No Visible Means
Order-Nr.: MR-009 |
Medical Records (USA) / LP
Originally self-released in 1984 on Pterodactyl Records, “No Visible Means” is
the work of Canada’s own Lou Champagne. Lou Champagne was active the Ontario
music scene and also performed with other local musicians from that region as
well. The “Lou Champagne System” was the real-time guitar synth solo act of Lou
Champagne. Due to his knowledge of electronics, he was able to link his guitar,
synth, and synthetic drums into a working one-man solo act that was playable
with floor switches and pedals. The overall effect was the sound of a full
band. “No Visible Means” was recorded in 1981-1982 and mixed in 1983. It
consists of 9 works of unrelenting sonic bliss. The music can be described as
synth-heavy, textural punk with a very diverse palette of styles drizzled in for
a truly unique listening experience. “Don’t Say I’m Here” opens the album with
a bang showcasing Lou’s angular guitar effects and emotionally powered vocals.
“Propaganda Frustration” is a thick, modulated affair with overtones of minimal
disco and motorik motifs that commands attention on the dark dancefloor.
“Machine Muzik” is a standout track with effects-laden jagged guitar hooks
drenched in a haze of electronics. From beginning to end, “No Visible Means” is
a synth-punk masterpiece and will surely appeal to connoisseurs of the darker,
synth-based outer limits of post-punk and jagged guitar-heavy new wave.
Available in the past only in limited quantities from Mr. Champagne himself, “No
Visible Means” has been long out of print. Medical Records is proud to reissue
this LP with original reproduction artwork. Original ¼” analog tapes were
restored, transferred, and remastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in
Berkeley, CA. This reissue is officially licensed from Lou Champagne. LP also
includes original “nuclear circuit map” as an additional insert (with lyrics on
flipside of insert). Presented on high quality 180gram white vinyl in a limited
edition of 1000 hand-numbered copies.
