10 SUICIDES

Vinyl LP pressing comes with 16-page booklet. In 1980, Ilitch mastermind Thierry M?ller released his second LP, 10 Suicides, on the French imprint S.C.O.P.A. Unlike his debut Periodikmindtrouble, which featured intricately layered instrumentals, 10 Suicides explores a more art-damaged pop sensibility. While distorted guitars and atmospheric synth workouts remain a part of M?ller's signature sound, several songs credit the mysterious Ruth Ellyeri, who was not an actual person, but rather M?ller's female alter-ego. Opening track "Elle Voulait Que Je Sois Dr?le" shows Ilitch's new direction with overloaded vocoders, driving Moog basslines and soft, Eno-like melodic flourishes. The androgynous vocals on "Waiting For Mabelle (Je Ne Viendrais Pas)" resemble an upbeat Gregorian chant bent through a 20th Century lens. 10 Suicides is a staggeringly personal album that still sounds years ahead of its time. Recommended for fans of Gh?dalia Tazart?s, Chris & Cosey and Monoton.