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Metroland – Reframed EP

Metroland - Reframed EP

To close this fruitful 2018 year in beauty, Belgium’s vintage synth pop duo METROLAND are releasing today the exclusive “Reframed” digital EP. The perfect bridge between this year’s successful studio album “Men In A Frame” and its conceptual colour vinyl companion “Framed” coming out in January 2019.

With their last concept, METROLAND further expanded their artistic horizon by (quite literally) throwing photography into the concept.

This new EP also announces the second “Pictures To Listen Too“ exposition at the Cultuur Centrum of Mechelen – Belgium from its vernissage on 26th January 2019 until 24th March 2019. Another METROLAND unique happening is allowing people to actually listen to the pictures… METROLAND’s aim being, at all times, to immerse their listeners in their symbiotic combination of electronics and deliberate, yet minimal design.

What you see is what you hear…

Metroland – Framed 2LP (Yellow + CD)

Metroland - Framed 2LP (Yellow + CD)

In 2018, Belgium’s very own vintage synth duo METROLAND released their 4th conceptual album “Men In A Frame”. On this album they further expanded their artistic horizon by (quite literally) throwing photography into the concept.

Besides the highly praised “Men In A Frame” main album, METROLAND also surprised everyone by releasing 2 “non-album” singles with “Man In A Frame” and “Memorabilia” which were accompanied by more obscure electronic B-sides and remixes. But that’s definitely with the successful first exposition “Pictures To Listen To” held in Belgium that the band pushed their concept to its maximum limit allowing the audience to fully experience their “Men In A Frame” concept, allowing the exhibition visitors actually listening to the pictures and receiving afterwards the exclusive “Pictures To Listen To” compilation.

Animated by that unique and dynamic aim to constantly immerse their listeners in the symbiotic combination of electronics and deliberate, yet minimal design. METROLAND went the extra mile for the ultimate closure of their conceptual chapter dedicated to photography:  Passenger A and Passenger S presented a selection of kindred spirit musicians and bands with the challenge of, this time, putting the band in the frame, ending up in this unique remix album: “Framed”. A unique extension to the austere art that METROLAND holds so dear, each track on this luscious 12-track gatefold yellow colour vinyl album is the remixers’ personal contribution to really put the finishing touch on all of these METROLAND memorabilia. And the list of featured contributors simply speaks for itself!

This very limited double-LP release (300 units worldwide) is accompanied by the “Framed Anew“ carton sleeve CD offering a slightly different track list. (3 exclusive remixes on the yellow vinyl by DER DRITTE RAUM, DIE ROBO SAPIENS and FROHM; and 3 non-vinyl remixes on the CD). This beautiful collector item will be released at the occasion of the second “Pictures To Listen Too“ exposition at the Cultuur Centrum of Mechelen – Belgium from its vernissage on 26th January 2019 until 24th March 2019.

What you see is what you hear…

“Framed” yellow colour Double-LP Vinyl 

(* exclusive remix to this medium)

side A

01. proiezione 41-828 (OT-Vorsprung-remix)

02. la macchia d’aqua (Him+He’s real sounds from a matrix edit)

03. b-old (Aavikko remix)

side B

04. the speed of life 3 (Elektroklänge 1-2-3 mix)

05. hope (Psy’aviah remix)

06. next choice (Kurt Baggaley’s destination mix)

side C

07. creative rose (Passenger S perennial mix)

08. trust (never trust an Implant rmx)

09. concrete witness (Analogue Audio Association remix 3)

side D

10. memorabilia (Der Dritte Raum rmx 3.4) *

11. shades of pale (Die Robo Sapiens mix) *

12. man in a frame (Frohm remix) *

 

‘Framed Anew” (bonus carton sleeve CD)– exclusively available with the “Framed” double-LP

(* exclusive remix to this medium)

01. memorabilia (Zusammenklang mix) *

02. creative rose (Passenger S perennial mix)

03. trust (never trust an Implant rmx)

04. the speed of life 3 (Elektroklänge 1-2-3 mix)

05. hope (Psy’aviah remix)

06. man in a frame (Decibel Sintético) *

07. la macchia d’aqua (Him+He’s real sounds from a matrix edit)

08. b-old (Aavikko remix)

09. concrete witness (Analogue Audio Association remix 3)

