Clair Obscur – Smurf In The Gulag [12''] (1986, Cathexis Recordings)

 

Among all groups which animated the French Cold Wave and Industrial scene of the 80s, Clair Obscur is certainly one of those which radiated furthest outside the boundaries of France. Several of their records have been published by British labels like All the Madmen (the live 'The Pilgrim’s Progress', 1986) or Cathexis Recordings (the 12" single 'Smurf in the Gulag', the same year), and one of their act of glory is to be part of the compilation 'From Torture To Conscience' of the mythical label N.E.R. alongside with Current 93, In The Nursery or Death In June (1984). 

 

Founded in 1981 by Thierry Damerval (bass guitar), Christophe (vocals) and Nicolas Demarthe (guitar), Clair Obscur drew immediately attention with a home made audio tape, a 7" single magnificently designed ('Santa Maria') and several 12" singles. From the most tribal cold wave to chamber music, from industrial music to dance music (unless these two are synonymous), their musical approach is eminently atmospheric and embraces a surprising variety of styles, giving birth to iconoclastic scenic transcriptions. [SOURCE: CLAIROBSCUR.NET]

 

 

Label: Cathexis Recordings – CRC 69 

Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM 

Country: UK 

Released: 1986 

Style: Industrial, New Wave, Coldwave, Post-Punk

 

Tracklist:

A Smurf In The Gulag 

B1 Le Cheminement Du Pèlerin 

B2 La Ballade Des Gens Heureux 

 

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