Techno Vocals - Marc Houle

Techno Vocals

Marc Houle [Minus]

#01 in this month's The 20

• Section: Music Recommendations Topics: The 20
• Written by: lizwarner

It would be tempting to write off this latest effort by Windsor, Ontario bred computer-geek-turned-production-geek Marc Houle as a mere commentary on production techniques from within the techno community itself.

But it would also be unfair to say that the cut is purely an observation.

His time in Minimalist capital Berlin no-doubt affects his view, and the balance lies somewhere in-between: ‘Techno Vocals’ is a humorous observation.

And like all good humor, his observation is based on truth.

As Marc Houle himself explains it, “In our style of music, it’s good to be dark and mysterious, but it seems that we are all using the same kind of pitched down vocal effects to achieve the mood — we are all guilty of it.

“‘Techno Vocals’ is just a light hearted comment on the cookie cutter pitched vocal effect.”

One would think that Houle wished the entire tradition of what he calls “the avalanche of Satan voices” to be banished from earth altogether, but he can indeed appreciate good use of vocal effects.

“Songs like [label mate Ambivalent’s cut] ‘R U OK’ use it in a great way for a specific reason in mind.”

Houle is aware that ‘Techno Vocals’ will still find its way into Satan’s den with his inclusion of the dub and a cappella versions of the song.

In his mind, it opens up the possibilities.

“It lets DJs have the vocals alone at the end of the track, looping and pitching them back up slowly to my normal voice.

“Or they can play with the vocals without all the music going on.

“Then, of course, there’s the option of playing the dub track if they grow tired of my ‘No No No Bitching’.”

However you like ‘Techno Vocals’, be sure to also give a listen to the EP’s b-side ‘On It’, a song that’s reminiscent of the melodic journeys found on Houle’s ‘Restore’ double twelve-inch.

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