10. proiezione 41-828 (OY-Vorsprung-remix)

11. shades of pale (re-framed by Metroland) *

12. next choice (Kurt Baggaley’s destination mix)

Metroland – Memorabilia (remixes) EP

Metroland - Memorabilia (remixes) EP

This “remixes” alternative edition of the “Memorabilia” single features a solid club remix of the title-song by ZUSAMMENKLANG. The single B-side “Sunwriting” gets remixed by METROLAND themselves in a “genesis” version, while DATAPOP also praised the process of sunwriting (the very first process of modern photography executed by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in the 19th century by means of a heliograph)
by turning the song into an unexpected but original cover version, aptly entitled “Heliograph (DATAPOP’s Sunwriting)”…

It has already been announced at the start of their latest venture that METROLAND would release a 2nd single bringing renewed attention to their concept album “Men In A Frame“. An album where photography got all the focus due to a unique collaboration with 5 professional photographers who triggered every little detail of the album, both aurally and art wise.

“Memorabilia” serves as an obvious link to the aforementioned concept, with a little wink to 80’s cult, showcasing the darker club side from both Passengers. Just like with the former single “Man In A Frame“, the main track here is once more exclusive and not even taken from the album itself, deserving to be in the right spotlight on its own while still connecting the dots with the overall album concept…

Metroland – Memorabilia EP

Metroland - Memorabilia EP

It has already been announced at the start of their latest venture that METROLAND would release a 2nd single bringing renewed attention to their concept album “Men In A Frame“. An album where photography got all the focus due to a unique collaboration with 5 professional photographers who triggered every little detail of the album, both aurally and art wise.

“Memorabilia” serves as an obvious link to the aforementioned concept, with a little wink to 80’s cult, showcasing the darker club side from both Passengers. Just like with the former single “Man In A Frame“, the main track here is once more exclusive and not even taken from the album itself, deserving to be in the spotlight on its own while still connecting the dots with the overall album concept… The single B-side is called “Sunwriting”, not just any random title, but a reference to the very first process of modern photography executed by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in the 19th century by means of a heliograph, reminding us again of the in-depth study of METROLAND when exploring their musical concepts.

Last but not least, METROLAND on their turn expanded “Memorabilia” into a “Souvenir Mix”, following their renown 80s’ style of extending their songs.

This “Memorabilia” single also comes out as a “remixes” alternative edition.

Metroland – Pictures To Listen To CD (Carton Sleeve ltd edition)

Metroland - Pictures To Listen To CD (Carton Sleeve ltd edition)

This exclusive compilation album can normally only be purchased during special “METROLAND” expositions where attendants can experience how it is to look and listen to an image at the same time. These expositions are aptly called ‘Pictures To Listen To’. 
 
In order to give a chance for die hard collectors to get their hands on this precious gem bound to become one of the most sought after METROLAND releases, the Belgian duo accepted giving us a very limited quantity of these carton sleeve CD’s for our own e-shop.
 
METROLAND is one of the very few bands who carry out the trademark of creating conceptual albums. For their newest album ‘Men In A Frame’, METROLAND collaborated with 5 professional photographers of a cooperative named F-8 (pronounced as Faith).

TRACK-LISTING

01. Pictures To Listen To
02. The Passenger
03. Cube (Small)
04. F-8
05. Theme For Metroland (7inch Remix)
06. Quo Vadis
07. Thalys (London Edit)
08. 3 Directors
09. Enjoying The View (7inch Version)
10. Ikone Der Moderne
11. Synthetic Sound (Alternate 7inch)
12. Zeppelin
13. Shades Of Pale
14. Utopia
15. Man In A Frame (Re-framed)
16. Mind The Gap
 
For this occasion METROLAND created a unique compilation for attendants so they can get acquainted with their synthetic works. This 16-track compilation entitled ‘Pictures To Listen To’ contains songs from the solid back catalogue that METROLAND has been building on over the past 5 years and comes with fitting artwork related to the ‘Men In A Frame’ album.
 
Next to cult songs like ‘The Passenger’, ‘Zeppelin’, ‘Mind The Gap’ or ‘Thalys’, this compilation holds several tracks that did not yet appear on any sort of physical carrier.
 
The most remarkable about this release is the exclusive theme song that METROLAND have created for their ’Pictures To Listen To’ expositions.

