Nitzer Ebb [UK]
[website] [myspace] [Neuwerk] First show in Montreal in 15 Years!

With an unusual name, Teutonic beats and aggressive sound, it is often assumed that Nitzer Ebb originated within the German techno scene, but the truth of the matter is that this trio hailed from the UK, Chelmsford in Essex to be precise. Formed in 1982 by school friends Douglas McCarthy [Lead vocals, guitar], Vaughn 'Bon' Harris [vocals, percussion, guitars] and David Gooday, [percussion], Nitzer Ebb were influenced by the harder sounds of the early techno pop scene, distilling elements from several other genres too until they had created their own identifiable sound, characterised by extremely powerful rhythms, minimal sequenced hooklines and fierce, chanted lyrics.

From staging small shows in their local area, Nitzer Ebb's infectious mix of pounding beats, militaristic imagery, angst and anger was soon filling alternative dancefloors across the UK, leading to live dates in London where the group caught the attention of PWL producer Phil Harding. Realising the trio's potential he helped them establish the label Power Of Voice Communications, producing and releasing their debut single "Isn't It Funny How Your Body Works?"(1985).

The Nitzer Ebb sound was one of an impassioned techno rage, captured perfectly on three further singles "Warsaw Ghetto"(1985), "Warsaw Ghetto Remixes"(1986) and "Let Your Body Learn"(1986) which all raised their profile considerably to the extent that in Europe they were soon regarded as the leading exponents of the new Hard Beat or Electronic Body Music (EBM) scene.

Taking Phil Harding with them, Nitzer Ebb signed to Mute in November 1986 and released the extremely brutal beats of "Murderous"(1986) followed by the 'International Funk Aggression' of "Let Your Body Learn" (1987) a smash hit in the clubs of New York, whilst the follow-up "Join In The Chant"(1987) was an early and somewhat unlikely hit on the UK acid house scene. Their debut album "That Total Age" (1987) captured the essence of Nitzer Ebb in a perfectly formed package, its combination of controlled anger and irresistible rhythm that becoming for many the most definitive example of the Nitzer Ebb sound.

This infectious sound attracted the attention of fellow Essex lads and label mates Depeche Mode who invited Nitzer Ebb to accompany them on the lengthy European leg of a highly successful world tour, exposing them to exactly the right audience for their sound and image. Returning to the studio following the tour theycompleted their next album "Belief" (1989) as a duo following the departure of David Gooday and ditching their militaristic image in favour of a more subtle approach to their output. Regular producer Phil Harding also left for pastures new and was replaced by Mark "Flood' Ellis, who in beginning a long relationship with McCarthy and Harris was also instrumental in steering them towards a more refined sound. With Nitzer Ebb's own world tour in the pipeline the duo recruited Julian Beeston to assist them with Beeston becoming a regular contributor both on and off stage.
Their third album "Showtime"(1990) revealed a less confrontational sound and an accessibility that particularly appealed to audiences in the USA. The single "Fun To Be Had"(1990) even received a groovy remix by grandfather of funk George Clinton and reached number 2 in the US dance charts.

By the time Nitzer Ebb released "Ebbhead" (1991) even a previously reluctant music press were warming to their sound. On this release Nitzer Ebb were slower and more orchestrated, mixing their hard, industrial beat with raw guitar samples and more fully developed songs. Promoting the album with a global tour that took them from the southern states of the USA to appreciative audiences in Siberia, Nitzer Ebb were enjoying the fruits of their truly international appeal.

By the time that their fifth album "Big Hit" (1995) arrived, Nitzer Ebb had been through another metamorphosis. Gone was the techno rage that had become their signature, being replaced instead with a wider use of real instruments, particularly guitars and drums. The songs too were more complex, dividing Nitzer Ebb's fan base between those who simply wanted them to go on making Electronic Body Music and those who supported their desire to develop. David Gooday rejoined the group but purely to provide artwork for this album and McCarthy and Harris hired a third member, Jason Payne [percussion] to their main line-up, recruiting John Napier [guitars, percussion] to assist with their live performances. "Big Hit" was their last record to date with all concerned taking an 'extended hiatus' following its completion which effectively spelled the end of Nitzer Ebb's activities as a group.

The rediscovery of the Hard Beat/Electronic Body Music genre by a new generation of music fans has seen Richie Hawtin (Plastikman) include Nitzer Ebb's 'Let Your Body Learn' on his seductive "Decks EFX & 909"(1999) mix compilation and an exciting set of Nitzer Ebb remixes commissioned by novamute. The series of three 12" singles have seen Derrick May, Thomas P. Heckmann, Terence Fixmer, The Hacker, Phil Kieran and LFO's Mark Bell get to grips with the classic vintage of "Let Your Body Learn" (1987/2002),"Control I'm Here"(1988/2004) "Murderous"(1986/2004),'Shame' - Nitzer Ebb vs. Thomas P. Heckmann' (1989/2001) and "Join In The Chant"- Nitzer Ebb vs. Derrick May (1987/2001), the latter being a previously unreleased 1989 remix by the godfather of techno himself.

2004 sees Mute Records honour the enduring influence of Nitzer Ebb with a comprehensive retrospective entitled "Body of Work" (2004). This double CD and DVD package is sure to thrill both converts and the uninitiated alike, and with the growth of interest in a period of electronic music's history that Nitzer Ebb made their own, is sure to see their rampant energy moving dance floors all over the world once more.


