Everyone seems to be banging on about “coldwave” and “synthwave” these days, so today’s SOTD is a nice bit of jaded synth-disco from some French post-punk band called Artefact. Created by extreme Right Wing theorist and sci-fi nerd Maurice G. Dantec (no, me neither) in 1977, Artefact were a concept-band whose influences included Devo, Talking Heads, Kraftwerk and other post-punk luminaries. Trying to merge the ideals of punk with the freedom of disco with little commercial success, the group disbanded in 1981 and only released a couple of singles and a solitary album.

Released in 1981, Mae is a coldwave funk number that openly recalls the Garcons output for ZE. Despite being cool and detached, it is also very fun and danceable. Featuring on Tigersushi’s seminal 2004 compilation “So Young But So Cold” (the ONLY coldwave album you need to own), the track’s cult status has been icily assured.

Artefact – Mae

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