Metroland – Men In A Frame CD

Metroland - Men In A Frame CD

Belgium’s very own vintage synth duo METROLAND is one of the very few bands that maintain a huge focus on delivering fully conceptual albums, both in art and music. Their loyal and continuously growing fan base already warmly embraced 3 highly appreciated themed albums (‘Mind The Gap’ – 2012, ‘Triadic Ballet’ – 2015 and ‘Things Will Never Sound The Same Again’ – 2016) and a massive 4cd best of box (’12×12′ – 2017). Today “Men In A Frame”, their brand new studio album, glorifies the 4th concept by the Belgian synthesizer duo: photography. 

Faithfull as ever to their well-known typical soundscapes, METROLAND this time joined forces with 5 Belgian professional photographers from an art collective called F-8 (pronounced as ‘Faith’). Each one of the F-8 photographers carefully relinquished 2 unique pictures including apt titles. Consequentially, METROLAND unleashed their machines to translate these images into their trademark electronics. The result is an almost filmic soundscape, filled with layered sequences and samples of all kinds, standing side-by-side with vintage electronic rhythms, making the whole a truly visual aural experience like never before. 

With the ‘Men In A Frame’ album, METROLAND presents the illusory first-ever concept of “Pictures To Listen To“. You have to see and hear it to believe it! What you see is what you hear…

Metroland – Man in a Frame (Remixes) EP

Metroland - Man in a Frame (Remixes) EP

2018 marks the start for METROLAND with a new album, ergo a new unseen concept and thus a first new single, called “Man In A Frame”. “Man In A Frame” is a cold, synthetic song, holding an untypical blend of sampled voices and minimal vocals, set on tight sequenced electronics. 

This first single is not taken from the new album, as one would suspect from former albums, but it is a very profound push towards the yet secret content of the new concept. 

As 2nd track (what used to be called a b-side), METROLAND offers “F8”, which also is a link to the yet unrevealed new theme. Robotic voices over a nervous rhythm section with a load of dreamy strings will guide you through the song. 

A 2 track download “Man In A Frame” single comes out holding both the original versions. 

Next to that METROLAND delivers an extra download set of remixes. This 3-track release offers an extended version of the main title in METROLAND’s typical interpretation of an 80’s style version (as they formerly showed on the “12×12” 4CD release). In addition to this, METROLAND offers a remix of both songs, notably retouched by the bands “The Frixion” and “Maschine Brennt”. 

“Man In A Frame” and “F-8” pave the future path for the filmic new set of songs coming your way on the new album.

Metroland – Man in a Frame (single)

Metroland - Man in a Frame (single)

2018 marks the start for METROLAND with a new album, ergo a new unseen concept and thus a first new single, called “Man In A Frame”. “Man In A Frame” is a cold, synthetic song, holding an untypical blend of sampled voices and minimal vocals, set on tight sequenced electronics.

This first single is not taken from the new album, as one would suspect from former albums, but it is a very profound push towards the yet secret content of the new concept.

As 2nd track (what used to be called a b-side), METROLAND offers “F8”, which also is a link to the yet unrevealed new theme. Robotic voices over a nervous rhythm section with a load of dreamy strings will guide you through the song.

A 2 track download “Man In A Frame” single comes out holding both the original versions.

Next to that METROLAND delivers an extra download set of remixes. This 3-track release offers an extended version of the main title in METROLAND’s typical interpretation of an 80’s style version (as they formerly showed on the “12×12” 4CD release). In addition to this, METROLAND offers a remix of both songs, notably retouched by the bands “The Frixion” and “Maschine Brennt”.

“Man In A Frame” and “F-8” pave the future path for the filmic new set of songs coming your way on the new album.

Metroland – 12×12 4CD Box

Metroland - 12x12 4CD Box

In 2012 METROLAND appeared as a fresh new band to the electronic scene with no demo history at all. Quite rapidly they became a steady player gaining more and more attention by magazines and radio stations, supporting and remixing larger bands, aided by their tight concept driven electronic releases.

Today, METROLAND invites everyone to enjoy their fascinating ride again, spanning over a period of 5 years, with the release of a conceptual 4CD compilation box entitled “12×12”, containing over 250 minutes of rare and previously unreleased songs, mixes or versions.

