Group Du Jour: Forgotten Colors

Released as part of the extensive Daniel Crommie "New Weave Archive Series" retrospective, Forgotten Colors was the debut release from the band Crommie (vocals, synths, drum programming, flute, percussion and chain) formed with Bo Parker (vocals, guitars, xymbals, tongue drums, metallic, gongs and tubes) and Paul Parker (guitar and bass), Group Du Jour. Interestingly the press clips from 1986 when this album first saw the light of day, indicate that this was a release that conflicted opinion even in those enamoured by its style, one stating "Group Du Jour rejects the disco retreads currently clogging the airwaves in favour of folky drones, moody tone poems and atmospheric shadings", while another observes "The pervading image of Group Du Jour as odd folkies with a synthesizer is an unfortunate inaccuracy. This is a pop band in the best and broadest sense of the term." However to the ears of someone who is far from entrenched in the finer details of either 80s pop, or folk music, to my mind the pop-folk crossover goes a long way to explaining why 80s electro cognoscenti hold GduJ in high esteem, while the general public allowed them to pass them by.

The harsh electronic beats leave no doubt as to when this music was formed and the austere vocal interplay also gives away Forgotten Colors age. However it is the focused gloominess that makes the likes of "The Ascent Of Heavenly Bodies", or "Building A Fire" both compelling and distant at the same time, meaning the more adventurous electro- popper will find much to immerse themselves in. Casual fans of say Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, or Human League will initially have their interest piqued before slowly losing interest, with the dark dense melancholy refusing to lift for even one second.

There's no denying that the Parkers and Crommie made sharp incisive pop that pushed at the 80s boundaries through the introduction of less expected instrumentation. With the more organic use of flutes or gongs melding ideas together that at the time seemed almost radical, with many pop acts of the day completely eschewing the need for "real" instruments. However in the end it is the lack of hooks and the resistance towards introducing a few brighter melodies that keeps Forgotten Colors at arms length for long periods, beautifully crafted though it be.

Too electronic for folkies to get a strong grip on, too organic and low key for the tubeway armies to fully engage with and possibly too quirky and art-rock inspired for either crowd, Group Du Jour sat astride genres pools with a knowing smirk. However that they never moved into the mainstream is both to their credit and ultimately their downfall. True, died in the wool fans of 80s inspired music will find much here to enthral, however for larger audiences the lack of true pop appeal will make Forgotten Colors a tough ask.

Track Listing
1. When the Moon Turns Blue
2. Playing With the Fire
3. Ascent of Heavenly Bodies
4. Dissatisfied
5. Music in the Night
6. Dance Into the Light
7. Heaven is the Real World
8. Building a Fire
9. Force the Door
10. Remembering Beauty
11. Still Standing
12. Place to Hide
13. Say What You Mean
14. Man of the Hour (live)

Added: April 27th 2013
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: New Weave blogspot
Hits: 2023
Language: english

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