Browse by Artist: HOULE, MARC

Artist:	HOULE, MARC
Title:	Restore
Label:	MINUS (CANADA)
Format:	2x12"
Price:	$13.50
Catalog #:	MINUS 023LP

"Restore is the solo debut from Windsor's Marc Houle of Run Stop Restore. His new eleven track double-pack dives into a dark deep corner of melodic minimal grooved-up techno. Undoubtedly fueled by the golden age of synthesizers, Houle is captured by early 80's synth pop and the underground-turned-anthem classics of Acid House. There's also no doubt that the early years of minimal techno had their share of influence as well ('Clock Width' is a subtle tribute to Dan Bell) inspiring his own model of rhythm and resonance."

Artist:	HOULE, MARC
Title:	Bay of Figs
Label:	MINUS (CANADA)
Format:	2LP
Price:	$14.50
Catalog #:	MINUS 042LP

This is the second full-length release by Ontario-based Marc Houle, only released on vinyl. Over the course of the past two years, Marc Houle's music has quickly elevated his studio prose into desired analog-soaked treasures of the dancefloor. Developing fans with each vinyl release, straight to the club, this new double-pack outing titled Bay Of Figs showcases new developments in his already minimal pop genius. From the manic title track onward, his sound continues to develop from a rich bed of electro-pop and minimal techno, with gems that stay in the groove or contort themselves by design. The Arctic storm that is Bay of Figs sends a simple yet effective message through its haunting and menacing drone. On the bouncing and loose "Thirds In Trees," Marc drops in live claps and bass guitar for a melodic and hooky mood. A clear fan of Euro and industrial attitudes from decades past, "Black Jack 13" claps and bends with electro fever, rattling around erratic effects and synth lines all under four minutes' time. One of the more intense tracks in Houle's live sets is the square-wave melody of "Edamame." But it's "Items and Things" that highlights Houle's musicianship for synth pop while also revealing his obvious contribution to another side project, Run Stop Restore (the trio with Magda and Troy Pierce). Houle's arrangements, melodies and choice effects create easy instrumentals that hold their own beauty without vocal attachments. Between DJs championing his work in clubs and after-parties, Bay of Figs is an essential addition.

Artist:	HOULE, MARC
Title:	Techno Vocals/On It
Label:	MINUS (CANADA)
Format:	12"
Price:	$10.00
Catalog #:	MINUS 050EP

To mark the label's 50th release, Marc Houle gets back to the basics with two raw, stripped-down future classics. On "Techno Vocals" each sound commands its own space: rigid drum patterns, analog explosions, regimented snare rolls, laser-guided effects and delayed bleeps match a perfect, pitched-down vocal hook. "On It" revolves around a heavily filtered melodic bass riff and a choice selection of rough, old school samples and moody bass variations that give the track its distinctive flavor.

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