The “12×12”-box mainly contains tracks that were never released on physical format before, next to a plethora of unreleased tracks. All 12 releases, including their newest single “Cube“, are presented by conceptual artwork. A card per release contains photographs and the story behind each single song.

Three CD’s take you on a journey through METROLAND’s 12 extended versions (12×12), all the 12 b-sides (12+12) and last but not least METROLAND’s 12 single versions (12<>12). As a cherry on the cake, METROLAND took a dive into their electronic vaults and present a 4th limited bonus CD containing demos, hard to find or unreleased remixes, and yes, even never released songs…

This box is a wonderful opportunity to get an overview of the wide spanning collection of music signed by METROLAND’s seal of quality, a pure Belgian electronic product, who managed to establish their vintage electronic trademark sound in no time and which also brought them unmistakable comparisons with keyboard pioneers like KRAFTWERK or yet TELEX.
 
“12×12”by METROLAND is absolutely the perfect opportunity to relive their journey so far and to get ready for their next trips.

Tracklist:

CD1: 12×12

  1. the passenger (metro mix)
  2. enjoying the view (12inch tourist version)
  3. harry beck (12inch underground version)
  4. theme for metroland (12inch remix)
  5. thalys (troisième étape)
  6. zeppelin (extended version)
  7. the manifesto (12inch version)
  8. re-design (re-mixed)
  9. under the roof (headphone)
  10. synthetic sound (extended version)
  11. brother (soul mix)
  12. cube (large)

CD2: 12+12

  1. inner city transport (7inch version)
  2. 1863 
  3. 2013 
  4. thalys (paris edit)
  5. from station to station (e)
  6. (we need machines) without romance 
  7. the hindenburg landing 
  8. a man walked on the moon 
  9. vers la côte d’azur 
  10. good moaning (werk)
  11. see you 
  12. led me think 

CD3: 12≠12

  1. the passenger 
  2. enjoying the view (7inch version)
  3. harry beck (laurent boudic under növö remix edit)
  4. theme for metroland (7inch remix)
  5. thalys (london edit)
  6. zeppelin 
  7. the manifesto (edito)
  8. re-design)
  9. under the roof (radio)
  10. synthetic sound (7inch version)
  11. brother (sole mix)
  12. cube (small)

CD4 : x + ≠

  1. vers la côte d’azur (extended)
  2. freeride (demo – inner city transport)
  3. smoking not permitted (demo – unreleased)
  4. berlin-unterwelten (demo – machines gone mad)
  5. les trois couleurs (sherwood modus)
  6. fun to commute (demo – it’s more fun to commute)
  7. design (tube mix)
  8. the elephant (demo – unreleased)
  9. music/machine (version musicocoon)
  10. underground love (demo – unreleased)
  11. metro pop (demo – theme for metroland)
  12. zeppelin (orchestral)
  13. moscow main (elektrozavodskaya)
  14. space age (demo – the manifesto)
  15. theme for metroland (berlin mix)
  16. quo vadis (demo)

Metroland – Cube EP

Metroland - Cube EP

“Cube” is already the 12th special momentum in METROLAND’s prolific career. This new 5-track EP marks another milestone in the Belgian band’s repertoire, making the junction between the “Triadic Ballet” era’s closure and the forthcoming “12×12” conceptual anniversary box. 

Throughout the last 5 years, METROLAND managed to build their own identity, release after release. And this new 5-track EP “Cube” reinforces this once more. And although METROLAND definitely have established their very own signature sound, they have also always continued challenging themselves, redefining their sonic palette to get it best fitting each new original concept and musical direction while steadily surprising their growing fanbase again and again. 

Well, “Cube” is probably the best example for this, being the most atypical and “out of the ordinary” song for a METROLAND single! It features unconventional rhythm patterns moving onto a complex and dynamic melodic set of exotic electronic sequences bathing in wobbly acid bass lines. And its B-side “Led Me Think” is even weirder and more experimental with its strange mixture of bizarre rhythms and retro technological bleeps. 

These songs also got the remix treatment by Belgian dance act CARAT ROUGE, Swedish (or should we say Düsseldorf?) act KRETZ and French techno basher MILLIMETRIC. 

“Cube” is different, out-of-the-ordinary and an unexpected twist for METROLAND, setting new boundaries and new ventures for many years to come…