PARTICLE BLUE: GENERATION HOPE
August 2004
A Sum of Two Part(icles)!
In a scenario dictated by an abundance of rock, punk and metal bands,
the presence of ‘electronic’ acts is a rare sight, yet Antoine and
Claire, the two halves that form Particle Blue have managed to attract a
following among young audiences enamored of all things left of centre.
Meeting up with Claire and Antoine brought back a flood of memories from
my DJ-ing days at the original Coconut Grove, when Antoine used to ask
for (mostly) Goth music and Claire used to make me laugh by putting on a
Maltese-Aussie accent that would have everyone around in fits. Claire is
as bubbly as ever, a complete opposite to Antoine, who is quite reserved
and, well, quiet most of the time. It’s a classic example of opposites
attracting each other, but I’m still curious as to how it affects their
relationship, which, besides musically, is also romantically linked.
Today, perhaps at Claire’s insistence, Antoine is more forthcoming than
I was expecting, so I direct the first question, the obligatory “how did
Particle Blue come together”, at him.
Probably sick of answering this question, Antoine matter-of-factly tells
me that they were already dating to start with, but were spending a lot
of time at home instead of going out. With both of them having a solid
musical background, it wasn’t long before the time spent indoors turned
into experimental music sessions, and over time, Antoine’s electronic
doodlings and Claire’s half-strung melodies began to evolve into a more
cohesive blend, sparking off Particle Blue, which originally was
intended solely as a project. Projects, I get to know further on in the
interview, are a popular pastime with this couple, and they have also
remixed songs for other artists, written music for a website, and are
currently working on a ‘well-being’ soundtrack. And that’s besides the
regular gigs they perform as part of Claire’s father’s band, dishing out
those good old classic hits around Malta’s top hotels. Clearly then,
electronic music is not the only dish on the Particle Blue menu, but it
is a primary ingredient.
From their gig at Sinners, I got the impression that Particle Blue’s
music is informed and inspired by the electronic wave of the 80s, which,
considering their boy-girl line-up may well suggest comparisons to a
certain Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet, aka Yazoo. Claire’s beaming
reaction to my comment reveals that they take this as quite a
compliment. Antoine admits that he has a soft spot for the 80s,
particularly the synth music that was the core of the New Romantic/New
Wave movement. “In a way”, adds Claire, “the original idea for the
project was to create a cross between The Carpenters’ chemistry and
electronically-infused music. But as we felt the music kept evolving, we
decided to go with its flow – via MP3.com - and all the way to
Generation Hope”.
Generation Hope, incidentally, is Particle Blue’s debut album. Before
you go thinking they are some idealistic purveyors of an unattainable
Utopia, the title is actually a (quite contrasting) combination of a
George W. Bush quote and a Manic Street Preachers album title. It kicks
off with the transcendent Weekend, a bass-slapped slow burner that
immediately sets the mood for what is to follow. Interacting with the
rhythmic mesh of sounds, Claire’s deep voice proves to be a dominant
factor and an integral part of the duo’s overall sound. The next track,
Clouds, takes the sonic blend to another level, adding a somewhat
glacial element to the music that would qualify it for any Balearic
chill out playlist. Similarly, Summer Day is lethargically sublime, and
once the lyrics sink in, it’s actually quite intriguing how effective
songs about every day life can be. This after all, is what Claire admits
is her major inspiration, but not her only one.
One of Particle Blue’s primary concepts is to incorporate other artists
in their work, which is why Generation Hope features so many
collaborations. Of these, one cannot but notice the fundamental dub
excursion Hypnotic (featuring Mind’s Eye Dub); Autumn Leaves Beach
(featuring Martha) and 7:30, featuring Lumiere frontman Mario Vella.
Each of these collaborations brings out a new aspect in Particle Blue’s
work, highlighting their musical flexibility. But they don’t forget to
employ their experimental inclinations either and these surface in quite
a few places, including an instrumental with Andre Laurenti narrating
one of his poems over the music. Clearly, there are lots of ideas
lurking inside Particle Blue’s debut, colourfully enhanced with some
curious song titles here and there. Inside all of the diversity however,
the featured songs still possess that connecting spark that makes
Generation Hope an album, and not just a compilation.
Recommended weblink:
www.particleblue.com