ASCII_DISKO [MADRID, SPAIN] [live set]
[website] [myspace] [Orange Ape] [Metropolis Records]
First Canadian Show!

From Hamburg, Germany ascii.Disko is guitarist Kat D.D. Rokk, former guitarist of the band Slown and current guitarist/keyboardist of the Sci-Fi indie-rock band Venus Vegas. Merging his indie rock background with electronics, ascii.Disko creates new possibilities of sound. Showing no fear, he dives into electronica with refreshing ideas. Currently on the German label L'Age D'Or , ascii.Disko recreates classic melodies and sounds from acid house and techno to 80's synth pop.

ascii.Disko does not have one style or appeal to one scene, instead it is exciting and intelligent music that all can enjoy. The strong beats and harmonic vocals are an excellent blend. Not only will it be enjoyable for the DJ but for all those on the dance floor as well. Metropolis Records is pleased to release ascii.Disko for North America.

When you listen to ascii.Disko you will hear the influence of Funky Town, Moroder, and Kraftwerk and an assortment of drugs and alcohol. Previous releases include Einfach and Immer/Strassen both are 12” released in 2002 on L'Age D' Or .

Kat also enjoys record hunting, working on graphic designs, and endlessly self-promoting. Kat also is the producer of "TigerBeat" a sophisticated sex rock act. This new self-titled album encompasses acid house and indie rock so much that some say this is the new punk. Undoubtedly this album is for any fan of electronica or synth pop.


The Horrorist [NYC, USA]
[website] [myspace] [Things To Come Records]

The Horrorist, Oliver Chesler is one of the best known and loved electronic musicians.

Recording since 1989 he and has released over 70 12" singles and 2 full length albums. In 2001 he had a Number 1 hit on the German Dance Charts (DDC) with the song "One Night in NYC" and in 2004 his album "Manic Panic" went to Number 1 on the German Alternative Chart (DAC). The scope of his music catalog is huge and he has recorded for every major label (Universal, Sony, Koch, etc...) and all the best known techno labels (Tresor, Industrial Strength, Neue Heimat, etc..). The Horrorist has worked with the biggest names in techno including Chris Liebing, The Hacker, Marc Acardipane, John Selway, Frankie Bones, Adam X, and more have all remixed and produced with The Horrorist.

Although dance orientated most of his songs have vocals and usually progress to a cresendo at or near the end. The writer of many music books and NY newspaper columnist of the Village Voice, Simon Reynolds called Oliver Chesler "My favorite contemporary American singer-songwriter...". A wide range of influences from Depeche Mode to Johnny Cash factor into Chesler's song writing manifesting into a completely original sound. His ability to make song structured music work on the dance floor is a big key to his success. His vocal technique is quite original and unique. He also refuses not to stick in one genre so on any given record expect styles from electro, ebm, techno, to synthpunk/hardcore.

Horrorist productions are known for being produced extremely well with lots of fancy tricks and effects. His music tech know how has led to interviews and endorsements by pro-audio companies such as TC Electronic and Linplug Instruments.

In 1997 Oliver Chesler started the hugely respected Things to Come Records. Originally a business decision to take control of his own royalties the label has also given The Horrorist and other TTC label artists freedom to produce the music they like. With a Press & Distribution deal with Neuton (Frankfurt) and publishing deal with Strengholt Music group (Netherlands) Things to Come Records has ability to scale in size and reach a wide audience. They now have offices in New York City and Berlin, Germany. Oliver Chesler is one of the few artists and label-owners making something new, groundbreaking, and original that gets wider acclaim.

Dj Mini [MONTRÉAL, CANADA]
[site web] [myspace]

Moving from her early deck duties at Blue Dog to a first residency at Blizzarts, and standout gigs at electromeccas in Quebec and Europe, Mini finally unpacked her gear bag at Montreal’s Le Parking in September 2003. Since then, as the club’s resident DJ and artistic director of its Overdose events, she’s made Thursday nights wild and crazy—and the talk of the town. In between sharing her “lab space” with a bevy of world-renowned artists including Ellen Allien, Tiga, John Selway, Zombie Nation, David Carretta, Laurent Garnier and Miss Kittin, Mini also keeps after-hours lovers pumping till the wee hours a few streets away at Aria, where she’s shared the decks with the likes of Green Velvet, Vitalic and Boy George.

Dj Cherry Cola [MONTRÉAL, CANADA]
[myspace] Dj cherry cola productions

Since his debut in 2002, Cherry Cola has never stopped impressing his audience. From his residence at Foufounes Electriques, with his Big City Night, to all his opening performances with such acts like;Justice, sebastiAn, busy p, daft punk, DFA 1979, We are wolves, duchess says, vive la fete, plastic bertrand, dj mehdi, digitalism, dj hell, tiga, thomas von party, jordan dare, dj frigid, dj champion au centre bell, the gossip, lesbians on xtc, controller.controller, moving units, felix cartal, les petits pilous, data, detect, téki latex, omnikrom, Numéro#, and many more…

Shedule of the night ::

Phase 1 // Electro // Thursday May 15 // Usine C // 18+

06:30pm Doors
07:00pm Chery Cola
08:00pm Dj Mini
09:00pm The Horrorist
10:00pm Ascii Disko
11:20pm Nitzer Ebb

End of the night 12:30 AM

Official After :

@ Club Parking


+ Dj Mini

10:00 PM Doors
end of the night 3:00 AM