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MCL (MICRO CHIP LEAGUE)
"New York"/"Communicate" (Oaklawn 12" OLR 129)
Produced by Alex Henninger and Westside
MCL is a group that has been in the vanguard of a new sound emanating from Europe and more specifically Germany. By grafting weird vocals, harsh synthesized melody lines and all sorts of electronic wizardy and gimmickry to a sterile but driving computerized dance beat, this group ant their compatriots have created a new sound. It is neither Eurodisco nor rock. And yet, because elements of both are included, it is a little of each. "New York" is a hybrid. The beat is mid-tempo (122 BPM) and generated by machines. The bits of lyrics are strung together, in a rapid stream of consciousness style, almost like the rapidly unfolding street serious one would see from a cab window late at night. And when "NY" breaks into the Minelli/Sinatra hymn to urban greatness, well delirium sets in.
MCLs "New York" is everything the city is. It is cold, dark and brooding like the monoliths of steel that dot the skyline. But it is also a city that can be moved by both winners and losers (how else to explain the unswerving loyalty of Ranger fans). It is the Big Apple in a nutshell and then consigned to grooves in vinyl.
On the flip, three versions of MCL's previous hit "Communicate" are provided. A 126 BPM stomper, it has a simple but necessary message and a great driving dance beat. An Atomic Part, Peking Walk and Atomic Beat Mix are all included.
For an interesting change of pace from the usual fare of HI-NRG, house freestyle or whatever, take a glimpse at what could be the future of disco.
(Mike Robinson, BILLBOARD Sneak Preview, 1988)
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