD via their highly sought after 'Back Issue Vol. 1 1985 To 1992' and 'Back Issue Vol. 2 1985 To 1992'. In 2012, Fabrika Records released 'Suburban Playgrounds And Concrete Beaches' LP which was limited to 300 copies and quickly became a collector's item. All three of these releases can be found on iTunes.

This remastered version of "And You" is previously unreleased. The original track from 1985, can be found on the long out of print 'Back Issue Vol. 2 1985 To 1992'. TB opened the vaults and remastered the track to find new home on this slab of wax. With the swollen basslines and the pumping electro dance beats, "And You" is a great example of why A&R Reps may have labeled Techniques Berlin too alternative to be pop.

Methods Of Dance formed as a spin off project of Techniques Berlin. Dan Bell, Andreas Gregor and Dave Rout recorded the instrumental track, "Dancing In Berlin" in 1986 and remastered it in 2014 exclusively for this 30 year anniversary release. "Dancing In Berlin" is the first and only track Methods Of Dance released. It offers a similar feel to that of Techniques Berlin.

Techniques Berlin are currently assembling new tracks for a double LP and remix double CD of TB classics to be released by the up and coming Nadanna Records. If this release parallels what Nadanna did with 23rd Underpass, fans will certainly be in for a treat. I'm psyched! There is a world of great music to explore. This is an amazing door-opener to the underground synthpop/new wave scene out of Canada! Check it out! Apr 15 2015