Vague Lanes – Foundation and Divergence
Vague Lanes – Foundation and Divergence
Foundation and Divergence may sound like the latest Amazon Prime series but actually it’s a new release from Bay Area duo, Vague Lanes. We’ve encountered these two before. Goth rocker Badger McInnes teamed up with IDM producer Mike Cadoo to create this dual bassist project. Around a year ago Vague Lanes released Cassette, a superb, four song collection. They also covered the legendary Trisomie 21 fan favourite ‘The Last Song’ as a standalone release.
All four Cassette songs are featured on Foundation and Divergence. The running order differs, naturally as the pair attempt to effectively flesh out an EP into an LP. The four previously released tracks are front-loaded here. Of the newer songs, I’m particularly fond of ‘The Kneeling’, the brilliantly named ‘We’ll Always Have Never’ and the funereal ‘Hollow Clock’. Unfortunately ‘The Last Song’ never made it only this LP either. This may well be a rights issue. In truth it doesn’t need to be here. The original works stand up to that illustrious cover.
I really like it, I have to say. I’m put in mind of Garlands-era Cocteau Twins, Xymox, Sisters of Mercy and NIN. Imagine The Cure with Lowlife’s singer and Robin Guthrie’s original drum machine doing Faith/Bloodflowers. You’d be in the right ballpark. Those aforementioned bass guitars thrum melodically whilst all manner of programming handles the percussive artillery barrage. Plus, as is de rigueur for his Bitcrush project, Mike Cadoo positions himself toward the back of this maelstrom and howls into it, seemingly unconcerned whether his words reach us or simply get lost in the gale.
Vague Lanes was somewhat of a personal project for McInnes and Cadoo and almost remained completely private. I have a suspicion that those within the duos inner circle had a lot to do with these recordings seeing the light. Bravo then, Vague Lane advisors. Sometimes a bit of detachment is required when it comes to artistic objectivity. Foundation and Divergence needs to be out. “Art is not what you see but what you make others see” (Degas) In which case Vague Lanes make me see sound…swirling, magnificent sound. Thanks guys for putting this out there. Foundation and Divergence is post-punky but fun, industrial but accessible, and oh so very playable.