Charles De Goal

Charles De Goal – Radio On (Live)

By 1980, punk had expanded beyond three chord thrashing not just on these shores but elsewhere in Europe too. As bands like Wire and Gang of Four dialled down the jerkiness, across the water in France this new wave sound had a significant new direction:- cold wave – taking elements of disco, drone and dance and creating atmospheric yet danceable compositions.

Charles De Goal was the project of one man – Patrick Blain. ‘Expositions’ (1980) was a little-heralded album released on a Parisian punk label, New Rose, better known for bringing bigger US and international punk records to France. This album was light years ahead of that – while still clinging (just) to a recognisable post-punk template, the synths and spaces give the album a unique style, one that would become an integral part of most experimental punk artists.

It was 1982’s ‘Ici l’Ombre’ (literally: ‘Here, The Shadow’) that took this further – incredibly, the project was still anonymous and indeed Charles De Goal did not play a concert until 1985. So hearing the recordings of one man from a home studio in Briccoli, France even today is an intimate and revolutionary experience.

Furthering the minimal style while keeping the rough, jagged edge of the debut, 1984’s album ‘3’ surprisingly introduces a poppier feel that gives it the ultimate ‘lost classic’ feel on a modern listen. Full of insanely danceable tracks and layer upon layer of atmosphere, it was this new direction that eventually persuaded Patrick to put together a band and play live, for the first time, as Charles De Goal.

Despite releasing the album ‘Double Face’ (1986) and touring as a band, Patrick decided to leave the project behind until 1997 saw the release of a collection of unreleased CDG recordings from the early 90s. In 2006, Patrick formed a band for what was intended to be a one-off concert, but the blistering reception to the show led to the band continuing to play occasional shows while releasing a new recording on their own Self Control label, 2008’s ‘Restructuration’. We’re delighted to present a very rare UK show from the pioneers themselves.

This rare performance will be preceded by a special Angular Records’ Cold Waves and Minimal Electronics showcase.