To take something sounding nostalgic and somehow turn it into something modern, without losing the essence of the original and yet creating something wholly new and interesting, is a task which few can claim testament to pulling off successfully. NYC minimal synth trio FORMA may be up to the task here with their self-titled LP, serving up 11 cuts of carefully crafted Kraut inspired minimalism.
“Forma 237A” begins with a very appropriate feel: that nameless fantasy sounding synth piece synonymous with so many 80’s movies and tv shows. Everything sits comfortably in the mix, and the overall sound is very tape-like in feel. It goes as no surprise that the whole album was recorded and mixed live, and it really shows. The players are tight and seem to know where the other is going, but without sounding rehearsed. Brief segues of tracks between other fully structured pieces are prevalent here, and break up the album quite nicely. Theremin-like tones float over “Forma 233B” as groans of tape echo speed up and slow down in a wobbly haze. The constant kick drum of “Forma 197” is steadily joined by other programmed percussion sounds and synths as the piece slowly crescendos and fades out. Cleverly timed delay creates layers of drums on “Forma 230”, as synth arpeggios climb up and down like climbers on a rock wall. Slightly out of time synth stabs give an amazing human feel to the track, and remind you that not everything is not mechanical and rigid: it still feels alive. Another quick intermission and “Forma 237B” begins. Continuing straight on from where it’s namesake leftoff, each synth slowly spreads out into a drone, as slapback delay covers the drums, creating a sort of criss-crossed, out of focus version of the first piece. Eventually, the drums double time into an almost military shuffle, before the track fades off into silence.
Spectrum Spools have a very synth based collection of artists releasing work at the moment, and FORMA fit perfectly amongst the roster. Recorded and mixed live, a feat which, with material like this, is quite a challenge, this self-titled release blurs the line between looking backwards and moving forwards. Cut once again at D+M Berlin, it has the essential german touch, invaluable with material of this ilk. Equal parts Monkey Magic, Blade Runner, and all-out synth hedonism, FORMA have truly created something special.
Nick Giles
