Fresno Famous

A Very Electronik Compilation (AVEC) represents the first release from the Fresno based half- label, half-production house, Common Prayer Studios. Recorded and mixed by area artist Nosajg+, who has been making music for film, radio, and television since the early 80's, its the first big step for electronic music in Fresno in recent memory.

Heavily involved with Fresnogoth, Futureschockk and the Electroschockk scene, the musicians at Common Prayer Studios have created an impressive album representative of the darker side of Fresno's subculture.

Made up mostly of synth pop and new wave hybrids, the 10 track disc invokes the sounds of VNV Nation, Depeche Mode, and The Cure. Track five titled "Sonic Refrain" from Phantom Six strikes me as having a particularly "Fresno sound" and makes for a charming wade-in point.

The most confident tracks are seven through nine, two of which are from the producer and curator, Nosajg+. The ninth track, from T.V, made me want to vanish into a dark club. It specifically reminding me of Noxious Emotion's hit, "Indefinite and Unspecified".

Fresno's EBM/Industrial scene is growing.

AVEC, A Very Electronik Compilation is available at Tower Records and at www.nosajg.com. Keep your ears out for the upcoming release of a live performance DVD featuring footage from last month's show at Sugar Daddy's.