Arriving more than three decades after his first solo album and almost 20 years since his groundbreaking group Telex delivered their final message, Belgian electro-pop musician Michel Moers is finally making a comeback with ‘As Isâ, his brand new album.
To celebrate its imminent release, the synth man has invited iconic vocalist Claudia BrĂŒcken from the similarly revitalised Propaganda (now xPropaganda) to guest on its first single, âMicrowavesâ. A 50% electro-pop, 50% new wave anthem, it will delight fans of Ladytron as well as Telex classics such as âMoskow Discowâ.
âClaudia has a great voice that you recognise from the very first note,â says Moers. âI was thrilled to get the opportunity to work with her and was determined to place her vocal upfront in this song.â
Michel Moers will release âAs Isâ in mid-April. Coming 33 years after his solo debut, âFishing Le Kissâ, the long-awaited record features ten tracks that showcase Moers’ wisdom and artistic reflection as he offers a blend of thoughtful, electronic music infused with surrealism in his own unique style. It includes contributions from xPropaganda singer Claudia BrĂŒcken, who adds her distinctive Teutonic touch to âMicrowavesâ, plus Moersâ compatriot DAAN (Daan Stuyven), whose deep, expressive voice is utilised to full effect on âBack To Thenâ.
Containing songs that have been developed over several years, the album has an intimate, diary-like quality, reminiscent in part of the compositions of Erik Satie. With highlights that include the stridently uptempo âPotentially (Love-Hate)â and âPixelsâ, plus the lyrically unsettling âNew Friendâ, the album actually opens with an updated version of âLes Gens Sont Affligeantsâ (People Are Disappointing) from Moersâ debut. It resonates more than ever in today’s individualistic society.
âAs Isâ represents a triumphant return for Moers, blending past influences with contemporary sounds and themes, and stands as a testament to his enduring creativity and adaptability in a continually evolving music landscape.
Moers has spent the last three decades working as an architect and photographer while continuing to make music. Involved in the remastering of the Telex back catalogue that was reissued to great acclaim on Mute Records in 2023, this also served to reinvigorate his skills and contributed to the creation of âAs Isâ. Belgiumâs first electronic band, Telex were influential pioneers, appearing on Top Of The Pops in 1979 and representing their nation at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980.
AS IS
TRACKLISTING
1Â Les Gens Sont Affligeants
2Â Microwaves (feat. Claudia BrĂŒcken)
3Â Potentially (Love-Hate)
4Â New Friend
5Â Beau-Triste
6Â Keske tu Veux?
7Â Back To Then (feat. DAAN)
8Â Pixels
9Â R.E.M.I.X
10Â Tu Tâendors